Program Manager, Distributed Energy Resources - NJ

Job Description 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 Jersey Central Power & Light, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp.

The NJ Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Program Manager possesses a sharp business mind and proven ability to strategize and implement high-level program initiatives. As a natural leader, this person has strong talent for project coordination, driving accountability, and delegation. The Program Manager is motivated by a desire to optimize productivity and nurture program success from inception to completion.

FirstEnergy takes pride in delivering efficient and effective solutions such as electrification, clean energy ,and advising through the energy transition across all FEU operating companies.

This on site position can be located at either the Morristown General Office in Morristown, NJ or the Holmdel Office in Holmdel, NJ.

Responsibilities Include

- Working closely with Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) engineering project sponsors and assigned project managers to develop the scope, deliverables, required resources, work plan, budget, and timing for NJ Programs.

- Driving the Request for Project Approval (RPA) creation process in Oracle Primavera Portfolio Management (OPPM) for DER-related work.

- Supporting FE JCPL engineering through the annual capital budget portfolio process for DER-related work.

- Assisting FE JCPL engineering with project tracking, coordinating design estimates, and accurate budgeting for projects.

- Managing program schedule amongst stakeholders and driving project teams for optimal reliability enhancement, return on investment, and ensure the expected benefits to both FirstEnergy and its customers.

- Identifying key requirements for cross-functional teams and external vendors.

- Developing and managing budget for projects and be accountable for delivering against established business goals/objectives.

- Coordinating design review meetings amongst all stakeholders to ensure successful completion of projects before they are released to execution.

- Analyzing, evaluating, and overcoming program risks, and producing program reports for managers and stakeholders while obtaining approval for scope/schedule/resource changes.

- Supporting the operation and maintenance of assets.

- Assisting with development of appropriate technology standards and coordinating engineering support as needed.

- Supporting and partnering with JCP&L distribution engineering, including but not limited to participation in program teams, key industry organizations such as the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and others. Participation in industry work groups and all related processes (regulatory, policy, advocacy, business strategy, etc.).

- Supporting IT System Integration – including technology protocols and communications platforms.

- Assisting JCP&L Rate Districts in tracking program progress and coordinating filing of annual reports with the NJ Board of Public Utilities.

- Supporting JCP&L in developing consistent longer-term strategies and plans that align with the Emerging Technologies Roadmap. Coordinating planning closely with Rates/Regulatory, Long-Range Planning, and Distribution Support.

- Providing support to resolve material issues through involvement with regional affiliates.

- Assisting with presentations to leadership and external stakeholders on program justifications and program updates.

- Consistently anticipating customer needs and delivering of high-quality results.

- Supporting the FE storm process.

Qualifications

- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Technology, Business, Finance, Project Management, or related discipline and minimum 5 to 10 years related utility distribution experience are required.

- In lieu of a degree, High School Diploma / GED and minimum 7 to 13 years related utility distribution experience are required.

- 5 to 6 years of project management experience or the equivalent is required.

- Project management skills are required with an ability to develop, manage, and control multiple tasks.

- Exceptional skills in leadership, time management, facilitation, and organization

- Outstanding knowledge of change management principles and experience in managing stakeholders and driving accountability through peers

- Gain knowledge of company’s practices and standards for engineering construction and maintenance of distribution lines

- Able to communicate complexities to individuals across business units

- Persuasive and professional in verbal and written communications with multiple constituencies including employees, customer, and stakeholders

- Ability to develop creative solutions and resolve operational issues while working through and seeing past today’s challenges to develop and implement new programs.

- Gain knowledge of Work Management Tools (GIS View, CREWS, SAP), Outage Management System (Power On), Transmission Outage Databases and Planning & Protection Programs (CYME DIST, CYME TCC, LFDMS, RSS and CASCADE)

- Strong attention to detail and analytical ability

- Proficient in use of computers and PC based applications including Microsoft Office Suite

- Excellent interpersonal skills, strong written and verbal communication skills and strong analytical ability are required.

- Able to work independently, as well as collaboratively, with multiple departments in multiple locations.

- Willing and able to support travel to various company locations (including overnight travel) as needed.

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 $119,000 - $157,000.

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