Demand Side Management Program Specialist

Otter Tail Corporation Careers•Fergus Falls, MN

18h•Onsite

About The Position

Otter Tail Power Company is seeking an innovative and collaborative professional to lead the development and management of customer energy programs that support demand-side management, load growth, electrification, and energy optimization objectives. In this role, you'll combine market intelligence, customer insights, and program leadership to develop products, services, and strategies that create value for customers while advancing Company goals. The successful candidate will serve as the Company's subject matter expert and program owner for multiple customer-facing energy programs, helping guide strategy, implementation, and continuous improvement. This position serves as a key link between customers, emerging technologies, and utility operations. Partnering with teams across Customer Service, Sales and Implementation, Industrial Services, Resource Planning, Regulatory, Advanced Concepts, and Operations, you'll evaluate market opportunities, manage program performance, and drive the implementation of customer-focused solutions that support system reliability, customer experience, and the evolving energy needs of the communities we serve.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, Energy Management, Engineering, Economics, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Relevant utility, energy, or customer program experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
Demonstrated knowledge of marketing principles, market research methodologies, customer analytics, product development, pricing strategies, and project management practices.
Knowledge of electric utility operations, including customer service, regulatory processes, resource planning, energy markets, demand-side management, energy efficiency, electrification, and load management technologies.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and financial evaluation skills, including the ability to develop business cases, forecasts, and performance metrics to support decision-making.
Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills with the ability to lead cross-functional teams, influence stakeholders, and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
Self-motivated and results-oriented with the ability to identify emerging opportunities, evaluate new technologies, and deliver innovative customer solutions that support Company objectives.

Responsibilities

Develop and Manage Customer Energy Programs: Lead the design, implementation, and ongoing management of demand-side management (DSM), load management, electrification, and energy optimization programs that support customer needs and Company objectives.
Conduct Market and Customer Research: Analyze customer segments, market trends, competitive offerings, demographic changes, and emerging technologies to identify opportunities and develop effective customer solutions.
Drive Product and Program Strategy: Manage the full lifecycle of customer-facing products and services, including business case development, positioning, pricing, forecasting, implementation, performance monitoring, and continuous improvement.
Support Company Growth and Energy Objectives: Develop innovative programs that advance load growth, load retention, demand response, energy conservation and optimization (ECO), customer experience, customer satisfaction, and beneficial electrification goals.
Evaluate Emerging Technologies and Market Opportunities: Research and assess new technologies, energy market developments, and customer solutions to identify innovations that create customer value and support Company strategy.
Lead Cross-Functional Initiatives: Collaborate with Customer Service, Sales and Implementation, Industrial Services, Resource Planning, Regulatory, Advanced Concepts, and Operations teams to establish goals, secure stakeholder alignment, and execute strategic initiatives.
Perform Financial and Operational Analysis: Develop forecasts, pro forma financial analyses, pricing strategies, spending to budget analysis, and performance metrics to evaluate program effectiveness and support decision-making.
Monitor Regulatory, Economic, and Industry Trends: Assess the impacts of economic conditions, regulatory policy, utility industry developments, and evolving customer expectations to inform program design and business strategy.