Project Leader

Way of Work: Hybrid (3 days per week in-office, 2 days per week Remote) Reporting Location: Columbus, OH or Merrillville, IN Job Summary

This position will actively drive the implementation of project deliverables defined in a project charter while ensuring the budget, scope, schedule, risk and quality meet specific success criteria.  Throughout the life cycle of the project, this role is expected to ensure key stakeholders are informed and engaged and ensures company and industry standard project management methodologies and tools are utilized. Seeking a Project Leader with a proven track record of several projects implemented within scope, timeline, and cost.  The Project Leader will manage the delivery of the end-to end business solution that may include technology, communication / training to the end-users, service delivery for client / advisor calls / service, legal and compliance aspects of the project, etc.

Achievement of established project success criteria

Delivery of projects on-time and on-budget

Stakeholder and organizational communications and alignment

Essential Functions

- Plan, execute, and manage projects related to the reduction of damages for customers, employees, and communities

- Collaborate with team members across departments and geographies, and provide subject matter expertise in the field of damage prevention

- Leads a qualified team at least two or more full time employees and has the authority to hire, terminate, coach, develop, promote, demote and performance manage members of the team.

- Ensure project deliverables are strategically aligned with business objectives and defined for the team and stakeholders

- Define, estimate, and schedule project tasks and interdependencies to achieve objectives through a clearly defined project plan / work breakdown structure

- Monitor and track project financials, progress (earned value), timeline, risks, issues, and other project elements

- Identify project resource requirements and work with Steering Committee / Project Sponsor to ensure resources are available to deliver on project commitments

- Adhere to the approved project methodology for project management and maintain project artifacts and records

- Identify and track key measures of success for the project

- Provide stakeholder communications (Executives and Field) and progress reports that effectively outline the project status, risks, issues, and action plans to ensure project success

- Transition project into daily business operations at the end of the project

Required Qualifications For Position

- Bachelor's Degree or equivalent industry work experience

- Minimum of five (5) years of project management experience or equivalent work experience

- Understanding of project management methodologies, tools, and techniques

- Working knowledge of project management processes such as financial management, schedule management, and scope management

- Facilitation skills across organizational levels and via different channels (in-person, remote conference calls)

- Ability to communicate effectively (verbal/written) with employees at all levels of the organization

- Ability to influence and work cooperatively with staff and partners within a matrix organization

- Must be proficient with Microsoft Office (i.e. Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and Microsoft Project

- Working knowledge of organizational change management

- Knowledge of utility operations (i.e. gas, electric, construction, engineering)

- Knowledge of gas and/or electric standards

- Knowledge and understanding of damage prevention strategies at an enterprise level

- Knowledge of the damage prevention industry and related processes (i.e. laws, regulations, gas standards)

- Understanding of software development lifecycle and related methodologies

- DL NUMBER - Driver License, Valid and in State Upon Hire

Preferred Additional Qualifications For Position

- Lean Six Sigma Experience

- Certified Project Management Professional (PMP)-PMI Upon Hire

As a public utility, NiSource is required to provide continuous service to customers at all times. To ensure we fulfill that obligation, employees may be required to work outside their normal work hours and perform tasks outside of their normal responsibilities in support of emergency operations.

Work Authorization

Authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.

Workplace Connection

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 the unique lived experiences within your Team/Customers and external work partners by valuing different world views, challenges, and cultures that represents 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

- The salary offered to a candidate is based on several factors including but not limited to the candidate’s skills, job-related knowledge, and relevant experience, as well as internal pay equity.

Posting Start Date:

2025-08-22

Posting End Date (if applicable):

2025-08-30

Please note that the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.