Program Manager - Diverse Vendor Resources and Energy Efficiency Service Provider New

Walker-Miller Energy Services-posted about 1 month ago
$95,000 - $115,000/Yr
Full-time • Manager
Chicago, IL
101-250 employees
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Walker-Miller Energy Services is a 25-year-old Detroit-based, core-values driven company committed to changing lives through energy efficiency. We create and manage customized energy waste reduction programs that help electric and gas utilities meet mandated energy savings goals. Our experience driven philosophy of energy efficiency as economic development helps families and businesses save energy and save money. Through innovative, inclusive initiatives, we help build communities by creating local jobs, producing equitable energy savings for all rate payers, and spurring the growth of diverse local businesses. Our operating philosophy is reflected in our core values. We refer to them as BEHIVE. B - Boldly Go E - Embrace Equity H - Humble Confidence I - Inclusive Stewardship V - Value Reputation E - Extraordinary Experience Position Summary: The Program Manager - DVR & EESP supports the implementation of Walker-Miller's Diverse Vendor Resources (DVR) and Energy Efficiency Service Provider (EESP) initiatives under the Market Development Initiatives (MDI) portfolio. This position ensures operational excellence across supplier development, contractor engagement, and program reporting functions. The Program Manager works within a defined market or utility service territory and is responsible for day-to-day execution of program activities, managing vendor relationships, supporting small-business incubation, and ensuring alignment with utility and internal KPIs. The role contributes to the broader goal of increasing diverse supplier participation and strengthening the clean-energy ecosystem through intentional inclusion, accountability, and performance tracking.

  • Lead, embrace and operate within the core values.
  • Manage direct reports and oversee program staff where applicable. This includes interviewing, planning, assigning, completing performance evaluations, coaching, mentoring and directing work.
  • Lead the day-to-day implementation of assigned workforce development and CBO programs, ensuring consistency with approved processes and client expectations.
  • Supervise project timelines, deliverables, and partner reporting to ensure all milestones are met and documented accurately.
  • Lead daily operations for assigned DVR and EESP programs, ensuring all vendor engagement, reporting, and administrative functions are executed on time and within scope.
  • Manage multiple concurrent vendor relationships, tracking participation, performance metrics, and pipeline development activities.
  • Coordinate with the Senior Program Manager and internal leads to align on budget utilization, partner deliverables, and event planning.
  • Supervise the implementation of key program elements such as vendor outreach events, incubator sessions, and mentorship pairings.
  • Provide coaching and oversight to Coordinators or support staff executing vendor data collection, scheduling, and communications.
  • Maintain organized documentation of vendor rosters, certifications, and qualification criteria in Salesforce and Power BI.
  • Ensure all partner communications, materials, and events align with utility branding and inclusion standards.
  • Support Senior Program Manager in developing and implementing plans to attract new customers/energy efficiency service providers to meet program objectives.
  • Develop a comprehensive understanding of the program's strategic direction regarding energy efficiency and the business activities of its customers.
  • Incorporate “best practice” methods of energy efficiency program implementation.
  • Work directly with the client to supervise, develop, and implement marketing and communications plans to educate customers about energy efficiency and drive participation in energy efficiency programs.
  • Support the recruitment, onboarding, and tracking of diverse vendors, contractors, and small businesses participating in MDI programs.
  • Coordinate vendor enrollment for incubator or technical-assistance opportunities, verifying eligibility and capturing baseline business data.
  • Develop outreach strategies targeting certified minority-, women-, veteran-, and disability-owned businesses to expand supplier diversity pipelines.
  • Collaborate with marketing and communication teams to promote events, webinars, and engagement opportunities through community and trade networks.
  • Schedule and facilitate vendor development activities such as business-readiness workshops, matchmaking sessions, and networking events.
  • Track vendor progression through the MDI ecosystem—from introduction to opportunity development, project participation, and retention.
  • Identify and document success stories that demonstrate vendor growth, capacity building, and increased participation in utility programs.
  • Serve as liaison between diverse vendors, prime contractors, utility staff, and internal Walker-Miller teams to ensure smooth coordination and timely responses.
  • Collaborate with the EESP team to align vendor readiness activities with upcoming bid opportunities, pipeline forecasts, and program schedules.
  • Support mentorship pairings and peer-learning exchanges between established vendors and emerging diverse suppliers.
  • Participate in cross-functional planning meetings with the CBO/Workforce Development teams to align outreach efforts and share partner data.
  • Represent Walker-Miller and the MDI program at utility events, industry conferences, and community engagement sessions.
  • Foster trust and inclusion by maintaining consistent communication and follow-up with vendors and stakeholders, ensuring they remain informed and engaged.
  • Manage ongoing program data collection, reporting, and performance monitoring for DVR/EESP initiatives.
  • Maintain real-time accuracy in Salesforce and Power BI, ensuring vendor and program data aligns with utility reporting requirements and audit standards.
  • Prepare monthly and quarterly reports summarizing vendor engagement, capacity-building metrics, and supplier diversity outcomes.
  • Collaborate with internal Finance and Data teams to reconcile vendor activity, invoices, and budget utilization across assigned programs.
  • Evaluate vendor participation trends to identify barriers, successes, and areas for process improvement.
  • Support the development and refinement of standard operating procedures (SOPs), intake forms, and templates to ensure efficiency and consistency across the MDI department.
  • Participate in post-event and end-of-cycle reviews to assess effectiveness, share best practices, and recommend enhancements for future implementation.
  • Capture and share vendor success stories, capacity gains, and contracting milestones for leadership and client communications.
  • Promote a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous learning across the DVR/EESP team.
  • Bachelor's degree in business administration, supply chain management, or related field preferred; equivalent work experience may be considered.
  • 2+ years of experience in supplier diversity, program coordination, or project management within the utility, construction, or energy-efficiency sector.
  • 2 + years of direct or indirect leadership required.
  • Proven leadership abilities in a rapidly changing environment.
  • Proficiency in financial and project management.
  • Experience in community development, grassroots organizing, workforce development, public sector project management.
  • Demonstrated experience managing multiple partners or community organizations and achieving program deliverables.
  • Proven leadership in a fast-paced environment.
  • Detail-oriented and able to prioritize workload and delegate appropriate work assignments to staff.
  • Must be flexible to handle a wide variety of tasks and complete work in a timely fashion in a fast-paced environment.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office, specifically Word, Excel and Outlook.
  • Strong data entry skills in entering information in tracking systems/databases.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing with customers, clients and employees.
  • Ability to analyze and interpret data and solve practical problems.
  • Knowledge of mathematical concepts such as fractions, percentages and ratios.
  • Reliable transportation.
  • Master's Degree in Community Relations, Marketing, Supply Chain, Logistics, Business Management, or discipline in energy or related field from an accredited University, preferred.
  • Knowledge of diverse business certification processes (MBE, WBE, VBE, DBE, SDVOSB) and supplier-development best practices.
  • Familiarity with Salesforce, Power BI, or similar CRM/data systems
  • PMP Certification, preferred but not required.
  • CEM Certification, preferred but not required.
  • health, vision and dental insurance
  • retirement
  • tuition reimbursement
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