Key Customer Representative

City of Santa Clara; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 123,000 - 157,000; Full time

Job summary

Silicon Valley Power, the City of Santa Clara’s electric utility, seeks a motivated, customer-focused Key Customer Representative to manage strategic accounts and serve as the primary contact for some of Silicon Valley’s largest commercial and industrial customers.

You will build strong relationships, work with engineering, operations and customer service teams, and advocate for customer needs while balancing utility requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in engineering, economics, business administration, environmental studies, or a closely related field.
• Three years of progressively responsible experience in a utility or business organization with project management, public affairs, and/or customer service.
• Driver's license (California Class C) required at time of appointment and during employment.
• Master's degree may substitute for one year of experience; seven years may substitute for the degree.
• Desirable: professional experience in customer account management.

Responsibilities

• Serve as trusted advisor and primary point of contact for assigned key accounts.
• Develop strong working relationships with customer representatives to understand their business and identify opportunities.
• Collaborate with SVP's engineering, operations, customer service and other technical teams, and City departments to coordinate services and resolve issues.
• Balance customer priorities with utility operational needs and build long-term partnerships.

Skills

Customer service

Public affairs

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/economics/business/environmental studies/related

Job description

The Department:

For more than 125 years, Silicon Valley Power (SVP) has been powering the City of Santa Clara, a community at the center of global innovation and home to some of the world's most influential technology companies. As a city-owned, not-for-profit electric utility, SVP is committed to delivering reliable, affordable electricity and exceptional customer service while supporting the growth and success of our community.

At SVP, we do more than provide electricity. We power innovation, foster economic development, and help shape the future of energy. Our diverse customer base, ranging from residential neighborhoods to major technology companies and data centers, creates exciting opportunities to address complex energy challenges, develop innovative solutions, and build meaningful partnerships.

Sustainability and innovation are at the heart of our mission. Through investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and modern electric infrastructure, we are working to build a cleaner, more resilient energy future while maintaining the competitive rates and reliable service our customers depend on.

Joining Silicon Valley Power means becoming part of a team that is making a difference. Our employees have the opportunity to tackle emerging energy challenges, collaborate with industry leaders, and contribute to the success of one of the nation's most dynamic communities.

The Position:

Silicon Valley Power is seeking a motivated, customer-focused professional to join our team as a Key Customer Representative. This is an exciting opportunity to work directly with some of Silicon Valley's most innovative businesses, build strategic relationships, and play an important role in supporting the energy needs of Santa Clara's largest commercial and industrial customers.

As a Key Customer Representative, you will serve as a trusted advisor and primary point of contact for assigned key accounts, helping customers navigate their electric utility needs while ensuring a high level of service and responsiveness. You will develop strong working relationships with customer representatives that provide insight into their businesses and identifying opportunities to deliver solutions that support their success.

In this highly collaborative role, you will work closely with SVP's engineering, operations, customer service, and other technical teams, as well as City departments, to coordinate services, resolve complex issues, and advocate for customer needs.

The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver and skilled relationship builder who thrives in a dynamic environment. They bring strong communication skills, sound judgment, technical curiosity, and a passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences. Success in this position requires the ability to balance customer priorities with utility operational needs while building trust and fostering long-term partnerships.

The annual salary range for this position is $122,680.20 - $156,716.76. This position may be filled at or near the minimum of the salary range.

THIS RECRUITMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE POSITIONS IN THIS, OR OTHER DIVISIONS OR DEPARTMENTS BESIDES THE POSITIONS LISTED ABOVE. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN EMPLOYMENT IN THIS CLASSIFICATION, YOU SHOULD APPLY TO ENSURE YOU ARE CONSIDERED FOR ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES THAT MAY UTILIZE THE APPLICANTS FROM THIS RECRUITMENT.

MEETING THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS DOES NOT GUARANTEE ADMITTANCE INTO THE EXAMINATION PROCESS. ONLY THE MOST QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WHO DEMONSTRATE THE BEST COMBINATION OF QUALIFICATIONS IN RELATION TO THE REQUIREMENTS AND DUTIES OF THE POSITION WILL BE INVITED TO TEST OR INTERVIEW. APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR POSITIONS ADHERING TO ALL APPLICABLE CITY POLICIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO CMD 033- EMPLOYMENT OF RELATIVES.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum Education Requirements:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in engineering, economics, business administration, environmental studies, or a closely related field.

Minimum Experience Requirements:

Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in a utility or business organization where work responsibilities have primarily involved project management, public affairs, and/or customer service.

Acceptable Substitution:

• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in a utility or business organization where work responsibilities have involved project management, public affairs, and/or customer service may be accepted in-lieu of the required bachelor’s degree.
• A master's degree in business administration or other related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.

License/Certifications:

Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license is required at time of appointment and for duration of employment.

Desirable Qualifications:

Professional experience in customer account management is desirable.

Other Requirements:

• Will be required to work unusual hours including nights and weekends in response to emergency situations.
• Must be able to perform all the essential functions of the job.

Follow this link to view the entire Class Specification, which includes more information on Typical Duties and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

Candidates must attain a passing score on each phase of the examination process to qualify for the Eligible List. A department interview may be required prior to appointment.

Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of Santa Clara will not sponsor, represent, or sign documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.

PERMANENT CITY EMPLOYEES PREFERENCE POINTS:

Current permanent employee candidates who receive a passing score on the examination will have an additional five (5) points added to their final score.

The City of Santa Clara is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of Santa Clara is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at [phone] or [e-mail].