Program Manager - Virtual Power Plant & Load Flexibility

Role Description

We have an opportunity for a highly motivated, analytical, and creative thinker to fill the role of Virtual Power Plant Program Manager. This role will coordinate Budderfly’s Optimization Systems, including VPP, Energy Efficiency, and Battery programs. The successful candidate will support partner integrations, manage programs, analyze program and event performance, and turn those insights into actionable system and process improvements that strengthen customer outcomes. With the ability to work on both strategy and implementation, this position offers a fast-paced environment with plenty of autonomy.

Why this Role is Important:

• Last year, our Energy Management team launched the first small commercial VPP in the country across three energy markets and one major utility program, with strong results.
• This year we’ve expanded both our territory and product suite and are looking for a highly motivated, creative problem solver to help us go even bigger.
• This role will help clients realize innovative new revenue and savings opportunities while supporting grid reliability.
• The successful candidate will keep the end customer experience top of mind and use data from DR events, program performance, and operational results to identify what worked, what did not, and what needs to change.
• Success in this role will be measured by stronger program implementation, increased revenue, higher customer satisfaction, improved operational performance, and greater grid stability across the US.

Responsibilities

• Analyze energy performance, customer and site response, dispatch results, and program data to identify trends, root causes, opportunities for improvement, and practical changes to internal systems, workflows, partner coordination, customer communication, and operating procedures.
• Communicate key findings, risks, and recommend next steps clearly to internal teams, partners, and senior management.
• Cultivate, manage, and expand relationships with Budderfly’s Utility and Energy Market partners while maintaining a personal touch with every interaction.
• Oversee program success and guide coordination and project management as Budderfly grows its Optimization programs.
• Contribute to Load Flexibility strategy & expansion planning.
• Collaborate with the Sales, Development, Marketing, Product, and our customer success team to ensure the highest level of program delivery and streamlined growth.
• Coordinate with team members and departments to prioritize clients-reported issues and maintain clear communication with clients.
• Manage and oversee the implementation and operation of Energy Efficiency, VPP, and Battery programs.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and standards.
• Stay up to date with industry trends and best practices in energy management.
• Work as a team to respond to RFPs or engage new businesses, occasionally leading the effort and coordinating new work with our Technical Product Manager to deliver new capabilities.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in demand response program management or a related field.
• Understanding of Demand Response, VPP, Energy Efficiency, Battery program management and program growth beyond thermostats, including but not limited to Batteries, Solar, Electric Vehicles, and additional load control technologies.
• Understanding and experience working with AI in the energy sector.
• Very strong organizational and time management skills.
• Thrives in start-up environment and willing to go deep into the work.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of program management methodologies and tools.
• Desire to work in a fast-paced and highly dynamic environment with a core personal drive to find solutions in ambiguity.
• Self-starter with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to turn operational data, event results, and performance trends into practical recommendations and measurable program improvements.
• Professional certifications such as project management certification (PMP) are preferred.

Benefits

• Career advancement opportunities in a fast-growing, supportive company environment.
• Competitive pay.
• Full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401K, life insurance, and disability insurance.
• Opportunity to work as part of a team that values its members and works together to achieve positive change.