Director, Energy & Utilities, Operational Technology Strategy & Transformation

West Monroe•Chicago, IL

1d•$200,000 - $250,000•Hybrid

About The Position

West Monroe is seeking a Director to join their growing Energy & Utilities practice, leading Operational Technology (OT) strategy and transformation initiatives for utility clients across North America. This leader will help electric, gas, and water utilities modernize operational environments, accelerate grid modernization efforts, improve reliability and resiliency, and unlock greater business value through the convergence of Operational Technology and Information Technology. As a Director, you will serve as a trusted advisor to utility executives, lead large-scale transformation programs, own and expand strategic client relationships, and help shape the strategic direction of West Monroe’s Operational Technology consulting offerings. This role combines deep utility industry expertise, technology acumen, strategic and tactical leadership, business development, and people development to drive meaningful outcomes for clients and sustained growth for the practice and firm.

Requirements

12+ years of experience within the utility industry, consulting, or a combination of both, with demonstrated leadership of operational and technology transformation initiatives.
Deep expertise in utility operational environments, including electric, gas, and water utilities, and a strong understanding of utility business processes, regulatory considerations, and operational priorities.
Experience leading OT strategy, modernization, and transformation initiatives involving platforms such as GIS, SCADA, ADMS, OMS, DERMS, AMI, historian solutions, field technologies, enterprise asset management systems, and operational analytics platforms.
Strong understanding of IT/OT convergence, enterprise integration architectures, operational data strategies, utility cybersecurity considerations, and emerging technology trends.
Proven success serving as an executive sponsor or engagement leader for large-scale business and technology transformation programs with significant organizational impact.
Demonstrated ability to build executive relationships, originate new business opportunities, expand strategic accounts, and achieve revenue growth objectives.
Experience developing business cases, technology roadmaps, operating models, investment strategies, and transformation programs that align technology initiatives with business objectives and operational outcomes.
Track record of creating new offerings, developing market-facing solutions, and contributing to practice growth initiatives.
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Business, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
Experience integrating AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT) into day-to-day workflows to enhance productivity and insight generation, coupled with strong critical thinking to assess accuracy, mitigate bias, and ensure high-quality outputs.
Exceptional communication, executive presentation, relationship management, business development, and leadership skills.
Ability to travel 50-75% annually.
A commitment to inclusion and diversity, and openness to new ideas and perspectives.
Ability to work permanently in the United States without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

advanced degree preferred

Responsibilities

Serve as a trusted advisor to utility executives and operational leaders on OT strategy and execution.
Act as the executive sponsor and provide leadership for complex OT and IT transformation programs.
Lead large-scale transformation programs involving transmission, distribution, generation, customer operations, and enterprise technology functions.
Oversee engagements spanning strategy development, technology assessments and roadmaps, business case development, and implementation oversight.
Guide utility clients through IT/OT convergence initiatives that improve operational visibility and decision-making.
Provide executive leadership for programs involving operational systems such as GIS, SCADA, ADMS, OMS, DERMS, AMI, enterprise asset management, field technologies, and operational data platforms.
Own client satisfaction, engagement profitability, delivery quality, risk management, and overall account health across assigned utility clients.
Lead account management activities on highly complex utility accounts and identify opportunities to expand relationships and deliver additional value.
Leverage and apply AI technologies (e.g., generative AI, automation tools, data models) to enhance insights, improve delivery efficiency, and elevate the quality of client outcomes.
Serve as an account leader for strategic utility clients, developing long-term growth strategies and executive relationships that drive sustained revenue growth.
Originate, shape, and close consulting opportunities across OT strategy and execution.
Lead pursuit strategy, proposal development, executive presentations, pricing strategy, commercial negotiations, and contract development for strategic opportunities.
Develop and maintain C-suite and senior executive relationships across utility organizations, serving as a strategic partner on business and technology transformation priorities.
Identify new service offerings, market opportunities, and emerging utility trends that expand West Monroe’s position in the market.
Represent West Monroe at industry conferences, utility forums, regulatory events, and professional organizations to strengthen market presence and executive networks.
Establish external market credibility through thought leadership, speaking engagements, publications, and industry participation focused on OT modernization, digital utilities, industrial AI, and grid transformation.
Help define and execute the strategic vision, growth strategy, and market positioning for West Monroe’s Utilities consulting practice.
Drive the development of differentiated offerings, methodologies, accelerators, frameworks, and intellectual property that enhance client value and delivery efficiency.
Influence practice investment decisions, strategic partnerships, alliance relationships, and capability development priorities.
Recruit, mentor, coach, and develop consulting talent across all career levels while fostering a high-performing and inclusive culture.
Serve as a Career Advisor and leadership mentor, actively supporting succession planning and leadership development efforts.
Build and strengthen relationships with technology vendors, alliance partners, industry organizations, and utility ecosystem participants.
Lead internal initiatives that contribute to practice growth, operational excellence, innovation, and firmwide collaboration.