Senior Program Manager (Midwest)

Michaels Energy•La Crosse, WI

6d•$120,000 - $135,000

About The Position

Michaels Energy is seeking a Senior Program Manager to lead an established portfolio of utility energy efficiency programs in the Midwest. The role owns portfolio performance and combines program strategy, financial management, client relationships, and operational execution. The manager will serve as a trusted partner to utility clients and lead cross-functional teams spanning engineering, outreach, marketing, program operations, and other delivery functions. The position has significant autonomy to shape program strategy, strengthen operations, manage financial performance, and identify opportunities to grow the business. The successful candidate will ensure strong program delivery, client satisfaction, and financial results while improving operations and advancing portfolio growth. The current portfolio includes seven programs, with opportunities to deepen existing client relationships and expand utility work across the region. The role may be performed remotely or in a hybrid arrangement within the Midwest, with access to offices in Chicago, Cedar Rapids, Minneapolis, or La Crosse. Regional travel is approximately 15% at most. The anticipated base salary is $120,000–$135,000, varying by geographic location and qualifications.

Requirements

At least five years of relevant experience leading complex programs, portfolios, or business operations; utility energy efficiency, energy services, electrification, or a related industry is preferred as the context for this experience.
Financial acumen and accountability for business results, including developing and managing budgets, forecasting financial performance, and using financial and operational data to make decisions.
Experience leading cross-functional teams, aligning resources, and delivering results through collaboration and influence.
Track record of building strong client or stakeholder relationships and communicating effectively with senior-level decision-makers.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving capabilities.
Commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement.
Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.

Nice To Haves

Leadership of utility-sponsored energy efficiency or decarbonization programs, particularly commercial and industrial initiatives.
Experience developing contract scopes, program budgets, and financial models that balance client commitments with business performance.
Experience identifying and developing contract expansion, renewal, or new-business opportunities.
Familiarity with the utility, regulatory, and market environment in the relevant region.

Responsibilities

Own the financial and operational performance of assigned utility programs, including revenue, profitability, budgets, forecasting, and contractual commitments.
Develop and execute portfolio strategies aligned with client objectives, program performance, and company goals.
Develop financially sound program budgets and scopes of work, accounting for staffing requirements, delivery activities, and performance targets.
Monitor portfolio performance, anticipate risks, and make decisions to improve financial and operational results.
Partner with business development and company leadership to identify, shape, and pursue portfolio growth and contract renewal opportunities.
Serve as a primary relationship manager and trusted advisor to utility client counterparts.
Understand client priorities, contractual expectations, regulatory considerations, and changing market conditions.
Lead strategic client discussions about performance, opportunities, challenges, and priorities through transparent communication and proactive problem-solving.
Lead multidisciplinary teams across engineering, outreach, marketing, program operations, and other functions.
Set priorities, accountabilities, staffing plans, and collaboration channels that align resources with commitments.
Develop and improve processes, tools, and operating practices to support consistent, efficient, high-quality delivery.
Anticipate and resolve delivery challenges collaboratively across teams.
Contribute to a culture of accountability, partnership, continuous learning, and strong execution.
Advance improvements to program economics, operational effectiveness, and client and customer experience.
Translate complex program and financial information into actionable insights for clients, delivery professionals, and senior leadership.