Senior Manager

Energy Solutions - USA; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 105,000 - 137,000; Full time

Job summary

Energy Solutions is seeking a Senior Manager to lead the planning, administration, and performance of major energy efficiency programs in the Chicago/Midwest region. The role sets strategic direction and drives operational and financial performance for a defined book of business.

They build organizational capability by developing staff, establishing standards, and evolving budgeting practices for energy efficiency programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (environmental studies, sustainability, business, policy, or related)
• 10+ years leading complex programs in energy efficiency, utilities, sustainability, or regulated industry
• 5+ years leading teams with delivery accountability and performance

Responsibilities

• Establish and evolve implementation frameworks, procedures, and quality standards for scalable program success
• Design and implement program-level operational strategies to improve resource allocation and delivery efficiency
• Lead contract management to ensure budgets, targets, and savings goals are met
• Develop staff and Project Managers through coaching and performance feedback
• Develop and managestrategic client relationships within the defined region
• Drive business development through proposals, scopes of work, and client presentations
• Monitor program performance using KPIs, budgets, and delivery metrics

Skills

Leadership

Program management

Budgeting

Cross-functional collaboration

Stakeholder management

Communication

Strategic planning

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Energy Solutions is looking for a Senior Managertoleadthe planning, administration, and performance of major Energy Efficiency programs.This rolesets strategic directionanddrivesoperational and financial performancefor a defined book of business, with accountability for advancing both program excellence and sustained business growth within their domain.

In addition to program and client oversight, the Senior Manager builds and scales organizational capability by developing staff and establishing and evolving implementation standards.This role shapes budgeting practices for energy efficiency programs and works cross‑functionallyto developaccurateenergy‑savingsforecasts. The Senior Manager partners closelywithseniorleadership to guide program planning, strengthen delivery frameworks, and ensurehigh‑qualityexecution across teams. They oversee contract management,maintainstrong QA/QC standards, and drive continuous improvement to enhance program performance and operational effectiveness.

We are seeking candidates located in the Chicago/Midwest area, preferably with a strong understanding of the region's business landscape.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Establish and evolveimplementation frameworks, operating procedures, and quality standards to enable scalable and repeatable program success
• Influence and integratepractice-level priorities bypartneringwith Directors and cross-functional leaders to ensure coordinated execution across teams
• Design and implement program‑level operational strategies to improve resource allocation, delivery efficiency, and overall execution quality
• Analyze and interpretprogramperformance trends, market conditions, and risks toinformstrategic adjustments, strengthendeliveryandcontinuous improvement
• Identifyand advanceopportunities toenhance program capabilities,expand service offerings, enhance capabilities, and increase market impactand effectiveness of energy efficiency initiatives
• Develop and reviewcost estimates, staffing plans, and delivery timelines for client engagements and proposal efforts
• Partner withDirectors and Finance toforecast,monitor, and improveprofitability across the solution area
• Leadcontract management to ensure program budgets, performance targets, and savings goals are met
• Define and enforceroles, responsibilities, and performance expectations,holdingstaff accountable for outcomes
• Develop and mentorstaff and Project Managers through coaching, knowledge transfer, and structured performance feedback
• Build and scale–Develop program capability by coaching teams, embedding best practices, and reinforcing operational standards that improve delivery effectiveness
• Develop and managestrategic client relationships within the definedregionarea,ensuringlong‑term partnership success
• Engage and adviseclients on program performance,risks, opportunities, and strategic direction
• Drive business development effortsbyleading or contributing toproposals, scopes of work, and client presentations
• Identifyand progressgrowth opportunities,collaborating withSeniorDirectorwhoretainfinal contracting authority
• Ensure compliancewith regulatory requirements, contractual obligations, and internal policies across all programs
• Monitor and evaluateprogram performance using KPIs, budgets, and delivery metrics to ensure quality and timeliness
• Design and implementrisk mitigation strategies anddrivecontinuous improvement across program operations

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, Sustainability, Economics, Business Administration, Public Policy, or a related discipline)
• Ten or more years of progressively responsible experienceleading and managingcomplex programs, solution areas, or cross‑functional initiatives within energy efficiency, utilities, sustainability, or a related regulated industry
• Five or more years of experienceleading teams, initiatives, or programswith accountability for delivery outcomes, stakeholder alignment, and performance
• Deep understanding ofDemand SideManagementenergy‑efficiencyprogram design, delivery models, and regulatory frameworks, including how programs achieve savings,cost‑effectiveness, and compliancetargets.Understandingofmarket transformation principles and how program strategies influence long‑term shifts in technology adoption and market behavior
• Understandingofmidstream program design and delivery, including engagement with distributors, manufacturers, andretailersto influence stocking practices and drive adoption of efficient products
• Demonstrated ability tolead and advanceprogrammanagement, and service delivery practices across complex program environments
• Proven capability tomanage financial performance, includingoverseeing budgets, forecasting outcomes, and driving profitabilitywithin a defined solution area
• Manage client relationships to ensure alignment on program goals, delivery expectations, and performance outcomes
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability topresent complex information clearly and influence stakeholders at multiple levels
• Ability toassess risks, make strategic decisions, and guide executionin complex and ambiguous situations
• Strong analytical skills with the ability tointerpret data, market trends, and performance resultsto inform strategy and operational decisions
• Experiencedeveloping executive-level presentations, client-facing deliverables, and performance dashboards
• Demonstrated strength inanticipatingrisks, evaluating trade-offs, and recommending solutionsin high‑impact scenarios
• Strong stakeholder management capability, with the ability toinfluence without authority and sustain productive client relationships
• Manage subcontractors and delivery partners to ensure alignment with program requirements, budgets, and performance goals

The salary range for this role is $105,000 to $137,000, with a target compensation of $105,000 to $123,300 based on experience and qualifications.