Asset Protection Manager

The Asset Projection Manager is accountable for the overall operation and budget for internal locating of natural gas facilities within the insourced territory at Nicor Gas which currently consists of Glenwood, Crestwood, Joliet, and Glen Ellyn service centers. The locating manager will have (6) direct reports including (3) Locating Supervisors and (3) Asset Protection Specialists.

This position is responsible for timely and accurate locating of buried natural gas facilities while minimizing locator at-fault damages. The Locating Manager is responsible for the training and development of the internal locating team.

Additionally, this position is responsible for communicating damage prevention policy regionally to all internal and external parties through active involvement in forums and meetings on this topic.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES BY COMPETENCY

Functional Expertise:

• Evaluate damages in support of companies position in disputed cases.

• Evaluate performance of departmental contractors, vendors, and personnel.

• Respond to elevated issues from state regulators, excavators and/or homeowners on damage prevention topics.

• Demonstrate proficiency with damage prevention regulations, industry standards, and internal policy. Works with key stakeholders to adapt policies and ensure procedures and accountabilities meet or exceed regulatory requirements.

• Maintain compliance on Asset Protection duties as required per Federal, State and/or local laws.

• Liaison between company and various outside agencies (State One Call Board involvement, local Commerce Commission, AGA, etc.)

• Initiates technology and process improvements and drives implementation of changes.

Business Acumen:

• Review and provide approval for monthly departmental financials. Invoices, accruals, and liabilities.

• Prepares and administers the departmental budget and provides variance explanations.

• Resolves contract or billing disputes and performance non-compliance.

• Participate in trade association.

• Conduct annual contract reviews and initiate and coordinate changes with other districts.

Engagement:

• Provide supervision and leadership to AP supervisor and staff.

• Oversees staff selection, development, and retention.

• Facilitate meetings with AP contractors and set contractor expectations.

• Communicate with other regional departments on damage prevention policies and expectations.

Driving Results:

• Utilizes a metrics scorecard to capture and communicate progress on goals and performance.

• Lead all safety initiatives.

• Monitors, directs and implements best practices related to pipeline patrols (aerial and ground), marking procedures, right-of-way maintenance, and encroachments.

• Develop and provide monthly departmental statistics on performance and trends.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Certifications/Licenses:

Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree in business, finance, engineering or recognized discipline

Or

• Equivalent academic education and operations experience

Preferred:

• Masters Degree – Technical or Business or Project Management Certification

Related Work Experience:

Required:

• 3+ years engineering and operations experience in a gas utility, pipeline transmission, or other energy/utility related field.

• 2+ years experience in various areas of analysis, budgeting, and forecasting.

• 2+ years of supervisory/management experience.

Preferred:

• Background in Damage Prevention and locating of buried facilities.

• PHMSA regulation and State Damage Prevention Law knowledge and experience.

Specific Skills & Knowledge:

Required:

• Knowledge of regulatory codes and state/local laws related to utility damage prevention. Knowledge of regulatory codes and industry standards.

• Project management

• Geographic Information Systems basic proficiency

• MS Office proficiency

• Leadership, analytical, communication, and presentation skills

• Business writing proficiency

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

• The incumbent primarily works in an office environment.

• The incumbent may work near or with moving mechanical parts.

• The incumbent may be exposed to fumes, airborne particles, or chemicals.

• The incumbent may be exposed to varying outdoor weather conditions.

• The incumbent may be exposed to excessive noise.

• The incumbent may be exposed to construction related activities

• This position occasionally requires prolonged standing or walking.

• This position occasionally requires the incumbent to reach above shoulder-level.

• This position occasionally requires the incumbent to bend, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

• This position requires the ability to lift up to 25 pounds.

• Occasional local and overnight travel.

• Keyboarding required in approx. 40% - 60% of daily tasks.

About Southern Company Gas

Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), America’s premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.2 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states and approximately 600,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit southerncompanygas.com .

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million residential and commercial customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy infrastructure company with national capabilities, a fiber optics network, and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience, and sustainability, we are taking action to meet our customers’ and communities’ needs while advancing our commitment to net zero emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture and hiring practices have earned the company national awards and recognition from numerous organizations, including Forbes, Military Times, DiversityInc, Black Enterprise, J.D. Power, Fortune, Human Rights Campaign and more. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com.

Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Job Identification: 7349

Job Category: Gas Pipeline Operations & Maintenance

Job Schedule: Full time

Company: Nicor Gas