District Energy Manager

Position Title District Energy Manager Location Lynnwood, WA Salary Starting Salary: $145,000 - $185,000 Classification Exempt Position Overview The District Energy Manager is responsible for leading the development, commercialization, and delivery of district energy projects including scalable, modular decarbonization solutions for existing buildings and new construction. This role focuses on bridging the gap between regulatory requirements and practical, cost‑effective implementation strategies. The Manager positions UMC as the industry leader and establishes district energy strategies for vertical markets such as Higher Education, Healthcare, Data Center, Mixed Use Developments, and Residential. Responsibilities include project development from initial engagement through conceptual design, construction oversight, and long‑term operation. The role requires strategic leadership, technical expertise, market development, and cross‑functional coordination to create a repeatable, scalable platform for deep decarbonization. Key Responsibilities Leadership & Culture Establish and cultivate a customer‑oriented culture and deliver best‑in‑class customer experience. Foster teamwork and personal connection within the team. Supervise reporting staff and provide quarterly and annual coaching. Maintain professional demeanor and uphold UMC Core Values. Business Planning & Growth Lead development of a market strategy targeting regulatory‑driven retrofit demand. Develop marketing strategy, materials and outreach to grow customer base. Collaborate with E&E business planning and long‑term initiatives. Partner with E&E leadership to meet company goals and guide projects, accounts, systems. Identify and prioritize building segments where modular solutions provide greatest value. Define and refine the value proposition for modular high‑temperature heat pump systems. Build partnerships with utilities, municipalities, developers, and institutional clients. Engage with regulatory agencies and industry groups to shape policy and program alignment. Product & Solution Development Oversee design and standardization of modular decarbonization systems. Champion development of industrial‑grade, high‑temperature heat pump applications for retrofit environments. Ensure solutions minimize the need for electrical service upgrades and tenant disruption. Establish design standards, performance specifications, and integration strategies. Business/Market Development Increase annual revenue by initiating new contacts and fostering existing relationships. Assist sales effort in identifying and qualifying potential projects. Lead client meetings and presentations. Support industry networking, speaking opportunities, and written thought leadership. Develop design concepts and documentation including savings potential, cost estimates, incentives/grants, payback and M&V procedures. Evaluate emerging technology. Financial & Commercial Management Develop business models that reduce upfront costs. Evaluate project financials and risk profiles. Support proposal development and pricing strategies. Vet financing pathways including strategic partners and EaaS. Project Development & Delivery Lead early‑stage project development, including feasibility analysis and financial modeling. Oversee project execution from concept through commissioning and handoff. Coordinate with engineering, construction, service, and commissioning teams. Develop and implement lifecycle delivery model including ownership, operations, and maintenance. Ensure long‑term system performance through monitoring and optimization. Integrate measurement and verification (M&V). Operational Excellence, Policies & Continuous Improvement Identify, recommend, establish, communicate, document, and implement operations‑related policies and practices. Ensure project teams adhere to UMC AIM processes and procedures. Qualify customers and limit risk through legal, financial, and technical screening. Establish workflows and organizational structure. Continuously refine fabrication and construction techniques to reduce cost and build time. Financial Management/Reporting Actively manage budgets and schedules for all projects in the DE development pipeline. Provide regular updates to E&E management and other executives. Conduct regular progress meetings to keep projects on track. Develop complex life‑cycle cost modeling and financial models (ROI, NPV, IRR, etc.). Training, Development & Talent Acquisition Identify training needs and develop, document, provide, and track training. Provide training and mentorship for supervised employees. Advise career path progression and training plans. Recruit, hire, and train new team members with coaching and mentorship. Procurement, Contracts & Commercial Management Support construction management staff with agreements, contracts, and specifications. Preconstruction, Estimating & Design‑Build Support Influence design‑build conceptual scopes for maximum energy conservation. Collaborate with engineers, architects, construction managers, and other professionals on budgets. Prepare project budgets and proposals (scope letters). Project Execution & Field Support Resolve field installation issues and ensure systems operate as promised. Technical Review, Quality, Compliance & Safety Critically analyze proposals before client submission. Lead QA/QC and document processes for training new hires. Review contract drawings, detail drawings, shop drawings, installation models, and specifications. Ensure inspections, QA/QC, and AHJ sign‑off are completed. Ensure compliance with building and safety codes. Secondary Responsibilities Collaborate with other groups to achieve E&E goals and objectives. Assist with life‑cycle cost analysis. Identify new project opportunities. Provide support and leadership for corporate initiatives such as AIM and process committees. Perform other related duties as assigned. Regular attendance and promptness are considered part of each employee's essential job functions. Position Requirements Required Skills and Abilities: Strong management and interpersonal skills. Strong engineering and technical capabilities. Knowledge of energy and utilities. Strong financial and marketing aptitude. Innovative and persistent mindset. Desire to take ownership and deliver successful projects. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Strong computer skills. Ability to prepare and deliver presentations. Ability to analyze and think strategically. Ability to accurately estimate energy savings. Ability to write detailed scopes of work. Ability to lead and foster a positive working environment. Ability to understand and communicate energy, construction, and mechanical concepts. Advanced organizational and time‑management skills. Attention to detail – errors can result in significant financial losses. Advanced computer skills including MS Word, Excel, Project, Access, Teams, Outlook, PowerPoint, Visio, Smartsheet, Bluebeam, AutoCAD. Knowledge of Vista and Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) is highly advantageous. Supervisory Responsibility: Lead a development team and oversee project and resource planning, estimating support, scheduling, contract management, and basic project administration. Preferred Education and Experience: Demonstrated leadership experience. Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field. 10+ years of engineering or energy industry experience. Required Licensing and Other Certifications: Maintain a valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record. PE License is desirable. Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) Certified Energy Manager (CEM) certification is desirable. OSHA 30 certification is desirable. Equal Opportunity Employer Affirmative Action: UMC is committed to a culture of inclusion and connectedness. We welcome the unique contributions of individuals of all backgrounds and identities. EEO Policy: UMC's policy on equal employment opportunity prohibits discrimination based on protected classes and ensures no retaliation against employees filing complaints. UMC is also committed to affirmative action plans annually to support equal opportunity. #J-18808-Ljbffr UMC