Energy Innovation Program Consultant

Arizona Public Service generates clean, reliable and affordable energy for 2.7 million Arizonans. Our service territory stretches across the state, from the border town of Douglas to the vistas of the Grand Canyon, from the solar fields of Gila Bend to the ponderosa pines of Payson. As the state’s largest and longest-serving energy provider, our more than 6,000 dedicated employees power our vision of creating a sustainable energy future for Arizona.

Since our founding in 1886, APS has demonstrated a strong commitment to our customers in one of the country’s fastest growing states, earning a reputation for customer satisfaction, shareholder value, operational excellence and business integrity.

Our present and future success depends on the creative and dedicated people of our company who demonstrate the principles outlined in the APS Promise: Design for Tomorrow, Empower Each Other and Succeed Together.

Summary

The Energy Innovation Program Consultant is responsible for developing and managing the programmatic aspects for key Energy Innovation and Technology initiatives and projects, both customer and utility-focused, including budget oversight and reporting, project work plan implementation, key success indicator tracking and reporting, internal communication plans, training preparation and coordination, advanced technical assessments, and trend analysis. Develops and maintains technical expertise and may be called on to act as lead on major projects and programs, coordinating and managing activities across multiple business units to extract the highest value. Develops relationships with key stakeholders both internally and externally. Reports to management on program status and provides advice on issues and opportunities.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelors' degree in Engineering, Science, Information Technology or related field and 8 years of prior relevant experience in the power and natural gas sectors with an understanding of regulatory, technical and business issues impacting the industry including renewables, distributed energy and grid technologies.
• In lieu of Bachelor's degree, High School/GED plus 12 years directly related experience in the power and natural gas sectors with an understanding of regulatory, technical and business issues impacting the industry including renewables, distributed energy and grid technologies.
• Detailed knowledge and understanding of one or more emerging energy technologies and related business models, such as solar, energy storage, electric vehicles, energy management software platforms etc.
  

Preferred Special Skills, Knowledge Or Qualifications

• Masters' degree in Engineering, Science, Finance or Business.
• Working knowledge of R&D, Innovation, creation of pilot programs and measurement, and strategic thinking.
• Ability to facilitate, document and align technical business requirements and functional specifications to support successful selection of technology vendors and execution of Point of Concept (POC) and technology programs of Moderate to High complexity.
• Strong analytical skills with demonstrated ability to research initiatives and stay current with industry trends and developments.
• Experience building complete and complex business cases using research and analysis. Able to present the case to leadership up to a vice president level.
• Strong communication and presentation skills and ability to convey complex/technical content in a coherent and compelling story for audiences with varying levels of technical knowledge and exert influence.
• Ability to establish relationships with multiple technology teams and provide subject-matter expertise and advice relevant to specific business needs.
  
  

Major Accountabilities

• Research and identify emerging and innovative technology solutions to support key customer and utility-focused business initiatives. Develop and manage the programmatic aspects for related programs.
• Develop and evaluate Point of Concept (POC) test plans and use cases to ensure full integration into program platform. Review and oversee execution of technical requirements as documented throughout the project.
• In collaboration with lead project managers, develop and implement project work plans and secure buyoff and approval from cooperating departments. Regularly revise work plans to reflect current conditions and update as appropriate.
• Provide oversight and direction to the teams performing research and analysis related to emerging technologies and impact to business.
• Monitor and manage project budgets to maximize the benefit to ratepayers and the corporation by assuring projects are come in at or under budget. Provide input and support into internal reporting and communications on budget and progress related aspects.
• Effectively interface and resolve project issues with departmental staff, other departments, executive management, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders to meet project requirements.
• Maintain current knowledge of trends (technical, market, regulatory and political) and utilize this knowledge in order to maximize corporate benefits and minimize negative impacts.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key local and state Energy Innovation stakeholders.
• Participate as Company representative and technology expert in various forums, committees and working groups dealing with various Energy Innovation technical, policy and regulatory issues. Provide updates on industry and technology trends.
  
  

Key Level Differentiators

• Works under minimal supervision
• Works to achieve operational targets with significant impact on departmental results
• Analyzes and resolves complex technical problems using experience, judgment and range of material/tools; may take a new perspective on existing solution
• Responsible for making improvements of processes, systems or products to enhance performance of the technical area
• Makes decisions within area of direct responsibility