Operational Technology Manager

Operational Technology Manager

Work Location: Open to major office locations in Montana & South Dakota

Pay range: $121,100 to $151.400 per year

Employment Status: Regular Full-time

External candidates apply at northwesternenergy.com

Internal candidates apply through iConnect.

About this position:

The Operational Technology Manager is a key position bearing responsibility for technology primarily related to utility operations. Unique requirements of this position include ability to fuse the disciplines of information technology and operational technology and partner across operational departments of the utility. The role will develop and implement strategy across informational and operational technology systems, including industrial control systems. As a high-functioning member of the Business Technology leadership team this position will develop a team capable of managing technology convergence with utility operations and collaborate with operations and business technology leadership.

The candidate must be able to manage all aspects of diverse IT/OT product delivery and utilize expertise and leadership skills to direct staff and to resolve issues to ensure program goals and requirements are met. The position takes responsibility for products involving multiple disciplines in the IT/OT functions and is responsible for imbedding security into products from the beginning.

The ideal candidate is an integrator of people and processes, a thought leader, a problem solver, and an expert consultant with solid domain competency in IT/OT applications, infrastructure, networking and security in order to apply the knowledge across an enterprise.

We offer great benefits:

NorthWestern Energy is a fully regulated electric and natural gas utility serving Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska. We employ over 1,600 amazing people and serve over 800,000 customers who are our neighbors in our communities. We are a top employer and offer competitive benefits, including:

• 401K with company match up to 4% and non-elective contribution up to 7%
• Healthcare and wellbeing programs, including dental and vision for you, your spouse and dependents, Health Savings Account (HSA), healthcare and dependent care flexible spending account (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Programs (Offering up to six free counseling sessions, per person, per issue, per year for employees, spouses and dependents to include financial health)
• Life Insurance (Company pays basic employee policy; spouse, dependent insurance also available)
• Continuing education reimbursement
• Competitive pay (Scheduled performance-based wage increases and annual incentive opportunities.)
• Paid company endorsed volunteer opportunities
• Paid parental leave
• Paid bereavement leave
• Paid training opportunities
• Paid time off starting on your first day, plus 11 paid holidays

Benefits may vary by position or as negotiated as part of a collective bargaining agreement.

About this job:

• Demonstrates leadership consistent with NorthWestern Energy's code, values, policies, processes and controls
• Utilizes effective management practices to maintain employee engagement and productivity
• Effectively manages budget, ensuring proper cost controls
• Leads special product delivery as required utilizing effective change and program management techniques
• Develop strong partnerships and relationships with key outside vendors and hold them accountable for service delivery as needed.
• Ensure compliance with policies, controls, and applicable state and federal rules and regulations
• Manages talent effectively, utilizing best practices to achieve effective business results
• Coordinate or direct development of activities to ensure product needs and objectives are met
• Measures, monitors and reports status of goals and program achievements
• Communicates effectively with stakeholder including employees to achieve positive business outcomes
• Maintains professional knowledge and takes steps to stay abreast of market changes and industry developments
• Builds company image by collaborating with customers, government, community organizations, and employees
• Position is responsible for implementation and operation of a suite of technologies which include, but are not limited to, workforce management, outage management, and industrial control systems
• Primary responsibilities include partnering with key Operational business leaders on IT/OT systems concerning strategy, support and implementation
• Set strategy and develop technology roadmap for Operational business leaders
• Leader and advocate all aspects of cyber security helping to drive cultural change within the company
• Directs a staff of technologists focused on utility operations technology and product delivery
• Assures appropriate level of management to resolve issues is brought into the problem resolution process
• Develops effective, collaborative partnerships with business partners, Business Technology and 3rd parties (including suppliers)
• Leads change and provides specific recommendations to all levels of management concerning operational facing technology
• Provide leadership in the definition and execution of an IT/OT roadmap, to include aligning with the defined Information Security strategy, business and product strategy
• Serves as an expert advisor to senior management in the development, implementation and maintenance of IT/OT systems to ensure best practice control objectives are achieved in protecting information assets
• Drives vendor and technology risk assessments
• Implements and maintains a Change Management Program to ensure adequate controls are in place to execute IT/OT changes
• Develop, forecast, and manage Business Technology capital and expense budgets
• Proficient in contract and vendor negotiations
• All NorthWestern Energy employees are required to adhere to company safety standards and the Code of Business Conduct & Ethics
• Ensure self and others actions are consistent with NorthWestern Energy's values, mission, and strategic business objectives
• Proficient in contract and vendor negotiations

Am I right for this job? Here's the success profile:

• A bachelor's or master's degree in business administration, engineering, computer science, information management or related field, or equivalent work experience
• Academic qualification or professional training in legal and regulatory areas is also desirable
• 8 to 10 years supervisory experience
• Strong leadership skills including interpersonal communication skills preferred
• Strong computer skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills and strong organizational skills are a must
• Must be able to demonstrate and maintain a good safety record
• Experience in integrating complex, cross-corporate processes
• Experience partnering with outside software consultants and vendors to deliver software and system support for the business.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; able to work across business lines at senior levels to influence and effect change to achieve common goals
• Demonstrated leadership; proven track record of leading complex, multidisciplinary talent teams in new endeavors and delivering solutions
• Experience in strategic technology planning and execution. Must have an in depth understanding of IT systems which support business processes to include application controls, database controls, network and infrastructure controls and software development controls
• In depth knowledge of information security systems (firewalls, intrusion protection systems, security policies, etc.)
• Expert in program and product management
• In depth knowledge of emerging information technology and cyber threats
• In depth understanding of COBIT, NIST
• In depth understand of SOX, CIP and other related compliance frameworks
• The selected candidate must have the utmost personal integrity and business ethics
• The incumbent must have enough courage in their convictions to challenge senior levels of management as appropriate
• Strong leadership skills, communication skills (written and verbal) and analytical skills are all required for this position
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to lead change are also necessary
• A demonstrated understanding of business processes, problem solving abilities, and process analysis is also required in this position
• Outstanding analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to demonstrate strength of conviction in asserting a position
• Ability to demonstrate tenacity when faced with barriers or resistance
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to explain digital concepts and technologies to business leaders, as well as business concepts to technologists; able to sell ideas and process internally at all levels, including the board and investors
• Get Into Energy - Energy Industry Fundamental 2.0 certification is a plus (click here to certify at no cost)

Requisition #4832

Posting Dates: January 7, 2026 through January 21, 2026

Department/Division: Business Technology

Employment Physical: Not Required

Drug Test: Required

Background Check: Required

Relocation Benefit: Negotiable

Telecommuting: Part-time Negotiable within NorthWestern Energy Service Territory

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other protected class in accordance with applicable federal or state laws and statutes. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act, should you have a disability that requires assistance and/or reasonable accommodation with the job application process, please contact the Human Resources department at 1-800-245-6977 or at job.inquiries@northwestern.com.

For more information, or to apply now, you must go to the website below. Please DO NOT email your resume to us as we only accept applications through our website.

https://northwesternenergy.applicantpro.com/jobs/3954179-1076860.html