Sustainable Energy Utility Strategy & Operations Manager

City of Ann Arbor•Ann Arbor, MI

17h•$100,000 - $130,000

About The Position

The Ann Arbor Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU) is a first-of-its-kind municipal energy utility, launched to accelerate the City's transition to affordable, reliable clean energy. The SEU is drawing national attention as a replicable model for how local governments can deliver renewable energy services directly to residents and businesses. This position is the second-highest ranking role in the SEU, reporting to the Executive Director, and requires someone with the experience, drive, and grit to help build a new organization from the ground up, along with the flexibility to adapt as it scales. The SEU Strategy & Operations Manager supports the newly formed Ann Arbor Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU) by developing and communicating business strategy, and building and continuously improving operational systems across the SEU’s clean energy service lines. This position operates in a startup-within-the-City environment, where priorities shift quickly and structure is still being built. It requires a professional who is excited to wear many hats, move fast, and adapt to changing business needs, while coordinating closely with colleagues across the City to leverage and align with existing processes, organizations, employees, and systems. This position requires sound judgment and strong prioritization skills, including the ability to identify and advance mission-critical work when demands exceed available capacity, while maintaining service quality and accountability.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree (preferred) in business, public administration, engineering, operations, energy-related field, or a closely related area.
At least seven (7) years of demonstrated experience in energy/utility operations coordination, supervision, planning, or related field.
At least one (1) year of management (supervisory) experience.
Demonstrated experience building, implementing, and improving operational processes in a complex, cross-functional environment.
Demonstrated experience using continuous improvement approaches and operating with a metrics-driven, iterative improvement mindset.
Valid Driver's License.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree.
Demonstrated experience in renewable energy operations (solar and/or battery storage/BESS and/or geothermal operations).
Experience launching or scaling a new service or program, or working in a startup.
Experience working in municipal/public-sector environments or navigating complex organizational processes.
Demonstrated experience in strategy development, such as work in management consulting or internal organizational strategy roles.
Financial and business acumen.
Lean/Six Sigma credential(s) (e.g., Yellow/Green Belt) or equivalent training with applied project experience.
Demonstrated commitment to sustainability and carbon neutrality.

Responsibilities

Developing and communicating business strategy for the SEU.
Building and continuously improving operational systems across the SEU’s clean energy service lines.
Wearing many hats and adapting to changing business needs in a startup-within-the-City environment.
Coordinating closely with colleagues across the City to leverage and align with existing processes, organizations, employees, and systems.
Exercising sound judgment and strong prioritization skills to identify and advance mission-critical work.
Maintaining service quality and accountability.