New Business Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: New Business Design Manager

Company: Xcel Energy

Location: Boulder Service Center, Boulder, Colorado, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Operations Management / Engineering Leadership

Date Posted: August 24, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in overseeing and leading the design activities for Xcel Energy's gas and electric distribution systems, ensuring seamless customer service delivery through efficient and innovative design solutions.

• The position demands strong leadership to manage dispersed teams of designers, fostering a culture of technical excellence, continuous learning, and adherence to stringent corporate design and quality standards.

• Accountable for the strategic planning, budgeting, and resource allocation for distribution capital projects, with a keen focus on safety, timeliness, cost-effectiveness, system reliability, and optimal asset utilization.

• Requires active participation in process streamlining, safety initiatives, and cross-functional collaborations to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction across various business units.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "New Business Design Manager," the core responsibilities and experience requirements clearly indicate a role focused on managing the design and execution of existing and new infrastructure for established utility operations, rather than a typical "new business development" function. This role is deeply embedded within utility operations and engineering, with a strong emphasis on managing technical teams and complex design processes for distribution systems.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide direct supervision and leadership to multi-functional design groups responsible for the planning, design, and execution of gas and electric distribution system projects, ensuring alignment with Xcel Energy's strategic objectives.

• Develop and implement unit business plans, goals, and objectives, ensuring they are in line with corporate and business unit strategic initiatives and effectively communicated to the team.

• Manage the efficient and competitive utilization of design resources, prioritizing safety, project timelines, cost containment, system reliability, customer satisfaction, and regulatory compliance.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives by actively participating in formal company efforts to streamline processes, enhance safety protocols, meet customer expectations, and reduce operational costs, while also fostering best practices within the team.

• Cultivate a high-performing technical workforce by selecting, developing, retaining, and motivating skilled designers, emphasizing employee involvement in continuous learning, career planning, and skill enhancement.

• Provide essential mentoring and training to both new hires and existing designers, leveraging established skill-based programs and internal training resources to maintain a high level of technical competency.

• Share responsibility for after-hours "On-Call" duties, including critical storm restoration efforts, troubleshooting outages, mobilizing design resources for field assistance, and ensuring public safety during emergencies.

• Collaborate strategically with other business units and departments to ensure the accurate and timely dissemination of information, fostering strong partnerships to support operational goals and customer needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of operational management, technical leadership, and people development, which is characteristic of senior roles within utility engineering and operations. The "On-Call" duty and storm restoration involvement highlight the critical nature of this role within the utility sector's emergency response framework.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline is required. Experience:

• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in electric and/or gas distribution system design is mandatory. This experience should ideally be derived from roles within design, engineering, construction, or operations functions.

• Alternatively, candidates with a Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering must possess a minimum of three years of direct electric and/or gas distribution experience. Required Skills:

• Distribution System Design: In-depth knowledge and practical experience in designing electric and gas distribution networks, including understanding of infrastructure, load balancing, and system flow.

• Leadership & Team Management: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and manage technical teams, foster a collaborative environment, and drive performance towards common goals.

• Project Management: Strong capabilities in planning, executing, and overseeing distribution capital projects, ensuring adherence to scope, schedule, and budget.

• Technical Expertise: Subject matter expertise in distribution system engineering principles, construction methods, and operational considerations for both gas and electric utilities.

• Process Improvement: Demonstrated ability to identify inefficiencies, develop solutions, and implement process optimizations within design and operational workflows.

• Safety & Compliance: A thorough understanding of safety regulations, utility standards, and best practices relevant to distribution system design and construction, with a commitment to maintaining high safety performance.

Preferred Skills:

• Budgeting & Financial Management: Experience in developing and managing budgets for capital projects and operational expenditures within a utility context.

• Work Management Systems: Proficiency with utility-specific work management tools and processes for design, permitting, and construction coordination.

• Storm Restoration & Emergency Response: Experience in managing resources and coordinating design efforts during utility emergencies and restoration activities.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Skill in building and maintaining strategic partnerships with internal departments (e.g., Construction, Operations, Customer Service) and external stakeholders.

• Data Analysis & Reporting: Ability to interpret design data, performance metrics, and operational reports to inform decision-making and drive improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "5-10 years" experience level aligns well with the specified educational and experiential requirements, suggesting a mid-to-senior level management role. The inclusion of "Operations management" in the AI-generated key skills is a strong indicator of the role's focus beyond pure design.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Project Case Studies: Detailed examples of complex electric and/or gas distribution design projects managed, showcasing the scope of work, technical challenges, innovative solutions implemented, and outcomes achieved.

• Process Optimization Examples: Documentation of specific instances where you identified and resolved design or workflow inefficiencies, leading to measurable improvements in timeliness, cost, safety, or quality.

