**Job Summary** Support Operations initiatives associated with the applicable technical functions of Operator Qualification (Skill Assessments). Coaches geographically dispersed team members on performance standards, identifies development needs and coaches to achieve optimal performance levels of the team. Participate in strategic initiatives in a cooperative effort with Field Operations, Contractors, and Construction Department. Ensures that efforts within "areas of responsibility" are in accordance with all applicable company and regulatory requirements while ensuring safe, reliable service to customers in an efficient, economical manner. Provides technical support to employees and contractors throughout Distribution Operations. Drive operational excellence through continuous improvement efforts. Delivers efficient and effective knowledge transfer to field operations, technical operations, and support operations customers. **Essential Functions** + Leads a geographically dispersed workforce meeting frequently in person with each member of the team. + Implements best practices while driving functional consistency, process standardization and operational excellence. + Leads diverse team of qualified individuals with authority to hire, terminate, promote, demote, coach, develop and performance manage.  + Supports a project management and planning culture. + Partners with Field Operations, New Business, and other technical operations functions to meet strategic goals and objectives. + Assures activities and processes are implemented to ensure the safe, reliable and cost effective delivery of service to customers. + Effective use of technology, tools and planning techniques to improve process results. + Fosters and promotes valued relationships with government entities, industry associates, company affiliates, and contractors. + Ensures the professional and personal development of direct reports. + Promotes and assures safe working environment and public safety. + Collaborates with peers to ensure that operating standards and construction practices comply with policies and procedures. + Actively seek and incorporate feedback from internal stakeholders related to performance and support. + Maintenance of service-focused working relationships with Operations partners. + Assist areas in preparation for Commission Audits. Collaborate with Standards, Compliance Leaders, and contractors peers and local operations to prepare preventative strategies to eliminate repeat offenses. + Key Stakeholder on decisions to update company O&M policies and procedures. + Aligns individual objectives with department goals and projects to ensure that corporate needs and objectives are met. + Maintains awareness of decision-making impacts to capital and O&M budgets and recommend best cost alternatives to meet budgetary constraints. + Data collection advising, solid improvement for company employees. + Technical advice on consistent best practices. + Recommendations for improvement to processes, training, and gas standards based on field evaluations. + Reviews documentation and record keeping to ensure compliance with new federal requirements-DIMP, MAOP. + Other duties as assigned **Required Qualifications For Position** + High School Diploma or equivalent + Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in underground utility construction + 3 years in training related field + Proven leadership skills in developing and coaching others + Strong supervisory skills managing performance expectations + Knowledge of local, state, and federal operating codes + Strong knowledge of policies, procedures, and standards pertaining to construction + Working knowledge of operations support systems, i.e. WMS, etc. + Proficiency with personal computers Experience in leading projects and/or project management teams + Demonstrated facilitation skills + Demonstrated strong problem solving and decision making skills + Experience in leading projects and/or project management teams + Experienced in data gathering & analysis and produce reports to management. + Valid Driver's License **Preferred Additional Qualifications for Position** + Bachelor's Degree in engineering or business related field + Three (3) years leadership experience + Experience working with pipeline contractors **Physical Demands** The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of the position. **Work Authorization** Authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship. **Inclusion & Diversity** Value inclusion within your day to day responsibilities by respecting others perspectives/convictions, engaging others opinions, creating a safe environment where people, ideas, and opinions are valued within your Team/Customers and external partners. Respect and take into consideration diversity within your Team/Customers and external work partners by valuing different world views, challenges, and cultures that represent all walks of life and all backgrounds. Treat others with respect and consideration. Actively participate in creating and contributing to a positive work environment. **Equal Employment Opportunity** NiSource is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in each of its companies to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, disability, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions), genetic information, citizenship status, or any protected group status as defined by law. Each employee is expected to abide by this principle. **By applying, you may be considered for other job opportunities.** **Safety Statement** Promote a safe work environment by actively participating in all aspects of our employee safety program. Report any unsafe conditions and take actions to prevent personal injuries. Support our interdependent safety culture by ensuring the safety of your co-workers. Stay focused on the task at hand and promote productivity through good work habits. **Salary Range:** $93,800.00 - $140,700.00 **Posting Start Date:** 2025-02-18 **Posting End Date (if applicable):** 2025-04-01 **Please note that the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.** At NiSource, you'll be part of the team serving nearly four million customers throughout the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic, who count on us to energize their homes and businesses. Whether speaking with customers by phone, analyzing financial data or installing new gas lines in a neighborhood, you’ll meet exciting challenges each day and make the most of your skills and talents. And you’ll be part of a company that was named by Forbes magazine as one of America’s Best Large Employers. We're looking for talent from all backgrounds. We invite candidates of all abilities to come as they are and do what they love. Through our years of successful growth, we’ve stayed true to our roots by making a difference in the lives of millions of our customers. If you’re interested in joining an inclusive, innovative company that fosters opportunity for growth, NiSource might be the place for you.