Dir Methane Net Zero

Consumers Energy is Michigan's largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. Consumers Energy knows job number one is to keep the lights on for customers. We are committed to delivering reliable, clean, and affordable energy to our customers 24/7.

LOCATION

This is an onsite position and may be assigned to any Consumers Energy Service Center located throughout Michigan's lower Peninsula. The selected candidate must be within a commutable distance or willing to relocate (relocation package is available for those that qualify).

GENERAL SUMMARY OF JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director of Methane Net Zero will lead the organization's efforts to achieve and sustain methane net zero emissions for the gas utility by 2030 and beyond. This strategic leader will be responsible for designing and executing a comprehensive roadmap that advances emission reduction initiatives across the enterprise. Key responsibilities include deploying advanced methane detection technologies, overseeing renewable natural gas (RNG) and nature-based offset solutions, managing operational and environmental risks, and ensuring full regulatory compliance.

This role will shape the strategic direction of the Gas Clean Strategy organization, guiding a high-performing, cross-functional team through transformative changes. The Director will champion operational excellence, innovative technologies, and collaborative stakeholder engagement to drive measurable impact across the gas delivery system.

In close collaboration with internal teams, the Director will oversee the development and application of robust performance metrics to track progress against emission baselines. The role also includes managing methane offset programs and associated agreements with farm partners, developers, and operations and maintenance (O&M) providers.

Externally, the Director will maintain strong industry relationships to stay informed on technological advancements, evolving environmental expectations, and emerging regulatory trends. Working closely with Gas Operations, the Director will ensure seamless field execution of emission initiatives while leading a technical team dedicated to minimizing methane emissions throughout the system.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Team Leadership: Lead and mentor a team of engineers and analysts focused on methane detection and reduction. Foster a culture of innovation, service transformation, and continuous improvement. Provide strategic directions to ensure coordinated delivery of key projects and initiatives.
• Performance Monitoring: Track and report progress on methane emission reduction initiatives, including compliance with the Emissions Intensity Compliance Plan (EICP) and managed goal requirements aligned with the company's world-class performance metrics.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure adherence to all relevant environmental regulations and standards. Engage with regulatory bodies to advocate for policies that support methane reduction efforts.
• RNG Program Oversight: Manage the Renewable Natural Gas program, including production, contractual relationships (with farms, developers, O&M providers, and municipalities), credit retirement, and alignment with decarbonization goals.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with departments such as operations, engineering, IT/OT, environmental, strategy, and customer experience to ensure alignment with corporate objectives. Build effective partnerships with senior leaders in environmental and net zero carbon sectors, as well as public sector entities. Serve as a functional owner for covered goals, including leading operating reviews, CE Way application, and managerial reporting.
• Strategic Planning: Develop and implement strategies to achieve net zero methane emissions, including setting clear objectives, timelines, and milestones.
• Innovation and Problem Solving: Continuously scan the industry for advancements, pilot emerging technologies, and leverage each for its unique value in achieving net zero methane emissions.
• Other Duties: Perform additional responsibilities as assigned or required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Proficiency with digital tools and technologies for emission detection and reduction.
• In-depth knowledge of RNG production, contract management, and credit retirement processes.
• Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks related to methane emissions.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience applying and managing through CE Way lean methodology.
• Ability to evaluate and implement innovative technologies to support methane reduction goals.
• Experience engaging with external stakeholders to stay informed on industry trends and environmental innovations.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, environmental science, or a related field, with 10+ years of experience in the gas utility industry focused on environmental management and methane reduction.
• OR Associate's degree in engineering, environmental science, or a related field, with twelve (12) or more years of experience in the gas utility industry focused on environmental management and methane reduction.
• OR High school diploma, with fourteen (14) or more years of experience in the gas utility industry focused on environmental management and methane reduction.

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Why should you join our team?

At Consumers Energy, we offer more than just a place to work. We foster a culture that supports career development, growth, and stability, and we take pride in offering our co-workers excellent benefits and compensation packages. We are deliberately creating an inclusive culture that makes our diverse team of co-workers feel valued, supported, and empowered every day. We're a company made up of thousands of people, all with different stories to share and work to do, but we stand united in our company purpose: world class performance delivering hometown service.

What we offer:

• Competitive compensation packages
• Medical, Dental and Vision
• 401k with company match
• Paid parental leave
• Up to 13 paid Holidays
• Paid time off
• Educational Assistance Program

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:

We, at CMS Energy, value Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. It is part of our DNA. We treat our employees with respect, we treat each other fairly and we value the opinions of others. We are passionate about building and nurturing an environment where everyone feels included. We don't discriminate. We seek to learn about each other and better understand our unique differences. Our uniqueness makes us authentic. We create safe spaces where everyone can be who they truly are. We invite difficult conversations and uncomfortable topics. We value diverse perspectives; this is what makes us great together. We harbor an inclusive environment where employees feel empowered to share their backgrounds, experiences, and ideas. Our Employee Resource Groups, Women in Energy (WE), Minority Advisory Panel (MAP), Pride Alliance of Consumers Energy (PACE), GENERGY, capABLE, Interfaith and Veterans Advisory Panel (VAP) are key enablers to living the values of our company culture: Caring, Empowered, Deliberate, Agility, and Ownership.

All qualified applicants will not be discriminated against and will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability, race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.