• Team Leadership & Development Examples: Evidence of your approach to managing technical teams, including strategies for talent development, performance management, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and accountability.

• Budget Management & Resource Allocation: Demonstrations of successful budget planning and management for capital projects, including resource allocation strategies to meet project demands efficiently.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Showcase your experience in designing, documenting, and optimizing standard operating procedures for distribution design processes, from initial request to final construction handover.

• System Implementation & Standards: Evidence of your role in implementing or adhering to design software, work management systems, and corporate standards to ensure consistency and quality across all design outputs.

• Performance Measurement & Analysis: Examples of how you have established key performance indicators (KPIs) for design teams, tracked progress, and used data to drive performance improvements and strategic decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio should highlight leadership in process development and implementation within an engineering or operations context, rather than individual design drawings. The focus should be on the manager's strategic impact on the design function.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The anticipated starting base pay for this position is $97,600.00 to $138,600.00 per year. This range reflects the experience level, responsibilities, and geographic location. Benefits:

• Annual Incentive Program: Performance-based bonus opportunities.

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, Pharmacy, Dental, and Vision plans.

• Wellness & Savings: Health Savings Account (HSA), Health Care Reimbursement Account, Dependent Care Reimbursement Account, Limited-Purpose FSA, and Transportation Reimbursement Account.

• Insurance: Life Insurance, Short-term disability (STD), and Long-term disability (LTD).

• Retirement: Pension plan and 401(k) plan.

• Work-Life Balance: Paid Time Off (PTO), Holidays, Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO), and Parental Leave.

• Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and Fitness Center Reimbursement.

• Additional Perks: Employee recognition program and transit programs.

Working Hours:

• The standard working hours for this position are 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time management role. Flexibility may be required to manage critical operational needs, including after-hours on-call duties and storm restoration efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific to the US market and is within the typical band for a New Business Design Manager with 7+ years of experience in a large utility company. The extensive list of benefits is standard for a major corporation like Xcel Energy and offers significant value beyond base compensation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Energy (Electricity and Natural Gas)

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Xcel Energy serves over 5.3 million customers across eight states).

Founded: Xcel Energy was formed in 2000 through the merger of New Century Energies and NRG Energy. Its predecessor companies have a history dating back over 100 years.

Team Structure:

• The New Business Design Manager will lead a team of highly skilled technical designers responsible for electric and gas distribution systems. This team is likely part of a larger Engineering or Operations department within Xcel Energy's Gas and Electric Delivery division.

• The reporting structure will likely involve reporting to a Director or Vice President of Engineering or Operations, with dotted-line reporting or strong collaboration with Construction, Operations, and Field Services teams.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, requiring close working relationships with project managers, construction supervisors, field crews, customer service representatives, and regulatory affairs personnel. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Designs and operational decisions are informed by load analysis, system performance data, safety incident reports, and customer feedback to ensure optimal system reliability and efficiency.

• Process Optimization Frameworks: Xcel Energy likely employs structured methodologies for continuous improvement, such as Lean or Six Sigma principles, to streamline design, construction, and operational processes.

• Safety-First Culture: A paramount focus on safety permeates all operations, with rigorous adherence to safety standards, training, and proactive risk management in design and execution.

Company Website: https://www.xcelenergy.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Xcel Energy's status as a major utility provider implies a culture that prioritizes reliability, safety, and long-term infrastructure investment. The "New Business" aspect likely refers to new infrastructure projects or upgrades to serve growing customer bases and evolving energy needs, rather than startup-style innovation.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level management position within the operations and engineering function of a large utility company. It requires a blend of technical depth, leadership acumen, and strategic thinking to manage complex design processes and teams.

Reporting Structure: The New Business Design Manager typically reports to a Director-level executive within the Engineering or Operations division. They will have direct reports consisting of lead designers and individual contributors within the design team. Collaboration with peers in Construction, Operations, and Project Management is critical.

Operations Impact: This role directly influences the company's ability to reliably and safely deliver energy to customers. Effective design management leads to cost savings, improved system performance, enhanced customer satisfaction, and compliance with regulatory requirements. The manager's decisions have a tangible impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of capital investments and operational readiness.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance into higher-level management roles, such as Director of Engineering, Director of Operations, or VP roles within the Energy Delivery segment.

• Specialization & Broader Scope: Opportunities to gain expertise in specific areas of utility infrastructure (e.g., advanced grid technologies, renewable energy integration) or to manage larger, more complex project portfolios.

• Cross-Functional Moves: Potential to transition into roles within Project Management, Construction Management, or Strategic Planning within Xcel Energy.

