Program Manager - Energy Efficiency & Electrification

Utility Energy Services; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A utility program management firm is seeking a Program Manager to oversee energy efficiency and electrification initiatives. In this role, you will manage program execution, coordinate cross-functional teams, and serve as the liaison for utility clients. Ideal candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field and possess at least 3 years of relevant experience. Familiarity with electrification technologies and strong project management skills are essential. Competitive salary and benefits offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in Engineering, Energy Management, Environmental Science or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in managing utility energy efficiency programs.
• Familiarity with electrification technologies preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage execution of energy efficiency programs.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to meet savings targets.
• Serve as the primary liaison with utility clients.

Skills

Project management

Client management

Cross-functional coordination

Communication skills

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Master’s degree in relevant discipline

Tools

Salesforce

Excel

Power BI

Job description

The Program Manager – Energy Efficiency & Electrification is responsible for managing the day-to-day execution of Illinois-based utility programs supporting energy efficiency, demand-side management, and electrification initiatives. This role serves as the primary point of contact for internal teams and utility partners, ensuring programs are delivered on time, within budget, and in full compliance with Illinois TRMs, Commission requirements, and utility scopes of work.

The ideal candidate has experience managing utility programs, coordinating cross-functional teams, and delivering measurable energy savings while supporting customer adoption of electrification technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute programs in accordance with approved scopes, contracts, TRMs, and ICC requirements
• Develop and maintain implementation plans, schedules, and program documentation
• Coordinate field service delivery for assessments, direct install, and electrification measures
• Ensure volume, savings, and incentive targets are met or exceeded
• Serve as the primary day-to-day liaison with utility clients and program administrators
• Lead regular status meetings, performance reviews, and reporting discussions
• Proactively escalate risks, constraints, and proposed solutions
• Support annual planning, mid-year adjustments, and program modifications
• Partner closely with Field Operations, Scheduling, Customer Experience, Supply Chain, Finance, and Data teams
• Coordinate staffing plans, ramp schedules, and training needs with Operations leadership
• Collaborate with Marketing and Outreach teams to support lead generation and customer engagement
• Align systems, workflows, and reporting across departments
• Support delivery of measures such as smart thermostats, demand response devices, weatherization, heat pump water heaters, heat pump HVAC, and fuel switching offerings
• Ensure eligibility, application, and installation requirements meet utility and Illinois TRM standards
• Track and validate energy savings, kWh/therm reductions, and incentive payments
• Partner with QA/QC teams to ensure programming and measure compliance
• Own operational tracking of program budgets, incentives, and invoices
• Monitor KPIs including completed appointments, conversion rates, savings performance, quality scores, and customer satisfaction
• Utilize dashboards and reports (Salesforce, Power BI, Excel) to inform decision-making
• Support audits, evaluations, and data requests
• Identify opportunities to improve program efficiency, customer experience, and cost effectiveness
• Support pilot initiatives and new measure rollouts
• Contribute to proposals, recompete, and expansion efforts within Illinois
• Document lessons learned and best practices

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in Engineering, Energy Management, Environmental Science, Sustainability, Environmental Policy, or a related technical field.
• Master’s degree in a relevant discipline is a plus but not required.
• Professional certifications such as Certified Energy Manager (CEM), Project Management Professional (PMP), LEED GA/AP, or BPI certifications are preferred but not mandatory.
• 3+ years of experience managing utility energy efficiency or DSM programs
• Must have experience with both client management and people management
• Experience working with Illinois utilities, ICC regulations, and TRMs strongly preferred
• Familiarity with electrification technologies and programs (heat pumps, HPWHs, EV-related measures a plus)
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Experience coordinating cross-functional teams and external stakeholders
• Proficiency with Salesforce (FSL a plus), Excel, and reporting tools
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills