Senior Principal, Energy & Utilities, Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS)

West Monroe; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 213,500 - 251,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited flexible time off

401(k) plan

Employee stock ownership program

Ten paid holidays

Job summary

A leading consulting firm in Los Angeles is seeking a Senior Principal with deep expertise in Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS) to lead their Energy & Utilities practice. This role involves partnering with utility executives, delivering end-to-end DERMS programs, and driving client relationships. Candidates should have over 15 years of experience in energy consulting, strong understanding of grid modernization, and excellent communication skills. The position offers competitive compensation and benefits, including flexible time off and a supportive work environment.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in energy & utilities, consulting, or related leadership roles.
• 5+ years of consulting experience in delivery and/or commercial roles.
• Deep experience in DERMS / DER / VPP (minimum 3–5 years preferred).

Responsibilities

• Engage with distribution operations, IT/OT, and executive leadership.
• Lead end-to-end DERMS programs across the full lifecycle.
• Serve as a trusted advisor on DER strategies and grid services.

Skills

Deep DERMS expertise

Grid modernization expertise

Client leadership

Commercial acumen

Strong communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree (MBA, Engineering, MIS)

Tools

DERMS platforms (e.g., Schneider, GE)

IT/OT architecture

Job description

Overview

Are you ready to make an impact? West Monroe is seeking a Senior Principal to lead our Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS) capability within the Energy & Utilities practice. This role is purpose-built for a leader who combines deep DERMS and grid modernization expertise with strong client leadership and commercial acumen. You will work directly with utility executives and operational leaders to define, shape, and deliver DERMS-enabled transformation spanning strategy, architecture, and full-scale implementation. At West Monroe, you won’t just advise on the future of the grid, you’ll help build it. As a Senior Principal, you’ll partner with utility executives to shape and deliver DERMS-enabled transformation, from strategy through implementation, driving real outcomes in areas like flexible interconnection and DER orchestration. You’ll also play a key role in growing our DERMS practice and market presence, working alongside a collaborative, high-caliber team across grid and IT/OT domains, offering both immediate impact and the opportunity to build something meaningful in a high-growth environment. You will act as both a trusted advisor and solution leader, translating complex DER and grid-edge challenges into actionable programs and measurable outcomes, while helping grow West Monroe’s DERMS business.

Responsibilities

• Engage credibly across distribution operations, IT/OT, and executive leadership
• Diagnose and structure ambiguous DER challenges
• Lead end-to-end DERMS programs across the full lifecycle
• Convert technical insight into client value and revenue growth
• Lead end-to-end DERMS consulting engagements, including strategy, business case development, requirements definition, vendor selection, and implementation
• Serve as a trusted advisor to utility clients on dispatchable DER strategies, grid services, flexible interconnection, VPP enablement, and DER program design
• Support development of regulatory-aligned DER strategies and business case analyses (BCA), including cost-benefit frameworks for DERMS and DER programs
• Act as an owner’s agent for DERMS implementations, ensuring alignment across strategy, design, build, deploy
• Drive delivery excellence while fostering strong client relationships and ensuring high-quality outcomes
• Translate client challenges into structured DERMS solutions and transformation roadmaps
• Define DERMS reference architectures and integration patterns, including ADMS/EMS integration, grid-edge orchestration, and DER telemetry/aggregator integration
• Guide clients through the DERMS vendor landscape, including platform capabilities, product roadmaps, and selection considerations
• Track and assess DERMS vendor capabilities, product evolution, and market trends to inform client strategy and solution design
• Advise on IT/OT integration strategies across DERMS and core utility systems (e.g., CIS, MDMS, GIS, SCADA, ADMS)
• Support the design of grid-edge ecosystems, including microgrids, controls, and communications infrastructure
• Align distribution operations, planning, and customer programs to enable DER at scale
• Shape and support business development efforts, including proposal development, solution design, pricing, and deal strategy
• Identify and develop new opportunities within utility accounts by anticipating DER and grid modernization needs
• Build and expand executive-level client relationships through insight-led engagement
• Translate emerging DER trends into go-to-market offerings and thought leadership
• Contribute to practice development through mentoring, capability building, and internal knowledge sharing

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in energy & utilities, consulting, or related leadership roles
• 5+ years of consulting experience in delivery and/or commercial roles
• Deep DERMS / DER / VPP experience (minimum 3–5 years strongly preferred)
• Demonstrated experience leading DERMS strategy, vendor selection, and implementation programs
• Strong understanding of distribution operations, control centers, and grid planning
• Experience with utility IT/OT ecosystems and system integrations
• Proven ability to shape, sell, and deliver complex engagements
• Experience leading teams and managing multi-phase, complex programs
• Ability to communicate effectively with both technical and executive stakeholders
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (e.g., MBA, Engineering, MIS) preferred

Preferred Technical Focus Areas

• DERMS platforms (e.g., Schneider, AspenTech OSI, GE, Uplight, Energy Hub)
• Flexible interconnection, flexible export, and grid services
• VPPs and DER participation in wholesale markets (FERC 2222 alignment)
• ADMS/EMS integration and distribution operations
• Grid-edge technologies, microgrids, and DER controls
• IT/OT architecture, data integration, and cloud platforms

Compensation & Benefits

Based on pay transparency guidelines, the salary range for this role can vary based on proximity to West Monroe offices. Individual salaries are determined by geography, experience, skills, education, and internal equity. Employees are covered by medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. 401(k) plan, employee stock ownership program, annual bonuses, unlimited flexible time off, and ten paid holidays per year. Ten weeks of paid parental leave available upon hire date where eligible.

Seattle or Washington, D.C.: $203,800—$239,800 USD

Los Angeles: $213,500—$251,200 USD

New York City or San Francisco: $223,200—$262,700 USD

A location not listed above: $194,100—$228,400 USD

Other consultancies talk at you. At West Monroe, we work with you. We’re a global business and technology consulting firm passionate about creating measurable value for our clients, delivering real-world solutions. The combination of business and technology is not new, but how we bring them together is unique. We rely on data to constantly adapt and solve new challenges. Actions that work today with outcomes that generate value for years to come. At West Monroe, we zero in on the heart of the opportunity, getting to results faster and preparing people for what’s next. You’ll feel the difference in how we work. We show up personally. We’re right there in the room with you, co-creating through the challenges. With West Monroe, collaboration isn’t a lofty promise, but a daily action. We work together with you to turn vision into clear action with lasting impact.

West Monroe is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We believe in treating each employee and applicant for employment fairly and with dignity. We base our employment decisions on merit, experience, and potential, without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, religion, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state or local law. To learn more about diversity, equity and inclusion at West Monroe, visit www.westmonroe.com/inclusion. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in our recruiting process, please inquire by sending an email to [e-mail]. Please review our current policy regarding use of generative artificial intelligence during the application process. If you are based in California, we encourage you to read West Monroe’s Notice at Collection for California residents, provided pursuant to the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and linked here.