**Job Summary** This person will be accountable for overall direction setting, development and management of cost effective benefit strategies and programs for all levels within NiSource. Candidate must ensure that these programs are aligned with business objectives, meet legal requirements and achieve a balance between being externally competitive while meeting employee needs and managing internal cost constraints. **Essential Functions** + Plan, direct and evaluate benefit programs that are internally and externally competitive (primarily includes all 401K, pension and health and welfare plans) + Ensure compliance with accounting, financial statements, actuarial, plan investments and trusts and regulatory requirements + Oversee plan audits and preparation and filing of all required ERISA, DOL documents and other legally required reporting + Recommend new and/or improved benefit plans and cost-saving measures + Anticipate and plan for long term benefit needs and trends in critical partnership with business management + Develop strong, collaborative relationships and maintain/ oversee external vendors and consultants and all internal working relationships; own and drive SLAs + Lead and coach the performance and development of professional staff + Interact with the legal department to ensure operational and design compliance with IRS rules and regulations + Provide strategic counsel on benefits issues to NiSource senior leadership **Required Qualifications For Position** + Bachelor's Degree Required: high preference to Business/Accounting/Finance + 10+ years years of increasingly responsible experience in benefits, including active & retiree health & welfare and defined benefit / defined contribution plans, for a diverse workforce that includes bargained employees + Experience in designing, implementing and integrating wide-scale company projects. + Demonstrated successful experience and expertise in strategy development, rate case data and testimony preparation strategy, senior leadership counseling and building strong internal and external working relationships. + Experience with multi-million-dollar budgetary responsibility. + Excellent written and oral communication/presentation skills with all levels of employees and outside contacts. + Proficiency in Microsoft Office. + Ability to manage multiple complex projects and priorities. + Demonstrated ability to take a positive outlook and approach to get needed results and outcomes. + Proven analytical skills. + Strong influence skills and demonstrated ability to be a thought leader. **Preferred Additional Qualifications for Position** + Experience working in Workday The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of the position. **Work Authorization** Authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship. **Inclusion & Diversity** 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 and take into consideration diversity within your Team/Customers and external work partners by valuing different world views, challenges, and cultures that represent 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:** $155,400.00 - $233,100.00 **Posting Start Date:** 2025-01-13 **Posting End Date (if applicable):** 2025-01-28 **Please note that the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.** At NiSource, you'll be part of the team serving nearly four million customers throughout the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic, who count on us to energize their homes and businesses. Whether speaking with customers by phone, analyzing financial data or installing new gas lines in a neighborhood, you’ll meet exciting challenges each day and make the most of your skills and talents. And you’ll be part of a company that was named by Forbes magazine as one of America’s Best Large Employers. We're looking for talent from all backgrounds. We invite candidates of all abilities to come as they are and do what they love. Through our years of successful growth, we’ve stayed true to our roots by making a difference in the lives of millions of our customers. If you’re interested in joining an inclusive, innovative company that fosters opportunity for growth, NiSource might be the place for you.