Manager, Program Development Distribution Platform Enhancement en FirstEnergy Service Company

FirstEnergy at a Glance

We are a forward-thinking electric utility powered by a diverse team of employees committed to making customers’ lives brighter, the environment better and our communities stronger. 

FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE) is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability, and operational excellence. Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, FirstEnergy includes one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, more than 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions, and a regulated generating fleet with a total capacity of more than 3,500 megawatts.

About the Opportunity

This is an open position with the FirstEnergy Service Company, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp.

The manager of the Distribution Platform Enhancement Program Delivery team holds an important role in FE’s growth strategy through owning program management for $4 billion dollars in distribution smart grid, reliability, and resiliency programs over the next 5 years. Programs in scope include PA Long Term Infrastructure Improvement Plan (LTIIP), Energize NJ, NJ Reliability Improvement Plan, LED streetlight conversions and other similar programs. 

The position is responsible for systematic development, standardization, optimization, implementation, management, and effectiveness tracking for these programs. The manager drives innovation by solutioning and implementing new technologies and approaches that promote reliability, resiliency, efficiency, and sustainability across FirstEnergy. This requires a deep understanding of the industry, technical knowledge, experience setting strategic vision, strong leadership skills, and the ability to collaborate with a range of stakeholders to achieve shared goals.

This position is located on site at the FirstEnergy Headquarters in Akron, Ohio

Responsibilities include:

• Owning end-to-end and being accountable to successfully implement FE’s Distribution investment and reliability programs, providing leadership for the scheduling, project management, construction management, program level forecasting, safety, quality and regulatory interface and reporting.
• Systematically developing, standardizing, optimizing, implementing, managing, and tracking effectiveness of Programs. 
• Setting a strategic vision that guides the program's development and implementation. Setting specific goals and objectives, identifying technical requirements, establishing, and communicating a roadmap.  
• Developing strategic implementation plans that align with the organization's overall goals, objectives, and timelines. Analyzing current industry trends, evaluating new technologies, and assessing potential risks and opportunities to create a strategic plan that maximizes customer benefits. 
• Overseeing program's implementation efforts through evaluating and monitoring progress to ensure timelines are met including key performance indicators and variance reporting against plan; identifying, resolving or escalating issues quickly and decisively; identifying and obtaining approval for scope/schedule/resource changes, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders 
• Ensuring well defined expected benefits for each program and confirming realization of those benefits. 
• Fostering a high degree of collaboration and partnership with strategy and regulatory teams during program design, filing and discovery phases leading up to regulatory approval and delivery.  
• Managing a team of professionals working on Grid of the Future Programs which could include engineers, analysts, and other professionals reporting directly or indirectly throughout the organization. Providing leadership, mentorship, and guidance to ensure the team is working effectively and efficiently. Set clear expectations with accountability to achieve commitments.
• Identifying technology requirements and partnering to support program's goals. Involves researching and evaluating smart grid technical capabilities and functionality to determine alignment with program's objectives and budget. Support piloting, operation, and maintenance of smart grid assets. Develop appropriate technology standards and provide engineering support as needed.
• Coordinating procurement plans and contract negotiations to ensure the best value for the program investment 
• Researching and analyzing industry trends, developing technologies, and regulatory policies that impact Programs. Instrumental in developing and advocating on FE position.
• Ensuring strong change management supporting ongoing operation and maintenance of smart grid technology assets. Supports development of appropriate technology standards and communication protocols. Coordinates engineering and IT system integration support as needed.
• Supporting regulatory program reports, proceedings, and rate filings
• Development and approval for budgets with accountability to ensure the program operates within budgetary constraints and that resources are used efficiently. May include securing incremental funding, allocating resources, weighing scope decisions. 
• Serving as point of contact for external stakeholders involved in Programs, including government agencies, regulatory bodies, and industry partners. Communicating regularly with stakeholders, providing updates on the program's progress and addressing any concerns.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Business, Engineering, Finance or equivalent preferred, or closely related degree and minimum 7 years related work experience are required. Related work experience includes Largescale Project/Program Management, leading projects across matrixed organizations, corporate management, regional operations management, strategy development, distribution planning and/or design engineering
• Consideration will be given to non-degreed candidates with over fifteen years of related project management, engineering, maintenance/construction, or corporate management experience.
• Proven leadership skills demonstrating goal-oriented style, communicating a compelling vision, setting clear expectations, measuring performance, and fostering a culture of inclusion and accountability 
• Initiative and confidence to intentionally drive toward results while problem-solving and engaging the commitment of others despite continuously changing conditions
• Demonstrated leadership in development and implementation of complex programs, the ability to make or recommend complex strategic decisions and prioritize competing initiatives 
• Strong analytical ability to observe, investigate and interpret a given situation for proactive risk identification and development of creative operational solutions seeing past today's challenges to implement new innovative approaches
• Experience leading through change management with consensus building skills 
• Knowledge of the electric distribution system, emerging technology landscape and reliability standards 
• Experience managing vendors, including identifying and selecting vendors, negotiating contracts, and ensuring compliance with contractual obligations 
• Demonstrated experience delivering on multiple dynamic responsibilities in a timely manner through maximizing organizational resources, financial decision making and employing logical approaches
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills with emphasis on building rapport with individuals and groups requiring outgoing, poised, and persuasive communication style
• Demonstrated executive presence that inspires confidence and conveys overall credibility as a trusted business advisor
• Able to work independently, as well as collaboratively, with multiple departments in multiple locations.
• Able to learn quickly and thoroughly while continually recognizing and adapting to changing conditions 
• Able to appropriately manage conflict and work through difficult situations as needed
• Proficient computer skills (Word, Excel and Outlook) required with core understanding of applicable technical 

Benefits, Compensation & Workforce Diversity

At FirstEnergy, employees are key to our success. We depend on their talents to meet the challenges of our changing business environment. We are committed to rewarding individual and team efforts through our total rewards philosophy which includes competitive pay plus incentive compensation, a company-sponsored pension plan, 401(k) savings plan with matching employer contribution, a choice of medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and life insurance programs, as well as skills development training with tuition reimbursement. Please visit our website at www.firstenergycorp.com to learn more about all of our employee rewards programs. FirstEnergy proudly supports workforce diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. No recruiters or agencies without a previously signed contract. Unable to sponsor or transfer H-1B visas at this time.

FirstEnergy takes a market-based approach to pay, which may vary depending on your location.  In addition, your actual base salary will depend on various factors such as your skills, qualifications, and experience.

The estimated pay range for this role is $123,500 - $170,000.  The pay range for certain locations, including the state of New Jersey, include a 20% differential to account for an increased cost of living, making the pay range $174,000 - $203,000.

Safety

Safety is a core value for FirstEnergy and is essential to all of our business activities. We ensure employees have the tools, information, and processes to perform their duties in a manner that assures safety for themselves, their co-workers, our customers and the public. Our goals are to provide a safe work environment, to maintain an accident-free, injury-free workplace, and to promote and maintain public safety. To meet these goals, we dedicate ourselves to achieving world-class safety standards.

Position Classification

Exempt 

FirstEnergy Human Resources Team