Senior Principal, Energy & Utilities, Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS)

West Monroe • San Francisco, CA

7d • $194,100 - $262,700

About The Position

Are you ready to make an impact? West Monroe is seeking a Senior Principal to lead our Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS) capability within the Energy & Utilities practice. This role is purpose-built for a leader who combines deep DERMS and grid modernization expertise with strong client leadership and commercial acumen . You will work directly with utility executives and operational leaders to define, shape, and deliver DERMS-enabled transformation spanning strategy, architecture, and full-scale implementation. At West Monroe, you won’t just advise on the future of the grid, you’ll help build it . As a Senior Principal, you’ll partner with utility executives to shape and deliver DERMS-enabled transformation, from strategy through implementation, driving real outcomes in areas like flexible interconnection and DER orchestration . You’ll also play a key role in growing our DERMS practice and market presence, working alongside a collaborative, high-caliber team across grid and IT/OT domains, offering both immediate impact and the opportunity to build something meaningful in a high-growth environment. You will act as both a trusted advisor and solution leader, translating complex DER and grid-edge challenges into actionable programs and measurable outcomes, while helping grow West Monroe’s DERMS business. Success in this role requires the ability to: Engage credibly across distribution operations, IT/OT, and executive leadership Diagnose and structure ambiguous DER challenges Lead end-to-end DERMS programs across the full lifecycle Convert technical insight into client value and revenue growth

Requirements

• 15+ years of experience in energy & utilities, consulting, or related leadership roles
• 5+ years of consulting experience in delivery and/or commercial roles
• Deep DERMS / DER / VPP experience (minimum 3–5 years strongly preferred)
• Demonstrated experience leading DERMS strategy, vendor selection, and implementation programs
• Strong understanding of distribution operations, control centers, and grid planning
• Experience with utility IT/OT ecosystems and system integrations
• Proven ability to shape, sell, and deliver complex engagements
• Experience leading teams and managing multi-phase, complex programs
• Ability to communicate effectively with both technical and executive stakeholders
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (e.g., MBA, Engineering, MIS) preferred

Nice To Haves

• DERMS platforms (e.g., Schneider, AspenTech OSI, GE, Uplight, Energy Hub)
• Flexible interconnection, flexible export, and grid services
• VPPs and DER participation in wholesale markets (FERC 2222 alignment)
• ADMS/EMS integration and distribution operations
• Grid-edge technologies, microgrids, and DER controls
• IT/OT architecture, data integration, and cloud platforms

Responsibilities

• DERMS Strategy, Delivery & Client Leadership Lead end-to-end DERMS consulting engagements, including strategy, business case development, requirements definition, vendor selection, and implementation
• Serve as a trusted advisor to utility clients on dispatchable DER strategies, grid services, flexible interconnection, VPP enablement, and DER program design
• Support development of regulatory-aligned DER strategies and business case analyses (BCA), including cost-benefit frameworks for DERMS and DER programs
• Act as an owner’s agent for DERMS implementations, ensuring alignment across strategy, design, build, deploy
• Drive delivery excellence while fostering strong client relationships and ensuring high-quality outcomes
• Solution Shaping & Architecture Leadership Translate client challenges into structured DERMS solutions and transformation roadmaps
• Define DERMS reference architectures and integration patterns, including ADMS/EMS integration, grid-edge orchestration, and DER telemetry/aggregator integration
• Guide clients through the DERMS vendor landscape, including platform capabilities, product roadmaps, and selection considerations
• Track and assess DERMS vendor capabilities, product evolution, and market trends to inform client strategy and solution design
• IT/OT & Grid Integration Expertise Advise on IT/OT integration strategies across DERMS and core utility systems (e.g., CIS, MDMS, GIS, SCADA, ADMS)
• Support the design of grid-edge ecosystems, including microgrids, controls, and communications infrastructure
• Align distribution operations, planning, and customer programs to enable DER at scale
• Commercial Growth, Account Leadership & Practice Development Shape and support business development efforts, including proposal development, solution design, pricing, and deal strategy
• Identify and develop new opportunities within utility accounts by anticipating DER and grid modernization needs
• Build and expand executive-level client relationships through insight-led engagement
• Translate emerging DER trends into go-to-market offerings and thought leadership
• Contribute to practice development through mentoring, capability building, and internal knowledge sharing

Benefits

• Employees (and their families) are covered by medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance.
• Employees are able to enroll in our company’s 401k plan, purchase shares from our employee stock ownership program and be eligible to receive annual bonuses.
• Employees will also receive unlimited flexible time off and ten paid holidays throughout the calendar year.
• Eligibility for ten weeks of paid parental leave will also be available upon hire date.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees