Senior Energy Manager

Metro Water Recovery•Denver, CO

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Provides leadership, direction, and oversight of the Energy Division, ensuring a coordinated strategic and operational approach to energy management across Metro Water Recovery. Accountable for long-term program planning, governance, and performance outcomes related to energy supply, reliability and resilience, demand optimization, energy recovery, and sustainability. Works in close partnership with other departments to integrate energy considerations into organizational planning and decision-making. Serves as Metro’s primary technical resource on energy issues. Provides direct supervision of assigned Energy Division staff. Represents Metro in relevant external partnerships and stakeholder processes.

Requirements

Knowledge of wastewater conveyance and treatment systems as relevant to energy management and resource recovery
Knowledge of commercial and industrial energy infrastructure and equipment, including district energy systems, heat pumps, and biogas upgrading technologies
Knowledge of energy management best practices
Knowledge of emerging sustainable energy technologies and industry trends
Knowledge of environmental attributes and renewable energy markets, including RINs, RECs, and certification requirements
Skilled at program and portfolio management, including prioritization, coordination, and delivery oversight
Skilled at energy accounting and efficiency analysis, including KPI tracking and benchmarking
Skilled at energy demand, production, and cost forecasting, including scenario analysis
Skilled at thermal energy calculations and technical review of models and assumptions
Skilled at active and empathic listening
Skilled at training and mentoring staff
Skilled at managing disagreements, de-escalating conflict, and negotiating win-win solutions
Skilled at project management including work planning, resource allocation and progress reviews through project completion
Ability to lead, influence, and motivate cross-functional teams and stakeholders
Ability to set program direction by defining goals, priorities, standards, and performance measures
Ability to evaluate financial viability using lifecycle economics, funding options, and revenue strategies
Ability to align departments and initiatives through effective collaboration and coordination
Ability to establish and manage partnerships with utilities, customers, vendors, and regulators
Ability to represent Metro credibly in external outreach and stakeholder engagement
Ability to implement and enforce policies and procedures fairly and consistently
Ability to effectively supervise staff
A master’s degree in science, engineering, economics, or energy management-related field from an accredited college or university.
Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of Colorado (if registered as a PE in another state, must apply for PE reciprocity in CO).
A combination of education and relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Responsibilities

Lead the development, execution, and continuous improvement of Metro’s Enterprise Energy Program, including establishing program governance, performance metrics, and multi-year priorities.
Directs a portfolio of initiatives that optimize energy efficiency, reduce emissions, increase energy recovery, and maintain or enhance energy supply reliability and resilience.
Establish and maintain Metro’s energy performance management framework, including standardized dashboards, reporting metrics, forecasting, and key performance indicators for energy demand, supply, cost, and operational performance.
Lead cross-department coordination to translate insights into prioritized initiatives and measurable outcomes aligned with Metro’s strategic plan.
Oversee a portfolio of energy assets (e.g., thermal, biogas, and other energy systems), including lifecycle performance, operating strategies, and continuous improvement opportunities.
Direct evaluation of cost-effectiveness and value propositions and recommend operational and capital investment actions to strengthen reliability, resilience, and sustainability outcomes.
Lead identification, screening, and prioritization of opportunities for energy cost savings, demand optimization, and resource recovery improvements.
Direct feasibility studies and pilot evaluations as appropriate, and develop recommendations based on technical performance, lifecycle analysis, risk, and organizational readiness.
Build and maintain alignment across Engineering, Environmental Services, Finance, Operations & Maintenance, and External Affairs Departments to advance Metro’s energy strategy.
Lead cross-functional teams through structured evaluation, decision-making, and implementation of selected energy initiatives.
Collaborate with Environmental Services/Regulatory Affairs to create, maintain, and improve Metro’s GHG inventory and related reporting processes.
Lead identification and prioritization of energy-driven emissions reduction strategies and decarbonization pathways, supporting compliance with regulatory obligations and Metro’s sustainability goals.
Represent Metro with external partners including utilities, regulators, technology providers, customers, and other stakeholders to identify, structure, and advance strategic opportunities related to energy sourcing, energy services, sustainability, and alternative revenue.
Lead coordination of partnership discussions to ensure technical feasibility, risk management, organizational alignment, and long-term value.
Oversee management of environmental attributes (including tracking, documentation, and certification requirements) to ensure integrity, compliance, and value maximization.
Establish controls and business processes to support program reporting, audits, and strategic decision-making related to renewable energy market opportunities.
Lead funding strategy and execution for energy-related grants, incentives, and external financing opportunities that advance renewable energy, energy efficiency, fleet/equipment electrification, and zero-/low-emission initiatives.
Oversee compliance and value realization, including review of EV charging performance reporting and alignment with Metro’s sustainability and resource optimization priorities.
Develop and deliver communications on Energy Program performance, risks, opportunities, and results to Metro leadership, the Board of Directors, and internal and external stakeholders.
Serve as Metro’s senior representative with energy utilities, ensuring effective issue resolution related to metering, billing accuracy, rate structures, and service planning.
Direct internal coordination among responsible departments to support Metro’s operational reliability, cost stewardship, and data integrity.
Lead or oversee financial analysis, procurement support, and commercial negotiations for energy-related initiatives, including review of lifecycle economics, pricing structures, and implementation risks.
Coordinate with Legal, Accounting, and Purchasing to ensure sound contracting practices, aligned scopes, and successful delivery of program outcomes.
Maintain expert-level awareness of emerging technologies, market trends, and best practices in utility energy management, energy recovery, and sustainability.
Translate insights into internal strategy, program improvements, technology evaluations, and organizational capabilities that strengthen Metro’s long-term performance.
Directly supervises assigned staff and oversees consultant support, including work planning, prioritization, quality assurance, performance feedback, and staff development.
Responsible for maintaining and promoting a safe working environment.
Ensure employees complete all required training on time, maintain compliance with organizational requirements, and follow all safety protocols.
Ensures employees maintain required certifications.
Performs other duties as needed.