Program Manager - Energy & Utilities

PROGRAM MANAGER ENERGY & UTILITIES needed for a 2+ Year Contract working remote Eastern Time Zone!
Our client is seeking an experienced Program Manager to join our team and support a major client in the energy and utilities sector. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in electric utility distribution programs, program management, and advanced reporting/data analysis for large-scale initiatives.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Obtain updates and evaluate complex projects/programs/initiatives involving multiple organizations from planning to post implementation phases.
• Develop performance metrics in support of business objectives.
• Ensure organizational alignment with senior level management and drive the integration of best practices.
• Support quality assurance and/or change management activities involving internal and external personnel.
• Evaluate and monitor programs through use of standard variance reporting; identify, resolve, and escalate issues; identify and obtain approval for scope / schedule / resource changes.
• Ensure well defined expected benefits for each assigned program and confirm realization of those benefits.
• Assist with long range planning and budgeting to assist in developing consistent longer-term strategies and plans that align with roadmap.
• Develop presentations to leadership and external stakeholders on program justifications and program updates.
• Create and manage project schedules.
• Extract and analyze program and project data from industry-standard tools such as Power BI, EcoSys, P6, and Crews to develop weekly, monthly, and ad hoc reports.
• Lead the development and maintenance of key PMO artifacts, including requirements traceability matrices, RACI charts, program charters, project roadmaps with critical path milestones, control logs, issues indexes, decision dictionaries, and governance plans.
• Develop and maintain program dashboards and provide regular status updates to internal and external stakeholders.
• Support program deployment for key utility initiatives (e.g., Energize New Jersey), including risk/issue identification, barrier resolution, and schedule/resource change management.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including IT, engineering, and reporting, to ensure effective system integration, technology standards, and process optimization.
• Support development of program communications, stakeholder analysis, training documents, and vendor landscape assessments.
• Work 100% remotely during core Eastern Time business hours (8am 5pm EST), with possible occasional travel to Akron, OH, as required by the client.
• Demonstrate strong organizational skills and the ability to adhere to client administrative, invoicing, and process requirements.
• Manage multiple priorities and deadlines, with flexibility to work extended hours as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in a business or S.T.E.M. field with a minimum of 5 years relevant experience.
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of applicable standards, methods, processes and practices, business fundamentals, and performance metrics in the specific functional area supported by this position (e.g., electric operations, transmission and substation, distribution system operations, regulatory and external affairs).
• Hands-on experience with utility industry data and reporting tools (Power BI, EcoSys, P6, Crews, etc.).
• Demonstrated experience in developing PMO deliverables such as RACI charts, program charters, project roadmaps, and dashboards.
• Advanced proficiency in standard software applications (e.g., Microsoft Project, Visio, Excel, & PowerPoint).
• Demonstrated business acumen and ability to create value with advanced problem solving, financial/analytical, performance management, negotiation, and conflict management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build consensus, establish trust, meet critical deadlines, communicate effectively, and foster culture change.
• Customer driven with demonstrated excellent written and oral communication skills and ability to interact with people of all levels.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement process enhancements and efficiencies including new technology.

Preferred Qualifications

• Electrical Engineering degree or related engineering experience
• MBA or Master's degree in a business or S.T.E.M. field
• Knowledge of the practices and principles of project management
• Demonstrated ability to assess complex projects with economic, financial, risk and decision analysis. Proficient in business case development and ability to effectively present business cases.
• Broad understanding of distribution system investment categories and programs including their technical objectives.
• Previous experience managing the justification, scope, and prioritization/sequencing of programmatic distribution expansion projects.
• Previous experience in distribution planning related role performing distribution analysis and studies.
• Experience supporting major utility program deployments and reliability initiatives, including stakeholder management and communications.
• Experience in remote work environments and familiarity with client process, purchase order, and invoicing requirements.