**Job Title:  SMS Strategy Lead** **Job Code:  107535** **Job Description: SMS Strategy Lead** **Job Summary:** The SMS Strategy Lead is responsible for driving the Safety Management System (SMS) strategy through collaboration with Element Owners across key annual focus areas. This role involves participating in, and supporting, strategy planning sessions related to SMS maturity, strategy and planning development, and conformance assessments. The SMS Strategy Lead will drive continuous improvement (PDCA) and facilitate the Element Owner model through collaborative alignment meetings, development of meeting documentation, and performance health reporting. They will track Element Owner execution on defined focus areas and identify interdependencies. Additionally, the SMS Strategy Lead will prepare the Utility for external/internal assessments, audits, and evaluations related to the health and maturity of SMS. They will review and draft changes to NiSource SMS governance/process documents in accordance with NiSource SMS Maturity and API RP 1173. Collaboration with Element Owners, Initiative Owners, Operational Excellence Utility Governance, Manager SMS Execution, State Risk Table Stakeholders, Manager Operational Excellence SMS Documentation, and Asset Program Owners is essential. **Principal Duties and Responsibilities:** + Aggregate and prepare updates, reports, and presentations for Utility Leadership based on Element focus areas. + Ensures SMS element conformance with API RP 1173 requirements. + Ensure the Element Owner model structure is being matured and follows a cycle of continuous improvement. + Organizeand manage essential conformance documents, including an inventory of identified API RP1173 documents and records. + Executes and improves SMSmaturity processes. + Prepare for, and execute, internal/external SMS assessments + Support the alignment of SMS strategic goals and initiatives through key stakeholder engagement. + Track Element Owner progress through the execution of identified focus areas. + Support maintaining a culture of safety and risk identification/mitigation. + Some travel associated ​ **Required Qualifications:** + Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience. + Knowledge and understanding of American Petroleum Institute (API) Recommended Practice (RP) 1173. + Ability to facilitate meetings and achieve group consensus. + Ability to build strong relationships with key stakeholders both internally and externally. + Ability to drive and monitor continuous improvement and associated change management. + Proactive in collaborating and leveraging interpersonal skills. + Strong communication skills, both written and oral. + Experience with project planning and execution. + Proven ability to prepare and present presentations at all levels of the internal organization and external associations. + Support SMS process consistency across the organization. + Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Access, Excel, and PowerPoint. + Ability to learn new systems and become proficient with them (e.g., CAP Tool, Tableau, think-cell, etc.). + Analytical/critical thinking with proven business acumen. + Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills. + Ability to work independently with a strong work ethic and attention to detail. + Excellent planning, organization, and verbal/written communication skills. + Effective project management skills and ability to drive execution. + Ability to manage multiple projects and team participation at various stages concurrently, ensuring timely delivery and desired outcomes. + Collaboration for success. + Creating, maintaining, and enhancing critical internal stakeholder relationships. + Contribution to team success. ​ **Preferred Additional Qualifications:** + Knowledge of NiSource gas utility and field operations. + Bachelor's level degree + Continuous Improvement experience. + Familiarity with Corrective Action Program and process. + Experience with NiSource business processes and tools/technologies. + Experience developing, implementing, and/or executing a corrective action program or continuous learning program. **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:** $93,800.00 - $140,700.00 **Posting Start Date:** 2025-01-17 **Posting End Date (if applicable):** 2025-02-01 **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.