Energy Manager

University of Memphis•Memphis, TN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Energy Manager serves as the University of Memphis’ strategic and operational lead for energy, utilities, and related sustainability performance across a large, complex research campus. This position is responsible for developing, implementing, and optimizing a comprehensive energy management program that reduces utility costs, improves system reliability, and advances institutional sustainability and carbon reduction goals. The Energy Manager provides oversight of campus energy systems, including central plants, electrical and thermal distribution, building automation systems, metering infrastructure, and renewable energy initiatives. The role requires strong collaboration across Facilities Operations, Planning & Construction, Finance, Sustainability, and academic partners to ensure alignment with institutional priorities and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Energy), Facilities Management, Sustainability, or related field.
Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive experience in energy management, utilities operations, or facilities engineering.
Demonstrated experience managing energy consumption, utility systems, and/or sustainability programs in a large, complex environment (higher education preferred).
Strong knowledge of HVAC systems, building automation systems, and energy efficiency technologies.
Experience with energy data analytics, budgeting, and performance reporting.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a research-intensive (R1) university or similarly complex institutional environment.
Professional certifications such as Certified Energy Manager (CEM), LEED AP, or related credentials.
Experience with central utility plants, district energy systems, and large-scale infrastructure.
Knowledge of decarbonization strategies, renewable energy systems, and carbon accounting.
Experience with energy procurement, demand response, and utility contract management.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement a long-term, campus-wide energy management and decarbonization strategy aligned with institutional sustainability goals.
Establish measurable energy performance targets (e.g., energy use intensity, emissions reductions, cost savings) and monitor progress.
Lead development and execution of energy conservation measures (ECMs), retro-commissioning initiatives, and continuous improvement programs.
Support carbon reduction planning, including renewable energy integration and electrification strategies.
Oversee the performance of campus energy and utility systems, including central plants, chilled water, steam, electrical distribution, and building automation systems.
Monitor energy consumption and operational performance using energy management information systems (EMIS) and advanced metering infrastructure.
Identify performance gaps and implement corrective actions to optimize reliability, efficiency, and lifecycle cost.
Track and analyze utility consumption, costs, and key performance indicators across the campus portfolio.
Develop dashboards and reporting tools for leadership to inform data-driven decision-making.
Measure and verify energy savings using established protocols and best practices.
Maintain centralized energy data systems and ensure accuracy of reporting.
Develop and manage the institutional energy and utilities budget, including forecasting and cost control.
Lead utility procurement strategies, including rate analysis, contract negotiation, and market monitoring.
Identify and secure rebates, incentives, and grant funding opportunities to support energy initiatives.
Perform lifecycle cost analyses and return-on-investment evaluations for capital projects.
Collaborate with Planning, Design, and Construction teams to integrate energy efficiency and sustainability standards into new construction and major renovations.
Review project designs to ensure compatibility with campus energy systems and long-term performance goals.
Support commissioning, retro-commissioning, and measurement and verification processes for capital projects.
Provide technical oversight on major infrastructure and utility system upgrades.
Ensure university compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local energy, environmental, and utility regulations.
Monitor evolving legislation and recommend institutional responses to regulatory changes.
Lead compliance reporting for energy usage, emissions, and sustainability programs.
Serve as the primary liaison for energy-related matters across campus, including academic units, administration, and external partners.
Promote energy awareness programs and behavioral change initiatives among faculty, staff, and students.
Communicate performance results and sustainability progress to leadership and external stakeholders.
Represent the University in professional organizations, utilities coordination, and sustainability networks.
Supervise and develop energy management staff, analysts, and/or engineers as assigned.
Establish annual and multi-year work plans for energy analytics, system optimization, and capital initiatives.
Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and operational excellence.