Utility Executive Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

West Monroe is seeking a Senior Principal to lead our Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS) capability within the Energy & Utilities practice. This role is purpose-built for a leader who combines deep DERMS and grid modernization expertise with strong client leadership and commercial acumen. You will work directly with utility executives and operational leaders to define, shape, and deliver DERMS-enabled transformation spanning strategy, architecture, and full-scale implementation. 

At West Monroe, you won't just advise on the future of the grid, you'll help build it. As a Senior Principal, you'll partner with utility executives to shape and deliver DERMS-enabled transformation, from strategy through implementation, driving real outcomes in areas like flexible interconnection and DER orchestration. You'll also play a key role in growing our DERMS practice and market presence, working alongside a collaborative, high-caliber team across grid and IT/OT domains, offering both immediate impact and the opportunity to build something meaningful in a high-growth environment. You will act as both a trusted advisor and solution leader, translating complex DER and grid-edge challenges into actionable programs and measurable outcomes, while helping grow West Monroe's DERMS business. 

Success in this role requires the ability to: 

• Engage credibly across distribution operations, IT/OT, and executive leadership  
• Diagnose and structure ambiguous DER challenges  
• Lead end-to-end DERMS programs across the full lifecycle  
• Convert technical insight into client value and revenue growth  

Key Responsibilities: 

DERMS Strategy, Delivery & Client Leadership 

• Lead end-to-end DERMS consulting engagements, including strategy, business case development, requirements definition, vendor selection, and implementation 
• Serve as a trusted advisor to utility clients on dispatchable DER strategies, grid services, flexible interconnection, VPP enablement, and DER program design 
• Support development of regulatory-aligned DER strategies and business case analyses (BCA), including cost-benefit frameworks for DERMS and DER programs 
• Act as an owner's agent for DERMS implementations, ensuring alignment across strategy, design, build, deploy 
• Drive delivery excellence while fostering strong client relationships and ensuring high-quality outcomes
• Leverage AI tools to accelerate analysis, synthesize complex information, and support data-driven recommendations for clients, exercising judgment in evaluating outputs.
• Apply AI technologies (e.g., generative AI, automation tools, data models) to enhance insights, improve delivery efficiency, and elevate the quality of client outcomes.

Solution Shaping & Architecture Leadership 

• Translate client challenges into structured DERMS solutions and transformation roadmaps 
• Define DERMS reference architectures and integration patterns, including ADMS/EMS integration, grid-edge orchestration, and DER telemetry/aggregator integration 
• Guide clients through the DERMS vendor landscape, including platform capabilities, product roadmaps, and selection considerations 
• Track and assess DERMS vendor capabilities, product evolution, and market trends to inform client strategy and solution design 

IT/OT & Grid Integration Expertise 

• Advise on IT/OT integration strategies across DERMS and core utility systems (e.g., CIS, MDMS, GIS, SCADA, ADMS) 
• Support the design of grid-edge ecosystems, including microgrids, controls, and communications infrastructure 
• Align distribution operations, planning, and customer programs to enable DER at scale 

Commercial Growth, Account Leadership & Practice Development 

• Shape and support business development efforts, including proposal development, solution design, pricing, and deal strategy 
• Identify and develop new opportunities within utility accounts by anticipating DER and grid modernization needs 
• Build and expand executive-level client relationships through insight-led engagement 
• Translate emerging DER trends into go-to-market offerings and thought leadership 
• Contribute to practice development through mentoring, capability building, and internal knowledge sharing 

Qualifications: 

• 15+ years of experience in energy & utilities, consulting, or related leadership roles 
• 5+ years of consulting experience in delivery and/or commercial roles 
• Deep DERMS / DER / VPP experience (minimum 3-5 years strongly preferred) 
• Demonstrated experience leading DERMS strategy, vendor selection, and implementation programs 
• Strong understanding of distribution operations, control centers, and grid planning 
• Experience with utility IT/OT ecosystems and system integrations 
• Proven ability to shape, sell, and deliver complex engagements 
• Experience leading teams and managing multi-phase, complex programs 
• Ability to communicate effectively with both technical and executive stakeholders 
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree (e.g., MBA, Engineering, MIS) preferred 
• Experience integrating AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT) into day-to-day workflows to enhance productivity and insight generation, coupled with strong critical thinking to assess accuracy, mitigate bias, and ensure high-quality outputs. 

Preferred technical Focus Areas  

• DERMS platforms (e.g., Schneider, AspenTech OSI, GE, Uplight, Energy Hub) 
• Flexible interconnection, flexible export, and grid services 
• VPPs and DER participation in wholesale markets (FERC 2222 alignment) 
• ADMS/EMS integration and distribution operations 
• Grid-edge technologies, microgrids, and DER controls 
• IT/OT architecture, data integration, and cloud platforms