Mgr Design and Planning

at  Evergy

SUMMARY:

Provides supervision and leadership while directing design activities to ensure expectations are met. Accountable for innovative and cost-effective designs, technical matter expertise, and in-depth technical support services to construction and operations teams. Ensures consistent and accurate use of design and work management tools and processes. Responsible for balancing customer needs while maintaining delivery standards, and budget guidance.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

The preferred candidate will possess the following skills and talents:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with all levels of employees, and management.
• Ability to organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and protect privileged client information and documents appropriately.
• Ability to resolve conflict, using tact, diplomacy, reason and logic.
• Professionalism with a progressive, dynamic attitude toward solving problems.
• Project management and leadership skills, including the ability to work as a team member, to maintain project timelines and budgets, while delivering on commitments.
• Ability to perform effectively in high-pressure situations while maintaining focus and professionalism.
• Ability to make formal and informal presentations to technical and non-technical audiences.

The preferred candidate will possess a working knowledge of Code Requirements (city/county codes and National Electric Safety Code); Construction and Service Standards, General Terms and Conditions; Company Policies and Procedures; Safety Manual; customer service, and electric construction work methods/practices. Additionally, the preferred candidate will possess a working knowledge of or the ability to learn applications including MS Office, Maximo, AUD, PeopleSoft, PowerPlan, GIS, ArcMap, and NMS.

• Provides leadership and overall direction for distribution design activities which may include planning and budgeting related to distribution capital projects and support of construction and operations departments. Manages highly skilled technical groups with responsibility for adherence to corporate design and quality standards.
• Develops leadership, selects and retains a multi-functional, diversified, well-trained, motivated and empowered workforce. Promotes employee involvement in continuous learning, career planning and enhancing job/industry knowledge and skills.
• Responsible for effective and efficient utilization of design resources, with emphasis on safety, timeliness, cost-containment, system reliability, customer satisfaction, optimal asset utilization and compliance with codes and regulations.
• Establishes business plans, goals and objectives in line with corporate and business unit strategic goals and initiatives.
• Actively participates in formal company efforts to streamline processes, maintain and improve safety goals, meet customer expectations, and reduce costs. Informally, work within group to determine and implement best practices. Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with other business units and departments to ensure staff and customers receive information that is current, accurate and meets their expectations.
• Provides mentoring and training to new hires, and existing designers.
• Coordinates and interfaces with internal and external customers as well as Governmental Agencies (City/County/State/Federal) and contributes to the overall management of various Regions during normal, emergency, and storm restoration conditions.
  Education and Experience Requirements: The preferred candidate will have a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Business Administration or a related field. Five years of related work experience in the electric utility design / scheduling / construction areas or related operations experience is required. The ideal candidate will have prior experience as a supervisor or manager; however, individuals with strong technical skills and a desire to lead with demonstrated leadership capabilities may be considered.