Emerging Tech Programs Manager for DER & BESS

FirstEnergy Corp.; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

FirstEnergy Corp. in Akron, OH, is seeking a Distribution Program Manager to lead end-to-end programs across FE operating companies, including BESS and DER integration.

The role emphasizes collaboration with Regulatory, Engineering, IT, Legal, Strategy, and external partners to deliver approved scope, cost, and schedule. The ideal candidate will manage budgets, timelines, and risks while ensuring safety, compliance, and measurable benefits, with travel as required and reporting location at

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Project Management, or related discipline is required.
• Minimum 5 years of project management experience in utility distribution is required.
• Experience with regulatory environments and/or utility programs preferred.
• Able to manage budgets, schedules, risks, and performance metrics.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with senior leadership and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Leading end-to-end program management, including planning, execution, monitoring, and reporting.
• Defining program scope, deliverables, timelines, budgets, and resource plans in coordination with cross-functional teams.
• Managing program execution to deliver within approved scope, cost, and schedule while achieving expected business outcomes.
• Monitoring program performance; identify risks, resolve issues, and manage escalations.
• Coordinating cross-functional stakeholders (Regulatory, Engineering, IT, Legal, Strategy) and external partners to ensure alignment and delivery.
• Supporting regulatory filings, discovery responses, and reporting to commissions and stakeholders.
• Tracking and validating realization of program benefits and business outcomes.
• Developing and delivering leadership updates, communication plans, and stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Ensuring compliance with safety, operational, and corporate standards.
• Supporting development of long-term strategy, technology standards, and integration of engineering and IT systems.
• Managing vendor engagement and support issue resolution as needed.
• Developing presentations and communications for leadership, internal stakeholders, and external partners.
• Demonstrating a commitment to safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Willingness to travel, including overnight, as required.

Skills

Project management

Regulatory environments

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Team collaboration

Budgeting

Scheduling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Project Management, or related discipline

In lieu of a degree, High School Diploma / GED and minimum 7years related utility distribution experience

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Project Management, or related discipline and minimum7-10years related utility distribution experience

Associate degree in Engineering Technology, Business, Project Management, or related discipline and minimum 8+ years of related utility distribution experience

In lieu of a degree, High School Diploma / GED and minimum 13years related distribution experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

General business systems

Job description

FirstEnergy Corp. in Akron, OH, is seeking a Distribution Program Manager to lead end-to-end programs across FE operating companies, including BESS and DER integration.

The role emphasizes collaboration with Regulatory, Engineering, IT, Legal, Strategy, and external partners to deliver approved scope, cost, and schedule. The ideal candidate will manage budgets, timelines, and risks while ensuring safety, compliance, and measurable benefits, with travel as required and reporting location at