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

West Monroe (Campus); San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 223,000 - 263,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401k plan

Annual bonuses

Flexible time off

Paid holidays

Parental leave

Job summary

West Monroe seeks a Senior Principal to lead the DERMS capability within the Energy & Utilities practice. This role targets a leader with deep DERMS and grid modernization expertise, strong client leadership, and commercial acumen to define and deliver DERMS-enabled transformation.

You will work with utility executives to shape strategy, architecture, and full-scale implementation, driving outcomes in interconnection, DER orchestration, and market-ready programs while growing West Monroe’s DERMS

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in energy & utilities 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.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Experience integrating AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT) into workflows to enhance productivity.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end DERMS engagements from strategy through implementation.
• Serve as trusted advisor to utility clients on DER strategies and program design.
• Support regulatory-aligned DER strategies and cost-benefit analyses.
• Act as owner’s agent for DERMS implementations across strategy, design, build, deploy.
• Drive delivery excellence and foster strong client relationships.
• Leverage AI tools to accelerate analysis and data-driven recommendations.
• Translate client challenges into structured DERMS solutions and roadmaps.
• Define DERMS reference architectures and integration patterns.
• Advise on IT/OT integration across DERMS and core utility systems.
• Shape business development through proposals, pricing, and deal strategy.

Skills

DERMS expertise

Grid modernization

Client leadership

Commercial acumen

AI tooling

Education

Bachelor's degree

MBA or Engineering degree preferred

Job description

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 modernizationexpertise 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, youwon’t just advise on the future of the grid, you’llhelp build it.As a Senior Principal,you’llpartner 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 atrusted advisorandsolution leader, translating complex DER and grid-edge challenges into actionable programs and measurable outcomes, while helping grow West Monroe’s DERMS business.

Success in this role requires the ability to:

• Engage credibly acrossdistribution operations, IT/OT, and executive leadership
• Diagnose and structure ambiguous DER challenges
• Leadend-to-end DERMS programsacross the full lifecycle
• Convert technical insight intoclient value and revenue growth

Key Responsibilities:

DERMS Strategy, Delivery & Client Leadership

• 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
• Leverage AI tools to accelerate analysis, synthesize complex information, and support data-driven recommendations for clients, exercising judgment in evaluating outputs.
• Apply AI technologies (e.g., generative AI, automation tools, data models) to enhance insights, improve delivery efficiency, and elevate the quality of client outcomes.

Solution Shaping & Architecture Leadership

• 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

IT/OT & Grid Integration Expertise

• 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

Commercial Growth, Account Leadership & Practice Development

• Shape and support business development efforts, including proposal development, solution design, pricing, and deal strategy
• Identifyand develop new opportunities within utility accounts byanticipatingDER 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 degreerequired; advanced degree (e.g.,MBA, Engineering,MIS) preferred
• Experience integrating AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT) into day-to-day workflows to enhance productivity and insight generation, coupled with strong critical thinking to assess accuracy, mitigate bias, and ensure high-quality outputs.

Preferred technical Focus Areas

• DERMS platforms (e.g., Schneider,AspenTechOSI, 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

Based on pay transparency guidelines, the salaryrange for this role canvary based on your proximity to one of our West Monroe offices (seetable below). Information on our competitive total rewards package,including our bonus structure and benefits is here. Individual salaries are determined by evaluating a variety of factors including geography,experience, skills, education, and internal equity.

Employees (and their families) are covered by medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employeesare able toenroll in our company’s 401k plan,purchase shares from our employee stock ownership program and be eligible toreceive annual bonuses. Employees will also receive unlimited flexible time offand ten paid holidays throughout the calendar year. Eligibility for ten weeks of paid parental leave will also be available upon hire date.

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’re fluent in both. We know that technology alone is not the answer, but how we apply it is. 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].

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