Program Director - Grid Flexibility
About The Position
Kraken is seeking a highly credible Program Director to take end-to-end ownership of a complex, first-of-its-kind US utility flexibility deployment. The program focuses on grid-level needs, consolidating and dispatching flexible supply- and demand-side assets to unlock multiple value streams. The role combines hands-on operational leadership with executive-level stakeholder management and full delivery and commercial matrix accountability. The Program Director will lead the program from initial planning through implementation and long-term value realization, managing timelines, decisions, coordination, and execution directly. They will produce documentation and other program assets, address functional gaps, and align product, engineering/technology, delivery, and customer-facing teams. Although product teams will not report directly to this role, the Director will influence product and delivery trade-offs. The position also owns the business case, value realization, customer expansion, and revenue linkage. The role involves travel to a client in the Northeast approximately every two weeks for a few days at a time. The salary range is $200,000–$260,000, depending on relevant 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 are applying.
Requirements
- Senior-level experience at Director, Senior Director, or Head-of level in program, implementation, delivery, or utility-transformation leadership.
- 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 the operational, control-room side of a utility.
- Recent end-to-end ownership of a complex grid program, including planning, governance, and cross-functional execution, with direct responsibility for core project management rather than delegation to a separate PMO.
- Demonstrated commercial or solution ownership, P&L exposure, or accountability for value realization.
- Must have the right to work in the country of application; visa sponsorship is not available.
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 day one through implementation and long-term value realization.
- Directly manage delivery timelines, decision-making, coordination, and execution.
- Create required program documentation, artifacts, and assets, and bridge functional gaps to ensure seamless delivery.
- Build credibility with a major regulated US electric utility; deepen existing relationships, develop new ones, and navigate the utility’s operational layers.
- Align product, engineering/technology, delivery, and customer-facing teams, and influence product and delivery trade-offs.
- Own commercial outcomes alongside delivery, including the business case, value realization, customer expansion, and revenue linkage.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance options, including FSAs.
- Paid time off.
- 401(k) plan with employer match.
- Parental leave for biological, adoptive, and foster parents.
- Pre-tax commuter benefits.
- Flexible working environment and scheduling.
- Equity options; every Kraken employee owns part of the business.
- Modern office or co-working spaces depending on location.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
Education Level
No Education Listed
