Distribution Program Manager (Emerging Technologies

Distribution Program Manager

First Energy 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. First Energy (NYSE: FE) is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability, and operational excellence. Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, First Energy 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 First Energy Service Company, a subsidiary of First Energy Corp.

The Distribution Program Manager leads and coordinates multi-state regulatory compliance programs and energy infrastructure initiatives across all First Energy Service territories. The role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships, navigating evolving regulatory requirements, and driving implementation of federal energy mandates while ensuring organizational alignment and resource coordination.

The individual oversees program strategy, planning, implementation, regulatory support, and stakeholder coordination for initiatives including but not limited to The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") issued Order 2222 (FERC Order 2222), Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), Distributed Energy Resources (DER), Grid Modernization, Electrification, and other Emerging Technology (EmT) Programs across FE operating companies.

The preferred reporting location is the First Energy Headquarters in Akron, OH. The role can be located at any First Energy location and reports onsite.

Responsibilities include:

• Leading implementation of FERC Order 2222 compliance activities, coordinating with PJM and Electric Distribution Companies (EDCs) across multiple states.
• Managing DER Interconnections program including comments, RFI responses, and compliance filings for storage/smart inverter integration, Level 3 interconnection screens, and dispute resolution processes.
• Overseeing Energy Storage programs from charter development through project construction management, including RFP activities, vendor onboarding, and regulatory approval processes.
• Directing cross-functional work groups assignments and consultant engagement as they become available as part of regulatory reporting teams.
• Managing workbook tasks and establish reporting cadences with work groups.
• Engaging with state regulatory bodies on compliance matters and rate case support.
• Leading internal FE Working Groups and coordinating with Regional and Corporate Management on program priorities.
• Identifying and escalating resource constraints and ownership challenges to management.
• Ensuring timely compliance filings, tracking and report on program status, milestones, and risk indicators.
• Demonstrating a commitment to safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Willingness to travel, including overnight, as required.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Project Management, or related discipline and minimum 5 years related utility distribution experience are required.
• In lieu of a degree, High School Diploma / GED and minimum 7 years related utility distribution experience are required. Related utility distribution experience includes leading utility responses to evolving regulatory, policy, and market requirements, including initiatives involving distributed energy resources (DERs), energy storage, transportation electrification, demand-side management, grid modernization, customer programs, and emerging utility business models.
• 5 years of project management experience or the equivalent is required.
• Strong project management skills with an ability to develop, manage, and control multiple tasks.
• Experience with regulatory environments and/or utility programs preferred.
• Able to evaluate regulatory proposals, policy developments, and industry trends, and identify associated risks, opportunities, and strategic implications.
• Able to manage budgets, schedules, risks, and performance metrics.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with senior leadership and external stakeholders.
• Able to work across multiple departments and geographic locations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and general business systems.
• Works collaboratively and possess a willingness to work in a team environment.

Benefits, Compensation & Workforce Diversity:
At First Energy, 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…