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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for an Energy Manager

💰 $85,000 - $135,000

Facilities ManagementSustainabilityEngineeringOperationsEnvironmental Health & Safety

🎯 Role Definition

An Energy Manager is a strategic professional responsible for overseeing an organization's entire energy portfolio. This role combines technical engineering expertise with sharp business acumen to develop and execute strategies that reduce energy consumption, minimize utility costs, and lessen the organization's environmental footprint. Acting as a key advisor to leadership, the Energy Manager champions sustainability initiatives, ensures regulatory compliance, and leverages data to drive continuous improvement in energy performance across all facilities and operations. This is a critical function that directly impacts the company's bottom line and its corporate social responsibility profile.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Energy Analyst
  • Facilities Engineer
  • Sustainability Coordinator
  • Mechanical or Electrical Engineer

Advancement To:

  • Director of Energy & Sustainability
  • Head of Global Facilities
  • Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO)
  • Vice President of Operations

Lateral Moves:

  • ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) Manager
  • Senior Project Manager (Energy or Construction)
  • Procurement Manager (Energy & Utilities)
  • Independent Energy Consultant

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Spearhead the development, strategic implementation, and ongoing management of a comprehensive, enterprise-wide energy management program to achieve significant cost reductions and sustainability goals.
  • Conduct thorough on-site and remote energy audits and assessments of facilities to identify and quantify energy conservation measures (ECMs) and opportunities for operational improvements.
  • Develop and present compelling business cases for energy efficiency projects, including detailed financial analysis such as ROI, NPV, and life-cycle cost analysis to secure capital funding.
  • Systematically track, analyze, and report on energy consumption, utility costs, and greenhouse gas emissions using advanced data analytics tools, providing actionable insights to senior leadership.
  • Manage the procurement of electricity, natural gas, and other utilities, including negotiating contracts with suppliers and evaluating complex pricing structures, tariffs, and hedging strategies.
  • Oversee the implementation of energy capital projects from conception to completion, including vendor selection, contract negotiation, project scheduling, and measurement and verification (M&V).
  • Maintain and optimize Building Automation Systems (BAS) and Energy Management Systems (EMS) to ensure building systems are operating at peak efficiency.
  • Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal energy regulations, codes, and reporting requirements, such as benchmarking ordinances and emissions standards.
  • Develop and lead corporate-wide energy awareness and behavior change campaigns to engage employees and foster a culture of sustainability and conservation.
  • Evaluate, recommend, and manage the deployment of new technologies, including renewable energy solutions (solar, geothermal), battery storage, and advanced IoT sensors.
  • Manage relationships with utility providers, government agencies, and technology vendors to stay ahead of market trends, incentive programs, and regulatory changes.
  • Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for energy performance and prepare regular progress reports for executive management and sustainability reporting.
  • Lead cross-functional teams composed of facilities, operations, finance, and engineering staff to ensure cohesive execution of the energy strategy.
  • Administer and pursue all available utility rebates, tax credits, grants, and other financial incentives for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.
  • Develop and maintain a centralized utility bill management database to ensure accurate data capture, invoice validation, and anomaly detection.
  • Provide technical expertise and guidance on energy-related matters during the design and construction phases of new buildings and major renovations.
  • Perform Measurement and Verification (M&V) of energy savings for completed projects according to industry-standard protocols like IPMVP.
  • Analyze and troubleshoot complex issues within HVAC, lighting, and central utility plant systems to resolve inefficiencies and improve performance.
  • Develop long-term energy and carbon reduction roadmaps in alignment with the organization's broader corporate sustainability and financial objectives.
  • Manage the demand response program participation to generate revenue and support grid stability during peak demand periods.
  • Prepare annual utility budgets, forecasts, and variance analyses, providing clear explanations for deviations from the plan.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to inform strategic business decisions.
  • Contribute to the organization's environmental data strategy, ensuring energy data is accurate, accessible, and integrated with broader ESG reporting platforms.
  • Collaborate with facility managers, finance, and procurement teams to translate sustainability goals into tangible energy projects and operational requirements.
  • Provide subject matter expertise and support for capital project planning, ensuring energy efficiency is a core criterion in equipment selection and building design.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Energy Auditing & Analysis: Expertise in performing ASHRAE Level I, II, and III energy audits and identifying energy conservation measures (ECMs).
  • Building Automation Systems (BAS): Proficiency in operating, optimizing, and troubleshooting BAS platforms (e.g., Johnson Controls, Siemens, Schneider Electric).
  • Data Analytics: Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and experience with energy management software (e.g., EnergyCAP, ENGIE Impact) or data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI).
  • HVAC & Mechanical Systems: In-depth technical knowledge of commercial and industrial HVAC, lighting, central plant, and control systems.
  • Financial Modeling: Ability to create detailed financial models to justify projects, including calculating ROI, payback period, and life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA).
  • Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple energy efficiency and capital projects simultaneously, from scope development to final implementation.
  • Utility Rate Structures: Deep understanding of utility tariffs, rate structures, and energy procurement strategies for electricity and natural gas.
  • Measurement & Verification (M&V): Familiarity with M&V protocols and standards, particularly the International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol (IPMVP).
  • Regulatory Compliance: Knowledge of energy codes (ASHRAE 90.1), green building standards (LEED), and environmental reporting frameworks.
  • Renewable Energy Technologies: Working knowledge of solar PV, battery storage, and other renewable energy systems, including feasibility and financial analysis.

Soft Skills

  • Stakeholder Influence & Communication: Ability to clearly and persuasively communicate complex technical and financial information to diverse audiences, from engineers to C-level executives.
  • Negotiation & Vendor Management: Strong negotiation skills for managing contracts with utilities, ESCOs, and technology vendors.
  • Analytical & Critical Thinking: Exceptional problem-solving skills to diagnose system inefficiencies and develop innovative solutions.
  • Leadership & Collaboration: Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive projects forward in a matrixed organization.
  • Strategic Vision: Capacity to think long-term and develop multi-year energy strategies aligned with business goals.
  • Adaptability: Agility to respond to changing market conditions, new technologies, and evolving regulatory landscapes.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Education:

  • Master's Degree and/or relevant professional certifications (e.g., CEM, P.E.).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial)
  • Environmental Science
  • Energy Management
  • Building Science
  • Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 5-10 years of progressive experience in energy management, facilities engineering, or a related field.

Preferred:

  • Possession of a Certified Energy Manager (CEM), Professional Engineer (P.E.), or LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) certification is highly desirable.
  • Demonstrated experience managing multi-site energy programs and large-scale efficiency projects with proven savings.
  • Experience in a specific sector such as commercial real estate, manufacturing, data centers, healthcare, or higher education.
  • Hands-on experience with energy procurement, utility contract negotiation, and risk management strategies.
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