Project Manager

Position Summary:

As the Project Manager, Decarbonization, you will play a key role in supporting Xcel Energy's natural gas decarbonization efforts under the Natural Gas Innovation Act (NGIA) program. The Project Manager is responsible for leading the implementation of pilot and R&D projects included in the company's NGIA Innovation Plan. The Project Manager leads the execution of assigned pilot projects through all stages of project implementation including: sourcing of required external services; developing and managing vendor contracts and performance; gathering all data and information required for internal and regulatory reporting on progress and greenhouse gas emissions reductions estimates; managing pilot project budgets; managing internal and external stakeholder engagement; and ensuring all regulatory requirements are satisfied. They will work with key stakeholders across the business to ensure successful execution of pilot projects, build awareness of initiatives, ensure modifications to pilot project plans are made, where appropriate, and manage risk. They will also contribute to related activities supporting the overall delivery of the Innovation Plan and achievement of its regulatory objectives including its emissions reductions targets. This position is expected to be responsible for implementation of multiple pilots within the company's approved Innovation Plan and for supporting the evaluation of new pilot concepts and technologies that are considered for inclusion in future Innovation Plans. In addition, this position may support other strategic company initiatives related to natural gas decarbonization.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Lead the work of contracted vendors and cross-functional internal teams to achieve specific pilot project goals within project constraints established in the Innovation Plan, including initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing the project. Manage ongoing greenhouse gas emissions reductions estimates using approved frameworks including the GREET pathway calculations.
• Assist the business with development of future pilot project development, including scope, budget, deliverables and milestones, roles and responsibilities and value proposition. Assist the business with development of pilot project launch and implementation plans. Lead the development of greenhouse gas emissions reductions estimates for potential future pilot projects.
• Work collaboratively with business partners, executive sponsors, and other project leads to manage and oversee all phases throughout the project lifecycle.
• Rigorously manage scope to ensure commitments are achieved within the parameters set by the project plan. Propose recommendations and adjustments when required.
• Where needed, proactively manage changes in scope. Identify potential risks with corresponding contingencies and mitigations.
• Develop and manage project budget, projected benefit and financial impact forecasts, and provide ongoing reconciliation of resources and other project expenditures to projections.
• Develop communication plan to meet project objectives and ensure stakeholder awareness at all appropriate gates and critical decision points, in addition to regular updates.
• Publish and/or contribute to periodic project status and progress reports, proposals, requirements documentation and presentations.
• Leverage cross-functional relationships with the business and strategic partners for successful completion of project objectives.
• Maintain awareness of greenhouse gas reduction technologies and resources, including biogas, renewable natural gas, networked geothermal systems/thermal energy networks, green hydrogen and ammonia, strategic electrification, energy efficiency and other innovative technologies related to natural gas decarbonization.
• Leverage standards and best practices for expert project management and execution.
  Optimize time to manage multiple initiatives with varying requirements simultaneously.

Minimum Requirements:

Education: Bachelor's degree in relevant field such as business, environmental studies, engineering or public policy.

Experience: 3-5 years of project management experience in utility, energy, sustainability or related industry.

Greenhouse gas experience: direct experience working with relevant greenhouse gas emissions reductions calculations including the GREET lifecycle assessment pathways.

1. Explain what the scope of the work/project is? Project Overview, deliverables (what is this person responsible for).

• Decarbonization and gas decarbonization is a new business area for the company. The resource will help establish and clarify internal roles and responsibilities, work with other teams on governance activities, track approximately 15 approved NGIA pilots, gather status updates from SMEs, identify risks and roadblocks, maintain progress reporting, and support annual regulatory update reports. The resource will also support development of the next NGIA plan, evaluate future pilots, and perform lifecycle greenhouse gas calculations using the GREET model, including building GREET pathways for different project types.
  
  

  What are the top 3-5 skills and qualifications (technology/application/software, etc.) required?

  a. Experience performing greenhouse gas calculations.

  b. Experience with the GREET model and lifecycle carbon intensity calculations.

  c. Greenhouse gas emission reduction calculation experience.

  d. Project management experience.

  e. Experience working cross-functionally and coordinating projects across teams.

  2. What non-technical skills are necessary (i.e., such as communication, problem solving, team player)?

  a. Strong communication skills, ability to work cross-functionally, collaboration, coordination, project tracking, stakeholder management, and organizational skills.

  3. Ideal candidate background and how many years required?

  a. Approximately 5–10 years of relevant experience. Seeking a project manager-level candidate rather than an entry-level resource.

  4. Are there any specific companies you like to see on a candidate's resume?

  a. CenterPoint Energy.

  5. Are there any certifications/education that the candidate must possess?

  a. No specific required certifications. Certifications related to greenhouse gas accounting, GREET, or greenhouse gas emission reduction calculations would be a strong plus.

  6. Are there any preferred or "nice to have" skills?

  a. Experience in carbon offsets and additional greenhouse gas emission reduction programs and calculations.