Distribution Program Manager

FirstEnergy•Akron, OH

About The Position

The Distribution Program Manager leads the development, execution, and oversight of distribution capital programs in FirstEnergy’s New Jersey operating companies. Programs include distribution line projects, substation rebuilds, and similar initiatives. The role is accountable for delivering programs within approved scope, cost, and schedule while aligning with regulatory requirements and enterprise strategy. The position leads end-to-end program management, coordinating cross-functional teams and external partners. It monitors program performance, manages risks and issues, supports regulatory filings and reporting, tracks program benefits, and provides communications and updates to leadership and stakeholders. The role also supports long-term strategy, technology standards, and integration of engineering and IT systems, while ensuring compliance with safety, operational, and corporate standards. The preferred reporting location is FirstEnergy Headquarters in Morristown, New Jersey, though the role may be based at any FirstEnergy location within the New Jersey footprint. Travel, including overnight travel, may be required. Employees hired at the Distribution Program Manager II level are expected to perform the responsibilities with greater proficiency and independence; the Distribution Program Manager IV level includes additional related responsibilities.

Requirements

For Distribution Program Manager II-III: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Project Management, or a related discipline and at least 5 years of related utility distribution experience; alternatively, a high school diploma or GED and at least 7 years of related utility distribution experience.
At least 5 years of project management experience or equivalent for the standard role levels.
For Distribution Program Manager IV: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Project Management, or a related discipline and 7–10 years of related utility distribution experience; alternatively, an associate degree in Engineering Technology, Business, Project Management, or a related discipline and at least 8 years of related utility distribution experience; or, in lieu of a degree, a high school diploma or GED and at least 13 years of related distribution experience.
At least 6 years of project management experience or equivalent for the Distribution Program Manager IV level.
Strong project management skills and ability to develop, manage, and control multiple tasks.
Ability to manage budgets, schedules, risks, and performance metrics.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with senior leadership and external stakeholders.
Ability to work across multiple departments and geographic locations.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and general business systems.
Collaborative approach and willingness to work in a team environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience with regulatory environments and/or utility programs.
Master’s degree.
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
Strong analytical ability to observe, investigate, and interpret situations, identify risks proactively, and develop creative operational solutions and innovative approaches.
For Distribution Program Manager IV: greater proficiency in program leadership, stakeholder management, and independent decision-making.
For Distribution Program Manager IV: experience supporting regulatory filings, reporting, and utility program execution.

Responsibilities

Lead end-to-end program management, including planning, execution, monitoring, and reporting.
Define program scope, deliverables, timelines, budgets, and resource plans with cross-functional teams.
Manage program execution to deliver within approved scope, cost, and schedule while achieving expected business outcomes.
Monitor program performance, identify risks, resolve issues, and manage escalations.
Lead cross-functional stakeholders and external partners to ensure alignment and delivery.
Support regulatory filings, discovery responses, and reporting to commissions and stakeholders.
Track and validate realization of program benefits and business outcomes.
Develop and deliver leadership updates, communication plans, and stakeholder engagement strategies.
Ensure compliance with safety, operational, and corporate standards.
Support development of long-term strategy, technology standards, and integration of engineering and IT systems.
Manage vendor engagement and support issue resolution as needed.
Develop presentations and communications for leadership, internal stakeholders, and external partners.
Demonstrate commitment to safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
Travel, including overnight, as required.