Program Director - Grid Flexibility

Kraken•New York, NY

2d•$200,000 - $260,000

About The Position

Kraken is seeking a highly credible Program Director to take end-to-end ownership of a complex, marquee US utility flexibility deployment. The control-room-focused program will consolidate and dispatch supply- and demand-side flexible assets to unlock multiple value streams. As a first-of-its-kind initiative, the role will help establish the foundational approach while combining hands-on execution with executive-level relationship management. The Program Director will hold delivery and commercial matrix accountability for the deployment, leading it from initial planning through implementation and long-term value realization. The role requires grid-operational credibility with senior utility stakeholders, direct management of program mechanics, and the ability to coordinate across product, engineering, technology, delivery, and customer-facing teams. No product team reports directly to this position, but the role will influence product and delivery trade-offs. The position involves travel to a client in the Northeast approximately every two weeks for a few days at a time. Kraken offers a flexible working environment and modern office or co-working spaces depending on location. The listed salary range is $200,000–$260,000, depending on experience, role alignment, and demonstrated client-management expertise. Visa sponsorship is not available; applicants must already have the right to work in the country where they apply.

Requirements

Senior-level experience in program, implementation, delivery, or utility-transformation leadership, at Director, Senior Director, or Head-of level.
Direct, deep experience with grid modernization programs and strong understanding of Demand Response, DERs, VPPs, DERMS, AMI, and grid operations.
Proven experience managing regulated US electric-utility stakeholders and navigating utility operational and control-room environments.
Recent end-to-end ownership of a complex grid program, including planning, governance, and cross-functional execution, with direct responsibility for core project management.
Clear history of commercial or solution ownership, P&L exposure, or value-realization accountability.
Must have the right to work in the country of application at the time of application; visa sponsorship is unavailable.

Nice To Haves

Based on the US East Coast, with exposure to Virginia, Mid-Atlantic, or broader East Coast utility ecosystems.
Experience leading grid-side flexibility work addressing specific physical or locational grid constraints rather than only bulk-system or generic programs.
Recognized and credible presence in the US utility or flexibility ecosystem.

Responsibilities

Lead the program from inception through implementation and long-term value realization.
Directly manage delivery timelines, decision-making, coordination, and execution.
Create necessary program documentation, artifacts, and assets, and bridge functional gaps as they emerge.
Build and deepen relationships with a regulated major US electric utility, identify new stakeholders, and navigate its operational layers.
Align product, engineering and technology, delivery, and customer-facing teams, and influence product and delivery trade-offs.
Own commercial outcomes, including the business case, value realization, customer expansion, and revenue linkage.