Sustainable Energy Utility Operations Manager, Ann Arbor

The SEU Operations Manager supports the launch and day-to-day operations of the newly formed Ann Arbor Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU) by building and continuously improving operational systems, processes, and procedures across the SEU’s service lines (e.g., solar, battery storage, networked geothermal, microgrids, and related customer-facing energy services).

This position operates in a startup-within-the-City environment and requires a professional who is excited to wear many hats, move work forward with fast-cycle action, and adapt to changing business needs while coordinating closely with colleagues across the City to leverage and align with existing processes, organizations, employees, and systems. This position requires sound judgment and strong prioritization skills, including the ability to identify and advance mission-critical work when demands exceed available capacity, while maintaining service quality and accountability.

A strong commitment to the goals of the A2

ZERO carbon neutrality plan is essential.

First-year focus areas for this role are expected to include:

• Leading the business-operations side of implementation of SEU IT systems (including billing software), in coordination with City partners
• Establishing asset performance metrics and dashboards to monitor and assess the individual and aggregated performance of SEU assets
• Developing an equipment/inventory management approach, which may include establishing warehousing operations within existing City facilities
• Creating and maintaining living SEU operations documentation (playbook/procedures manual), along with a performance scorecard to track service delivery metrics and support continuous improvement.

Education, Training and Experience

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree in business, public administration, engineering, operations, information systems, energy-related field, or a closely related area (or an equivalent combination of education and experience as determined by the City)
• Demonstrated experience in energy/utility operations coordination, supervision, or planning
• Demonstrated experience building, implementing, and improving operational processes in a complex, cross-functional environment
• Demonstrated experience using continuous improvement approaches and operating with a metrics-driven, iterative improvement mindset
• Demonstrated commitment to sustainability and carbon neutrality
• The City of Ann Arbor will consider an alternative combination of education and experience.

Education, Training and Experience Preferred:

• Demonstrated experience in renewable energy operations (solar and/or battery storage/BESS and/or geothermal operations)
• Experience launching or scaling a new service, program, or startup-like operation
• Experience working in municipal/public-sector environments or navigating complex organizational processes
• Lean/Six Sigma credential(s) (e.g., Yellow/Green Belt) or equivalent training with applied project experience

Licensing Requirements (position requirements at entry)

• Valid Driver's License.