Director, Energy & Utilities, Technology Consulting

West Monroe•Chicago, IL

1d•$200,000 - $250,000•Hybrid

About The Position

West Monroe is seeking a Director to join its growing Energy & Utilities practice. This leader will assist investor-owned utilities in modernizing technology capabilities, transforming IT organizations, and executing business and technology initiatives to enhance operational performance, customer experience, grid modernization, and enterprise transformation outcomes. As a Director, you will act as a trusted advisor to utility executives, manage complex technology consulting engagements, and drive growth across a portfolio of utility clients. This role is suited for a consulting leader who possesses deep utility industry knowledge, broad technology expertise, and a proven ability to build executive relationships, identify opportunities, and deliver measurable results. You will collaborate across utility business and technology functions, guiding clients through evolving customer expectations, regulatory requirements, infrastructure modernization, data-driven operations, and emerging technologies.

Requirements

12+ years of experience serving the utility industry, including significant experience working with investor-owned utilities.
8+ years of consulting experience leading business and technology transformation initiatives.
Demonstrated success building executive-level client relationships and growing consulting revenue through new and existing accounts.
Deep understanding of utility operating models, regulatory environments, customer operations, asset-intensive business processes, and modernization priorities.
Experience leading and delivering one or more of the following areas: Technology Strategy and Roadmaps, Enterprise Architecture, Cloud Transformation, Systems Modernization and Integration, Data, Analytics, and AI, Digital Transformation, Technology Operating Models, IT Organizational Effectiveness, Program and Portfolio Management, Cybersecurity and Technology Risk, Customer and Workforce Technologies, or IT/OT Strategy and Convergence.
Proven ability to connect technology investments to measurable business outcomes.
Strong executive presence with the ability to influence and communicate effectively with C-suite stakeholders.
Experience leading complex engagements, multidisciplinary teams, and large-scale transformation programs.
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.
Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, Business, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
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

Prior consulting experience at a leading management or technology consulting firm preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as a trusted advisor to utility executives and technology leaders on technology strategy, digital transformation, and modernization initiatives.
Lead consulting engagements spanning technology strategy, enterprise architecture, cloud transformation, systems modernization, data and analytics, AI transformation enablement, cybersecurity, customer technologies, workforce technologies, and IT/OT alignment.
Identify opportunities to use AI and related technologies to improve – and in some cases transform – operations, delivering measurable outcomes.
Guide clients through technology investment decisions, operating model transformation, governance design, roadmap development, and large-scale program execution.
Oversee delivery quality, project economics, stakeholder management, and achievement of measurable business outcomes.
Lead multidisciplinary teams and develop future consulting leaders through coaching and mentorship.
Leverage deep utility industry expertise to help clients address challenges related to grid modernization, customer engagement, asset management, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
Leverage AI tools to accelerate analysis, synthesize complex information, and support data-driven recommendations for clients, exercising sound judgment in evaluating outputs.
Apply AI technologies (e.g., generative AI, automation tools, data models) to enhance insights, improve delivery efficiency, and elevate the quality of client outcomes.
Develop and expand executive relationships across investor-owned utilities, technology organizations, and industry stakeholders.
Originate, shape, and close consulting opportunities across technology and business transformation initiatives.
Develop account growth strategies and identify opportunities to expand West Monroe's footprint within existing and prospective utility clients.
Lead pursuit teams, proposal development, solution design, pricing strategies, and executive presentations.
Collaborate across West Monroe practices to deliver integrated solutions that address complex business and technology challenges.
Represent West Monroe at utility industry conferences, client forums, and professional associations to strengthen market presence and build industry relationships.
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.