Senior Principal, Energy & Utilities, Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS)

Are you ready to make an impact? 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  Based on pay transparency guidelines, the salary range for this role can  vary based on your proximity to one of our West Monroe offices (see  table below). Information on our competitive total rewards package,  including our b