Energy Efficiency Operations Manager

Willdan Lighting and Electric, a subsidiary of Willdan Group Inc., is seeking an Operations Manager.

The Operations Manager is the operational lead for a multifamily energy efficiency program, responsible for overseeing inspections, engineering, and QA/QC activities to ensure high-quality, compliant, and timely program delivery. This role provides senior-level leadership, manages cross-functional technical teams, and serves as a key point of contact for the utility client and subcontractors on operational and technical execution.

This position requires strong judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to manage complex workflows and priorities in a fast-paced program environment. The role also requires strong technical engineering knowledge to oversee engineering reviews, interpret program technical guidelines, and ensure measures meet utility program requirements.

• Lead day-to-day program operations across inspections, engineering reviews, and QA/QC.
• Forecast inspection volumes, staffing needs, and engineering workloads to support current and future program years.
• Identify and implement process improvements, standardization, and automation opportunities.
• Negotiate and oversee contracts with subcontractors, including developing a seasonal volume management strategy.

• Monitor key operational KPIs including inspection pass/fail rates, turnaround times, reinspection trends, and pipeline aging.
• Identify operational and compliance risks early and drive corrective actions.
• Oversee root cause analysis and resolution of recurring technical or process issues.
• Oversee inspection and engineering pipelines to ensure timely assignment and completion of work.
• Identify and resolve bottlenecks by coordinating across internal teams and external partners.

• Provide technical oversight of engineering reviews to ensure energy savings calculations, measure eligibility, and project scopes comply with utility program technical guidelines.
• Review complex or high-cost projects and provide engineering judgment on measure applicability, savings assumptions, and cost-effectiveness.
• Support resolution of technical questions related to HVAC systems, electrification technologies, controls, lighting, envelope measures, and other energy efficiency technologies.
• Ensure engineering documentation, calculations, and technical reviews meet program standards and audit requirements.
• Provide guidance to engineering and inspection teams on interpretation of technical manuals, program rules, and engineering best practices.

• Provide leadership and direction to Engineering and Inspection Leads and their teams.
• Oversee scheduling, staff training, workload balancing, and resource planning across technical teams.
• Set clear priorities and performance expectations while supporting team development.

• Serve as a primary operational contact for the utility client on field execution, inspection issues, and engineering clarifications.
• Support resolution of inspection exceptions, technical disputes, and measure eligibility questions.
• Partner with staff to develop strong working relationships with stakeholders, ensuring positive contractor experience with engineering, inspection, and QAQC processes.

• Provide input on inspection protocols, engineering review criteria, and QA/QC standards.
• Support updates to operating procedures and QA/QC documentation.
• Incorporate QA/QC findings and audit feedback into ongoing program improvements.
• Develop training resources and SOPs for inspectors and engineers to inform high-quality deliverables.

• Prepare and review operational reports and dashboards for leadership and the utility client.
• Clearly communicate performance, risks, and improvement initiatives to stakeholders.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Energy, or related discipline) required.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license strongly preferred.
• Advanced degree or professional certifications (CEM, PMP, etc.) a plus.
• 5+ years of experience in operations, program management, or project delivery within energy efficiency, utilities, or a related technical field.
• Experience leading engineering, inspection, and/or QA/QC teams in a complex program environment.
• Strong understanding of multifamily energy efficiency programs, inspections, and engineering review processes.
• Demonstrated experience improving organizational processes to maximize efficiency and resources.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, make sound decisions, and drive execution independently.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with MS Excel, data analysis, and reporting tools; dashboard experience a plus.

EEO Non-Discrimination and ADA Reasonable Accommodation Statement

Willdan is an equal opportunity employer.…