Principal Manager of Strategic Load (Principal Power Resources Specialist) - Energy Department

About the role

San José Clean Energy, or SJCE, is San José’s local, not-for-profit electricity supplier operated by the City of San José’s Energy Department. Since 2019, our dedicated and motivated team has provided clean energy for residents and businesses at competitive rates, while also offering community programs, local benefits, and increased transparency and accessibility. SJCE serves more than 350,000 customer accounts, and has contracted for more than 1 GW of power.

Joining our team means that you will be making a big impact on the fight against climate change. SJCE plays an important role in meeting San José’s ambitious goal to be carbon neutral by 2030 and in implementing the City’s climate action plan, Climate Smart San José. Thanks to SJCE, San José has one of the cleanest energy mixes of any large city and offers a 60% renewable product and a 100% renewable product.

Serving our community with respect and integrity is at the core of what we do. We center equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging in our work. The department also hosts active staff-led Culture and Racial Equity committees, and has won awards for its education and outreach work with Spanish and Vietnamese-speaking communities.

San Jose Clean Energy is composed of seven different divisions

• Account Management, Marketing and Customer Programs
• Budget, Financial Planning and Human Resources
• Climate Smart
• Legislative Affairs
• Power Resources
• Regulatory Compliance and Policy
• Risk Management and Contracts Administration

The Energy Department is seeking to fill one (1) full-time Principal Manager of Strategic Load (Principal Power Resources Specialist) position for the Account Management, Marketing, and Customer Programs Division.

This position reports directly to the Deputy Director of the Account Management, Marketing, and Customer Programs Division and will develop and maintain a segmented pipeline of potential customers, qualify opportunities, develop pursuit strategies and account plans.

Under general direction of the Deputy Director, the Manager of Strategic Load will work with the department’s Power Resources, Account Services, Finance, and Risk Management & Contracts teams to design compliant, revenue-adequate offerings (e.g., large-load options, flexible structures, 24/7 clean-energy options), avoiding cross-subsidy and aligning with CPUC/CCA rules. Typical duties of this position may include, but are not limited to:

• Serve as the primary point of contact and relationship manager for large load customers such as data centers, advanced manufacturers, and electric vehicle charging providers
• Develop and maintain a segmented pipeline of prospective large load customers; qualify opportunities and develop pursuit strategies and account plans
• Design and structure compliant, revenue-adequate rate tariffs and service offerings (e.g., large-load options, flexible pricing structures, 24/7 carbon-free energy options) in coordination with Power Resources, Account Services, and Finance teams, ensuring alignment with CPUC/CCA rules and avoidance of cross-subsidy
• Benchmark investor-owned utilities (IOUs), other community choice aggregators (CCAs), and out-of-state peers on tariffs, programs, and service levels; translate findings into SJCE's market positioning and offer development
• Respond to customer pricing requests and lead executive briefings; negotiate term sheets and special contracts in coordination with internal teams and the City Attorney's Office
• Ensure that all public-facing claims about SJCE offerings (renewables, 24/7 clean energy, carbon-free energy) are accurate and legally supportable
• Identify and mitigate risks related to regulatory compliance, procurement, energy delivery, and organizational reputation
• Coordinate with the City Manager's Office of Economic Development, Planning, Building and Code Enforcement, and other City departments to support large load customer engagement and site development
• Coordinate community and press messaging related to large load customer programs with the SJCE Marketing team
• Familiarity with Scope 2 emissions regulatory requirements and voluntary reporting protocols (e.g., GHG Protocol, RE100) is desirable
• Other duties as assigned

View the recruitment brochure here

How to apply

The position will remain open until filled. To be considered, candidates must submit their application online at, or at pipermaddox.com along with the following items::

• A cover letter
• A resume
• List of at least three (3) work-related references (who will not be contacted without prior notice)

Applications will be screened in relation to the criteria outlined in this job announcement. Candidates deemed to have the most relevant qualifications will be invited to proceed in the selection process.

Additional phases of the selection process will consist of one or more interviews. A final selection will be made upon completion of comprehensive reference and background checks.

Education

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Business, Economics, Engineering, Environmental Studies, Law, Natural Resources, Statistics, or related field to utility business. A Master’s degree is highly desirable.

Experience

Six (6) years of progressively responsible related experience in energy resources operations, planning, purchasing, scheduling, or contract negotiations.

Acceptable Substitution

A Master’s degree in a related field may be substituted for up to two (2) years of the required experience. There is no substitution for the required Bachelor’s degree.

Required Licensing (such as driver’s license, certifications, etc.) Possession of a valid State of California driver’s license is required.

THIS IS A HYBRID POSITION, REQUIRING PART OF THE WORK WEEK TO BE ONSITE IN THE DOWNTOWN SAN JOSE OFFICE. The hybrid work schedule may change due to the department’s business needs in the future.

The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies, as demonstrated in past and current employment history. Desirable competencies for this position include:

• Job Expertise – Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations.
• Analytical Thinking – Approaches a problem or situation by using a logical, systematic, sequential approach.
• Collaboration – Develops networks and builds alliances; engages in cross-functional activities.
• Communication Skills – Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills and displays openness to other people's ideas and thoughts.
• Fiscal Management – Demonstrates strong financial management skills and oversees complex energy procurement practices with large financial impacts for the organization. Complies with applicable laws and policies including Energy Risk Management policies.

Leadership – Leads by example; demonstrates high ethical standards; remains visible and approachable and interacts with others on a regular basis; promotes a cooperative work environment, allowing others to learn from mistakes; provides motivational supports and direction.

Political Skill – In taking action, demonstrates an understanding and consideration of how it will impact stakeholders and affected areas in the organization.

Project Management – Ensures support for projects and implements agency goals and strategic objectives.

Vision/Strategic Thinking – Supports, promotes, and ensures alignment with the organization’s vision and values; understands how an organization must change in light of internal and external trends and influences; builds a shared vision with others and influences others to translate vision to action.