Large Commercial Program Manager

Center for Energy and Environment•Minneapolis, MN

1d•$105,000 - $115,000•Hybrid

About The Position

We are looking for a resourceful and relationship-driven Large Commercial Program Manager to lead our Large Commercial Buildings team, which provides commercial building owners and operators with technical energy assessments and support to identify cost-effective energy efficiency and electrification opportunities. This position combines day-to-day program management and process ownership with strategic responsibility for utility and stakeholder relationships, and for identifying new business opportunities that grow the impact of CEE's engineering team. CEE's Large Commercial Buildings team pairs building owners and facility staff with CEE engineers to identify and review energy and cost savings opportunities across HVAC, lighting, controls, envelope, and operations, and then provides the roadmap and support needed to implement carbon and energy savings projects, helping commercial buildings reduce energy use and meet local, state, and utility energy goals. This role will report to the Senior Director of Commercial Programs.

Requirements

Direct familiarity and experience with commercial energy efficiency programs; experience with commercial building energy assessments, audits, or benchmarking (e.g., ASHRAE Level I/II/III audits, ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager)
Demonstrated experience working with engineers or other technical staff, and translating technical findings for non-technical audiences
Demonstrated experience managing utility, funder, or other external partner relationships, including contract compliance and reporting
Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple work streams and competing deadlines
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including experience presenting to external stakeholders
Working knowledge of commercial building systems (HVAC, lighting, controls, building envelope) preferred
Proficiency with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) required; experience with CRM or program tracking databases preferred
Ability to navigate ambiguity, solve problems independently, and drive process improvements

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, environmental science, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
At least 5 years of experience managing programs in commercial energy efficiency, sustainability, utility program implementation, or a related field
At least 2 years of supervisory experience managing staff, including performance management and professional development

Responsibilities

Own end-to-end delivery of the Building Assessment program (the hallmark program of the Large Commercial Building team) by ensuring assessments are scheduled, delivered, and reported on time and to a consistently high standard of quality.
Own the program's processes and workflows, from building recruitment and intake through assessment delivery, reporting, and follow-up, and driving continuous process improvement based on data, staff input, and customer feedback.
Develop and maintain program documentation, standard operating procedures, and quality assurance protocols for assessment delivery and reporting.
Track and analyze program performance data (e.g., participation, savings, timelines) using internal tracking/CRM systems, and using findings to inform program strategy.
Coordinate with data analytics and evaluation staff to ensure accurate savings calculations, reporting, and program documentation.
Accountable for meeting program participation, building recruitment, and energy savings goals as defined by utility contracts, grant agreements, or internal targets.
Develop and monitor progress toward program metrics and key performance indicators, and proactively identify and address risks to achieving program goals.
Prepare regular progress and outcome reports for CEE leadership, utility partners, and other funders.
Manage program budget and track spending against approved program budgets.
Serve as the primary point of contact for utility partners and program funders, managing relationships, contract compliance, and reporting requirements for the BA program.
Build and maintain relationships with commercial building owners, property managers, trade allies, brokers, and industry associations to drive program awareness and recruit buildings into the program.
Represent CEE at industry conferences, utility program meetings, and stakeholder events related to commercial building energy efficiency.
Coordinate with other CEE program and business development staff to ensure consistent and coordinated experience for shared customers and utility partners.
Develop and maintain strong working relationships across CEE's Commercial Department to leverage shared customer relationships, utility partnerships, and technical expertise.
Partner with other commercial program teams to coordinate recruitment, project development, customer engagement, and implementation activities.
Establish processes and communication channels that enable effective cross-functional collaboration and maximize program performance.
Investigate and evaluate additional business opportunities for CEE's engineering team, including new utility contracts, expanded service lines, and responses to relevant Requests for Proposals (RFPs).
Collaborate with Program and Business Development staff to scope, develop, and pitch new commercial energy efficiency service opportunities that build on the BA program's capabilities.
Oversee the development and implementation of new pilot programs, to test out innovative or new approaches to deliver energy efficiency services.
Monitor commercial energy efficiency policy, utility program, and market trends relevant to expanding CEE's engineering services.
Supervise and mentor staff supporting the BA program, including assigning workload, providing feedback, and supporting professional development.
Partner closely with engineers and other technical staff to ensure assessment quality and technical accuracy, and to translate technical findings into clear, actionable recommendations for building owners and utility partners.
Foster a collaborative, solutions-oriented team culture between program staff and technical/engineering staff.