• Continuous Learning: Encouragement and support for professional development through certifications, advanced training, and industry conferences focused on utility engineering and operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a New Business Design Manager in a utility setting is typically linear, moving from individual contributor to lead/supervisor to manager, and then to director-level roles. The emphasis is on proven operational and leadership success within the regulated utility environment.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is based at the Boulder Service Center, indicating a functional office environment supporting field operations. It is likely a professional office setting designed for collaboration and administrative tasks related to utility design and project management.

Office Location(s): Boulder Service Center, Boulder, Colorado. This location serves as a hub for operations and design activities in the region.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely facilitate collaboration with other engineering, design, and operations personnel. Open-plan areas or dedicated team spaces may be available to foster interaction.

• Access to essential operations tools and technology will be provided, including design software (CAD, GIS), work management systems, communication platforms, and analytical tools necessary for design review and project oversight.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with field operations teams may exist through site visits or collaborative planning sessions, providing a grounded understanding of field challenges and realities.

Work Schedule: The primary work schedule is 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. However, the nature of utility operations means that flexibility may be required to address urgent issues, participate in storm response, or meet project deadlines, potentially involving extended hours or on-call responsibilities outside of standard business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" designation is critical. While some administrative tasks might offer flexibility, the core responsibilities involving team supervision, field coordination, and emergency response necessitate a physical presence at the service center or operational sites.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess qualifications against the minimum requirements, with a focus on relevant distribution design and leadership experience.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to delve into your experience, leadership style, technical expertise in utility design, and understanding of operational priorities like safety and reliability. Be prepared to discuss your approach to managing teams and projects.

• Technical/Panel Interview: This stage may involve a panel of subject matter experts (e.g., senior engineers, construction managers, operations leads) who will assess your technical depth, problem-solving skills, and ability to handle complex design and operational challenges.

• Case Study/Presentation (Potential): You may be asked to present a past project or a hypothetical scenario demonstrating your strategic thinking, process improvement capabilities, and leadership approach within a utility design context.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader (e.g., Director) to assess cultural fit, strategic alignment, and overall suitability for the role and Xcel Energy.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Leadership Impact: Curate examples that highlight your management of teams, process improvements, and successful project delivery, rather than just individual design contributions.

• Quantify Achievements: Use data and metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work – e.g., "reduced design cycle time by X%", "achieved Y% cost savings on capital projects," "improved team safety record by Z%."

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type, responsibility area, or by demonstrating solutions to common utility operations challenges.

• Highlight Process & Systems: Showcase your understanding and implementation of design standards, work management systems, and continuous improvement methodologies.

• Tailor to Utility Operations: Emphasize experience within the energy sector and demonstrate an understanding of utility-specific constraints and priorities (safety, reliability, regulatory compliance, customer service).

Challenge Preparation:

• Operational Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would handle common challenges such as design delays, budget overruns, safety incidents, or unexpected operational issues.

• Leadership Scenarios: Prepare to answer questions about conflict resolution within a team, motivating underperforming employees, or fostering a culture of innovation.

• Technical Scenarios: Review fundamental principles of electric and gas distribution design, as well as common construction and operational practices.

• Strategic Thinking: Consider how you would align design efforts with Xcel Energy's broader strategic goals, such as grid modernization, sustainability initiatives, or customer growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a utility operations management role will heavily emphasize safety, reliability, regulatory compliance, and practical problem-solving. A strong understanding of the utility lifecycle from design to construction to ongoing operations is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Experience with Computer-Aided Design software (e.g., AutoCAD, MicroStation) is essential for reviewing and overseeing design outputs.

• GIS Platforms: Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for managing and analyzing spatial data related to the distribution network (e.g., Esri ArcGIS).

• Work Management Systems (WMS): Proficiency with utility-specific WMS platforms for planning, scheduling, tracking, and managing design and construction work orders. Examples might include systems like SAP, Oracle Utilities, or specialized platforms.

• Project Management Software: Tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar for project planning, scheduling, and resource management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency in using data analysis tools (e.g., Microsoft Excel, SQL, Tableau, Power BI) to interpret design performance, operational metrics, and financial data.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience in creating and interpreting performance dashboards to monitor key metrics related to design efficiency, project status, safety, and budget adherence.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not a direct sales role, understanding how customer data (managed in CRM) influences design requirements and service delivery is beneficial.

• Automation Tools: Familiarity with process automation concepts and tools that can streamline design workflows, data entry, or reporting processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a utility operations management role, the emphasis is on systems that support infrastructure design, project execution, and operational efficiency. Familiarity with industry-standard GIS and CAD software is paramount, alongside robust work management systems.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A non-negotiable commitment to ensuring the safety of employees, contractors, and the public in all design and operational activities. This translates to rigorous adherence to safety protocols and proactive risk assessment.

