Why This Role is ImportantWe are looking for a highly credible Program Directorto take end-to-end ownership of a highly complex, marquee US utility flexibility deployment. This is a "control room heavy" initiative focused specifically on grid-level needs: consolidating and dispatching supply and demand-side flexible assets, to unlock multiple value streams.
Given the "first of a kind" nature of this program, we are looking for a dynamic individual, with deep understanding of our industry and the ability to span the full gamut of getting things done "hands on" to managing the exec level relationships. This role is about writing the book with us.
You will have full delivery and commercial matrix accountability for making this deployment a massive success. You must possess the grid-operational credibility to effectively lead discussions with senior utility stakeholders and the hands-on operational capability to manage the program mechanics yourself. We need a leader who is comfortable working directly on the execution and building the foundational framework for the program.
What you'll own- Program End-to-End: Be the leader driving the program from day one through implementation and into long-term value realisation. You will directly manage the delivery timelines, decision-making, coordination, and execution.
- Bridge the Gaps: Act with extreme versatility. Produce the necessary documentation, artefacts, and assets along the way, bridging functional gaps as they emerge to ensure seamless delivery.
- External Stakeholder Management: Build deep credibility with a highly regulated, major US electric utility. Deepen existing relationships, proactively identify and build new ones across the organization, and navigate the complex operational layers of the utility.
- Internal Alignment & Leadership: Be the credible cross-functional operator who ensures product, engineering/tech, delivery, and customer-facing teams are perfectly aligned. While no product team will report directly to you, you will have the line of sight and influence necessary to steer vital product and delivery trade-offs.
- Drive Commercial Success: Hold explicit commercial ownership alongside delivery. You will be accountable for the business case, value realization, customer expansion, and revenue linkage.
What you'll bring to the party- Experience: In-depth, senior-level experience with target seniority at the Director, Senior Director, or Head-of level in program, implementation, delivery, or utility-transformation leadership.
- Grid & Flexibility Expertise: Direct, deep experience in grid modernisation programs. You should have a strong understanding of Demand Response, DERs, VPPs, DERMS, AMI, and grid operations.
- Utility Navigation: Proven experience managing regulated US electric-utility stakeholders. You know how to navigate the operational, control-room side of a utility.
- Hands-on Operator: Recent end-to-end ownership of a complex grid program (planning, governance, cross-functional execution) where you drove the core project management rather than delegating it to a separate PMO layer.
- Commercial Acumen: Clear history of commercial/solution ownership, P&L exposure, or value realisation accountability.
Bonus Points- Location/Network: Based on the US East Coast, with specific exposure to Virginia, Mid-Atlantic, or broader East Coast utility ecosystems.
- Niche Expertise: Experience leading grid-side flexibility work aimed at specific physical or locational grid constraints, rather than just bulk system or generic programs.
- Industry Presence: A recognized and credible figure in the US utility or flexibility ecosystem.
