Senior Program Manager (Midwest)

What is the role? We're seeking an accomplished Senior Program Manager to lead a portfolio of utility energy efficiency programs in the Midwest. This is an opportunity for a business-minded leader who can connect program strategy, financial performance, client relationships, and operational execution to deliver results. As a Senior Program Manager, you'll own the performance of your assigned portfolio, serving as a trusted partner to utility clients and leading cross-functional teams that include engineering, outreach, marketing, and other delivery professionals. You'll have significant autonomy to shape program strategy, strengthen operations, manage financial performance, and identify opportunities to grow the business. Success requires more than managing projects: it requires sound business judgment, disciplined execution, and the ability to build productive relationships with clients, colleagues, and senior leadership. In this role,you will lead an established portfolio of utility energy efficiency programs while helping shape its next chapter. Michaels Energy has served utility clients in the Midwest for more than 30 years, including a longstanding partnership with Alliant Energy. Our current portfolio encompasses seven programs, with opportunities to strengthen existing client relationships and expand our work with utilities across the region. You'll take ownership of an established book of business, ensuring strong delivery, client satisfaction, and financial performance while identifying opportunities for operational improvement and portfolio growth. This opportunity is well suited to a leader who combines commercial judgment with operational discipline and enjoys optimizing complex programs, strengthening client partnerships, and positioning the business for future opportunities. Where can you work? Remote or hybrid within the Midwest, with opportunities to work from our offices in Chicago (IL), Cedar Rapids (IA), Minneapolis (MN), or La Crosse (WI). Up to approximately 15% regional travel. What You'll Lead Portfolio Strategy and Business Performance • Own the financial and operational performance of assigned utility programs, including revenue, profitability, budgets, forecasting, and contractual commitments. • Develop and execute portfolio strategies that align client objectives, program performance, and Michaels Energy's business goals. • Develop financially sound program budgets and scopes of work, translating staffing requirements, delivery activities, and performance targets into sustainable financial plans. • Monitor performance, anticipate risks, and make informed decisions to improve financial and operational results. • Partner with business development and company leadership to identify, shape, and pursue opportunities for portfolio growth and contract renewal. Client Relationships and Strategic Partnerships • Serve as a primary relationship manager and trusted advisor to utility client counterparts. • Develop a deep understanding of client priorities, contractual expectations, regulatory considerations, and changing market conditions. • Lead strategic client conversations about program performance, emerging opportunities, challenges, and priorities, building credibility through transparent communication and proactive problem-solving. Cross-Functional Leadership and Execution • Lead multidisciplinary delivery teams across engineering, outreach, marketing, program operations, and other functions. • Establish clear priorities, accountabilities, staffing plans, and effective channels for collaboration that align resources with contractual and financial commitments. • Develop and improve processes, tools, and operating practices that support consistent, efficient, high-quality program delivery. • Anticipate and resolve delivery challenges, working collaboratively across teams to deliver results. Organizational Leadership and Continuous Improvement • Contribute to a culture of accountability, partnership, continuous learning, and strong execution. • Identify and advance improvements to program economics, operational effectiveness, and the client and customer experience. • Communicate effectively with clients, delivery professionals, and senior leadership, translating complex program and financial information into actionable insights. What Success Looks Like After 3 months, you will have: • Established productive working relationships with key clients, cross-functional team members, and company leadership. • Developed a strong understanding of your portfolio's contracts, financial performance, delivery commitments, and growth opportunities. • Assessed the strengths, risks, and improvement opportunities within your portfolio and developed a practical plan for near-term priorities. After 6 months, you will have: • Established a reliable operating rhythm for managing portfolio performance, financial forecasts, client relationships, and team accountability. • Demonstrated sound financial stewardship and progress against contracted program goals. • Implemented meaningful improvements to portfolio operations, delivery effectiveness, or financial performance. • Advanced a clear strategy for sustaining and growing the portfolio in partnership with clients and company leadership. What are we looking for? We're looking for an experienced leader who combines business acumen, operational discipline, and the ability to get results through people and partnerships. Required qualifications • At least five years of relevant experience leading complex programs, portfolios, or business operations, ideally within utility energy efficiency, energy services, electrification, or a related industry. • Demonstrated financial acumen and accountability for business results, including developing and managing budgets, forecasting financial performance, and making decisions informed by financial and operational data. • Experience leading cross-functional teams, aligning resources, and delivering results through collaboration and influence. • A track record of building strong client or stakeholder relationships and communicating effectively with senior-level decision-makers. • Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving capabilities, with a commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement. • Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience. Especially valuable experience • Leadership of utility-sponsored energy efficiency or decarbonization programs, particularly commercial and industrial initiatives. • Developing contract scopes, program budgets, and financial models that balance client commitments with business performance. • Identifying and developing opportunities for contract expansion, renewal, or new business. • Familiarity with the utility, regulatory, and market environment in the relevant region. Compensation and Benefits The anticipated base salary range for this position varies by geographic location and relevant qualifications. Compensation is determined based on experience, skills, work location, and internal equity. Base Salary: $120,000-$135,000 Perks & Benefits • Competitive compensation package • Medical, dental, and vision coverage • 401(k) with company match • Paid time off and holidays • Professional development opportunities • Flexible, collaborative culture where your contributions directly influence company success