• Reliability & Service Excellence: Dedication to providing consistent, dependable energy delivery and exceptional customer service, driven by robust infrastructure and efficient operational processes.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding the highest ethical standards and taking ownership of responsibilities, decisions, and outcomes across all levels of the organization.

• Innovation & Efficiency: A drive to continuously improve processes, adopt new technologies, and find cost-effective solutions to enhance operational performance and meet evolving energy demands.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Emphasis on strong, collaborative relationships with Construction, Operations, Engineering, Safety, and Customer Service departments to ensure seamless project execution and service delivery.

• Process-Oriented Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive feedback on workflows and processes to foster continuous improvement and shared learning.

• Knowledge Sharing & Mentorship: A supportive environment where experienced professionals share their expertise, mentor junior staff, and contribute to collective knowledge growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: Xcel Energy, as a major utility, will likely have deeply ingrained values centered on safety, reliability, and customer service. The "New Business Design Manager" will be expected to embody and promote these values within their team and in their interactions with other departments.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Competing Demands: Managing the inherent tension between cost containment, project timelines, regulatory requirements, and the need for robust, reliable infrastructure design.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying abreast of and integrating new technologies in grid modernization, renewable energy, and smart infrastructure into design processes.

• Managing Distributed Teams: Effectively leading and coordinating design efforts across potentially dispersed teams, ensuring consistent application of standards and quality.

• Navigating Regulatory Landscapes: Ensuring all designs comply with a complex web of local, state, and federal regulations governing utility operations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Utility-Specific Certifications: Pursuing certifications in project management (PMP), utility operations, or specific engineering disciplines relevant to the energy sector.

• Leadership Training: Access to Xcel Energy's internal leadership development programs, focusing on strategic management, financial acumen, and team building.

• Industry Conferences: Participation in conferences and workshops focused on electric and gas distribution engineering, grid modernization, and utility management.

• Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to be mentored by senior leaders within Xcel Energy or to mentor emerging talent within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The utility sector is constantly evolving with technological advancements and changing regulatory environments. This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth by navigating these complexities and contributing to the future of energy delivery.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance competing priorities (e.g., cost vs. safety vs. timeline) on a distribution design project. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare a STAR method response focusing on your decision-making process and leadership.)

• "How would you foster a culture of continuous improvement within a team of technical designers? Provide specific examples of process improvements you've implemented in the past." (Focus on methodologies, team involvement, and measurable results.)

• "Discuss your experience managing a budget for capital projects. What strategies do you employ to ensure projects stay within budget while meeting quality and safety standards?" (Highlight financial acumen and risk management.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Xcel Energy, what do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities facing our distribution design operations in the next five years?" (Demonstrate research into the company's strategic initiatives, industry trends, and regulatory environment.)

• "How would you ensure your team upholds Xcel Energy's commitment to safety and reliability in every design project?" (Connect your leadership style and team management approach to core utility values.)

• "Describe your experience collaborating with construction and field operations teams. How do you ensure effective communication and alignment between design and execution?" (Emphasize cross-functional collaboration and problem-solving.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Begin with a high-level overview of your leadership philosophy and key accomplishments. Then, dive into 2-3 detailed case studies that best exemplify your skills in managing design teams, driving process improvements, and delivering successful projects.

• Quantify Everything: For each case study, clearly articulate the scope, your role, the challenges, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, efficiency gains, safety improvements, customer satisfaction metrics).

• Showcase Process Thinking: Integrate explanations of the methodologies, systems, and standards you utilized or improved upon within your case studies.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your technical decisions, team management strategies, and financial oversight within the presented projects.

• Connect to Xcel Energy: Whenever possible, draw parallels between your experience and the needs or stated goals of Xcel Energy.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just technical competence, but also strong leadership, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of the operational realities and priorities of a major utility company.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this New Business Design Manager position at Xcel Energy:

• Submit your application through the Xcel Energy careers portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your resume and any supporting documents to highlight your most relevant experience in utility distribution design, team leadership, process improvement, and capital project management. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your years of experience, specific responsibilities in gas and electric distribution, and your leadership capabilities. Use keywords found in the job description, such as "distribution design," "leadership," "project management," "safety compliance," and "process improvement."

• Interview Preparation: Thoroughly review the "Interview Preparation" section above. Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method and prepare specific examples that showcase your ability to manage teams, solve complex problems, and drive operational excellence within a utility context.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Xcel Energy's mission, values, recent projects, and strategic goals. Understand their position in the energy market and any major initiatives (e.g., grid modernization, renewable energy integration).

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.