DER Interconnection Program Manager (Hybrid)

Xcel Energy; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 159,000; Full time

Job summary

Xcel Energy, Denver-based, seeks a Project Manager I/II/III to accelerate DER interconnection work, manage consultant contracts, costs, capacity, throughput, and performance, and coordinate study activities. You will ensure clear decisions, owners, deadlines, and follow-up actions while providing technical project leadership and escalation as needed.

The role supports regulatory compliance, consultant oversight, and improved cost discipline, with a focus on delivering studies and projects

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years work experience in operations, technology, finance, or comparable function; utility experience preferred
• BS Engineering, Construction, Business, Information Technology or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• 3 -5 years' experience in project management and process improvement; some formal project management training preferred
• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence others
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills; excellent written/verbal communications skills required
• Understanding of core business processes/ industry trends with ability to understand/apply ongoing changes
• Knowledge of project planning and business need justification process and methodology
• Ability to adapt to change quickly and work within a diverse, cross-functional team environment
• Vendor/contract management experience preferred

Responsibilities

• Project Planning: Identify quality project options, develop business cases, and secure required approvals. Lead requirements gathering and planning process while engaging all key stakeholders. Develop solution designs that define appropriate project scope, align with corporate strategies, ensure coordination with key initiatives, and assure dependencies are identified/addressed. Define deliverables, success metrics and key milestone schedules. Develop work plans, budgets, and cost/benefit analysis.
• Project Management: Ensure successful delivery of committed project benefits and operational metrics in a dynamic/complex environment. Independently manage detailed project plans to approved scope/schedule and provide cross-functional tracking as needed. Define and manage a regular status reporting process to monitor progress and resolve risks to goal. Continually identify opportunities for innovation and improvement.
• Financial Management: Function as project controller. Manage project financials including budgeting, forecasting, and actuals tracking. Facilitate RFP and contract management processes. Review actuals versus planned budget throughout project life cycle to identify variances and recommend corrective action.
• Resource Management: Forecast, schedule, and manage resources, both internal and external. Manage assigned contracts and associated payments/performance requirements. Develop and adapt a comprehensive resource plan for a matrixed team of diverse talent to maximize skills and minimize cost. Provide training and coaching to less experienced project team members.
• Scope & Risk Management: Manage scope change process for large transformational project or best practices for business area in addition to own projects. Identify risks and issues throughout the project and create mitigation strategies/contingency plans.
• Relationship Management: Communicate project status to all levels of the organization. Establish effective, collaborative working relationships up to senior leader level to maximize project efficiency, responsiveness and resource allocation.

Skills

leadership

presentation skills

facilitation

written/verbal communication

vendor/contract management

Education

BS Engineering/Construction/Business/IT or related field

Job description

Xcel Energy, Denver-based, seeks a Project Manager I/II/III to accelerate DER interconnection work, manage consultant contracts, costs, capacity, throughput, and performance, and coordinate study activities. You will ensure clear decisions, owners, deadlines, and follow-up actions while providing technical project leadership and escalation as needed.

The role supports regulatory compliance, consultant oversight, and improved cost discipline, with a focus on delivering studies and projects