Senior Manager (Hybrid - Chicago)

Interested in joining a growing company where you will work with talented colleagues, enhance a supportive and energetic culture, and be part of the climate solution? At Energy Solutions, we focus on the big impacts. And we believe that market-based programs can be a powerful force to deliver large-scale energy, carbon, and water-use savings. Since 1995, we’ve harnessed that power to offer proven, performance-based solutions for our utility, government, and institutional customers.

Energy Solutions is looking for a Senior Manager to lead the planning, administration, and performance of major Energy Efficiency programs. This role sets strategic direction and drives operational and financial performance for a defined book of business, with accountability for advancing both program excellence and sustained business growth within their domain.

In addition to program and client oversight, the Senior Manager builds and scales organizational capability by developing staff and establishing and evolving implementation standards. This role shapes budgeting practices for energy efficiency programs and works cross‑functionally to develop accurate energy‑savings forecasts. The Senior Manager partners closely with senior leadership to guide program planning, strengthen delivery frameworks, and ensure high‑quality execution across teams. They oversee contract management, maintain strong QA/QC standards, and drive continuous improvement to enhance program performance and operational effectiveness.

We are seeking candidates located in the Chicago/Midwest area, preferably with a strong understanding of the region's business landscape.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Establish and evolve implementation frameworks, operating procedures, and quality standards to enable scalable and repeatable program success
• Influence and integrate practice-level priorities by partnering with Directors and cross-functional leaders to ensure coordinated execution across teams
• Design and implement program‑level operational strategies to improve resource allocation, delivery efficiency, and overall execution quality
• Analyze and interpret program performance trends, market conditions, and risks to inform strategic adjustments, strengthen delivery and continuous improvement
• Identify and advance opportunities to enhance program capabilities, expand service offerings, enhance capabilities, and increase market impact and effectiveness of energy efficiency initiatives
• Develop and review cost estimates, staffing plans, and delivery timelines for client engagements and proposal efforts
• Partner with Directors and Finance to forecast, monitor, and improve profitability across the solution area
• Lead contract management to ensure program budgets, performance targets, and savings goals are met
• Define and enforce roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations, holding staff accountable for outcomes
• Develop and mentor staff and Project Managers through coaching, knowledge transfer, and structured performance feedback
• Build and scale – Develop program capability by coaching teams, embedding best practices, and reinforcing operational standards that improve delivery effectiveness
• Develop and manage strategic client relationships within the defined region area, ensuring long-term partnership success
• Engage and advise clients on program performance, risks, opportunities, and strategic direction
• Drive business development efforts by leading or contributing to proposals, scopes of work, and client presentations
• Identify and progress growth opportunities, collaborating with Senior Director who retain final contracting authority
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, contractual obligations, and internal policies across all programs
• Monitor and evaluate program performance using KPIs, budgets, and delivery metrics to ensure quality and timeliness
• Design and implement risk mitigation strategies and drive continuous improvement across program operations

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, Sustainability, Economics, Business Administration, Public Policy, or a related discipline)
• Ten or more years of progressively responsible experience leading and managing complex programs, solution areas, or cross‑functional initiatives within energy efficiency, utilities, sustainability, or a related regulated industry
• Five or more years of experience leading teams, initiatives, or programs with accountability for delivery outcomes, stakeholder alignment, and performance
• Deep understanding of Demand Side Management energy‑efficiency program design, delivery models, and regulatory frameworks, including how programs achieve savings, cost‑effectiveness, and compliance targets. Understanding of market transformation principles and how program strategies influence long‑term shifts in technology adoption and market behavior
• Understanding of midstream program design and delivery, including engagement with distributors, manufacturers, and retailers to influence stocking practices and drive adoption of efficient products
• Demonstrated ability to lead and advance program management, and service delivery practices across complex program environments
• Proven capability to manage financial performance, including overseeing budgets, forecasting outcomes, and driving profitability within a defined solution area
• Manage client relationships to ensure alignment on program goals, delivery expectations, and performance outcomes
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and influence stakeholders at multiple levels
• Ability to assess risks, make strategic decisions, and guide execution in complex and ambiguous situations
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, market trends, and performance results to inform strategy and operational decisions
• Experience developing executive-level presentations, client-facing deliverables, and performance dashboards
• Demonstrated strength in anticipating risks, evaluating trade-offs, and recommending solutions in high‑impact scenarios
• Strong stakeholder management capability, with the ability to influence without authority and sustain productive client relationships
• Manage subcontractors and delivery partners to ensure alignment with program requirements, budgets, and performance goals

The salary range for this role is $105,000 to $137,000, with a target compensation of $105,000 to $123,300 based on experience and qualifications.

Compensation is commensurate with experience and includes a generous retirement package. Energy Solutions provides an excellent benefits package including medical, dental and vision insurance, other pre-tax contribution plans and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).

AI Use

At Energy Solutions we believe in the importance of authentic interactions and equitable opportunities. We base our candidate selection on one’s own skills, knowledge, and experience. To ensure the integrity and fairness of our interview process, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools (including Generative AI) or other means to generate or assist with responses during interviews is strictly prohibited. This practice supports our commitment to create a transparent and equitable space where skills, knowledge and experience can truly shine.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Energy Solutions is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. We afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law. Energy Solutions conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.

Office Locations and a Remote Workforce

Energy Solutions operates as a predominantly remote workforce with offices in six different locations. Employees who reside within 40 miles of an office (except New York) will be assigned to that location, though in-office attendance requirements may vary by team. At this time, we are not accepting applications from candidates residing in the following states: Delaware, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, and North Dakota.

Background Check Information

Information will be requested to perform the compulsory background check. A drug screen and authorization to work in the U.S. indefinitely are preconditions of employment. Energy Solutions is an equal opportunity employer.

Reasonable Accommodations

Energy Solutions is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. If you require accommodations in completing this application, interviewing, and/or completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please email View email address on aiapply.co.

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