Director, Innovation, Integrated Grid, & Electrification

Ameren•Saint Louis, MO

About The Position

The Director, Innovation, Integrated Grid & Electrification is responsible for leading One Ameren strategies, planning, and execution related to transformative electrification, integrated grid modernization, and energy transition technologies. This role ensures Ameren is positioned to accelerate customer-driven load growth, strengthen grid resiliency, and meet the evolving dynamic needs of the distribution system. The Director will lead cross-functional teams in evaluating and deploying innovative grid and electrification technologies, ensuring strong alignment across Ameren Missouri, Ameren Illinois, Corporate Strategy, and Enterprise Innovation. The position also oversees Ameren’s electrification strategy, grid technology assessments, and engagement with EPRI and Energy Impact Partners (EIP) investment portfolios.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, environmental science, or related field from an accredited university.
Ten (10) or more years of relevant experience in distribution engineering, C&I account management, solutions design, or major project execution.
Deep understanding of the utility industry, including business-case development, financial analysis, capital planning, and grid operations is preferred.
Five (5) or more years of supervisory experience or leadership of high-level teams or major projects.
Strong people leadership skills, with the ability to guide diverse teams with varying backgrounds and expertise.
Ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels, influencing strategy across organizational boundaries.
Sound decision-making in ambiguous or rapidly evolving situations; ability to synthesize complex information into actionable strategies.
Strong business acumen related to electric generation, transmission, and distribution systems.
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.

Responsibilities

Lead enterprise-wide strategy development for new technology deployment that supports customer-driven load growth and the dynamic characteristics of the future integrated distribution grid.
Influence capital and operating budgets across business segments to ensure resources align with growth objectives.
Drive cross-functional coordination across One Ameren related to grid modernization, electrification, and innovation initiatives.
Provide mentoring and leadership to develop talent across the organization.
Oversee Ameren’s participation in EPRI and EIP programs, including proactive direction of Ameren’s engagement in a combined $75M portfolio.
Ensure diverse, forward-looking technology options are evaluated and incorporated into customer growth and investment strategies.
Collaboratively develop and implement enterprise strategies for transformative generation, distributed energy resources, and energy storage technologies that support Ameren’s long-term grid and economic development goals.
Lead the Ameren Electrification Team to proactively drive electrification opportunities, technology assessments, customer plans, and forecasting.
Ensure electrification and customer growth plans are aligned with corporate strategy and effectively coordinated across Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois.
Represent Ameren in national and industry forums, including the EEI Electrification Committee and Alliance for Transportation Electrification (ATE), influencing federal and state policy to support electrification, grid modernization, and customer growth.
Monitor and assess emerging grid technologies and industry trends, providing strategic insights to inform Ameren advocacy positions.
Participate in outreach efforts supporting Ameren’s leadership role in innovation and the energy transition.
Provide enterprise leadership in Ameren’s clean energy transition, supporting decarbonization goals while balancing customer reliability, affordability, and long-term grid performance.