Energy Director

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Ohio, +2 more states.

📋 Description

• Oversee the procurement of electricity and natural gas for all First Quality manufacturing facilities across the USA and Canada.

• Act as a resource for sites on federal, state, provincial, and local utility regulations.

• Investigate, assess, recommend, and implement programs aimed at energy-use reduction and conservation.

• Create and present alternative energy solutions to decrease costs and lessen dependence on conventional energy sources.

• Capitalize on energy markets for both short-term and long-term commercial benefits.

• Analyze site data and correlate results with manufacturing site teams.

• Monitor energy data and generate regular efficiency reports.

• Engage in the First Quality Sustainability team and take the lead on GHG tracking.

• Contribute to new facility start-ups, expansion planning, and execution projects.

• Provide guidance for optimizing facilities, including lighting, HVAC, and other energy systems.

• Cultivate energy-performance capabilities among operating, engineering, and maintenance staff.

• Collaborate with facilities managers and engineers to ensure equipment and systems operate at maximum practical efficiency.

• Interact with utilities, energy service providers, public agencies, and mill personnel.

• Draft project proposals and requests for proposals; coordinate with external consultants and contractors.

• Evaluate project life-cycle costs and incentive programs, preparing proposals for senior management.

• Lead site-specific energy teams in the development and execution of energy-efficiency initiatives.

• Familiarize yourself with facility layouts and energy/resource systems, including mechanical, plumbing, electrical, life safety, generators, water, and irrigation systems.

• Collaborate with Operations, Planning, Engineering, Capital Program Management, and Facilities Operations teams.

• Spearhead the application of energy-management principles and practices.

• Prepare and submit applications for energy and sustainability incentive programs.

• Utilize in-depth knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, emergency-generator, and associated mechanical/control systems.

• Measure and document carbon footprints, aiming to reduce them through energy and conservation initiatives.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or a related field.

• At least five years of experience in alternative energy and/or energy management roles, ideally in leadership positions.

• Preferred experience in alternative energy research, project execution, and implementation planning.

• Ability to promote a safe and collaborative work environment.

• Management experience with a proven history of safety excellence, sound judgment, decision-making, budget management, and environmental stewardship.

• Demonstrated leadership capabilities and the ability to cultivate an environment of employee engagement and continuous improvement.

• Strong interpersonal skills, including the capacity to effectively motivate and influence others.

• Knowledge of demand response/curtailment, EPA Energy Star for buildings, and LEED Green Building certification programs.

• Experience with alternative power sources, energy conservation retrofits, and carbon offsets.

• Capability to develop and execute organizational and operational policies, procedures, and goals to manage heat and power, utilities operations, and utilities engineering.

• Familiarity with regulations governing power generation, power grids, and natural gas delivery systems.

• Understanding of opportunities for renewable energy sources, including wind, solar, and biomass.

• Strong analytical abilities, with the capability to synthesize data and communicate strategies and proposals to senior leadership.

• Solid negotiation skills and the ability to represent the organization professionally with external vendors and consultants.

• Willingness to travel approximately 25% within the US and Canada.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive base salary and bonus opportunities.

• Paid time off (minimum of three weeks).

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting from day one.

• 401(k) plan with employer match.

• Paid parental leave.

• Child and family care assistance (dependent care FSA with employer match up to $3750).

• Bundle of joy benefit (a year's worth of free diapers for all team members with a new baby).

• Tuition assistance.

• Wellness program offering savings of up to $4,000 per year on insurance premiums.