Senior VPP Program Manager

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Qcells is seeking a passionate and results-driven Senior Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Program Manager to lead the strategy, launch, scaling, and continuous improvement of VPP programs across the U.S. This role will play a key part in helping distributed energy resources (DERs) deliver grid services, create value for customers, and support utility and market operator partners.

The Senior VPP Program Manager will drive cross-functional initiatives across product, operations, software, regulatory, and business teams while helping shape Qcells’ long-term DER monetization and grid services strategy. This role requires a combination of strategic thinking, operational execution, utility market knowledge, and strong stakeholder leadership.

LOCATION & WORK ARRANGEMENT

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the strategy, design, launch, and scaling of VPP programs aligned with Qcells’ profit modeling, customer needs, utility requirements, and market opportunities. 
• Own and evolve the roadmap for Qcells’ VPP programs, identifying new DER monetization opportunities, grid services offerings, and expansion strategies across multiple markets. 
• Drive cross-functional coordination across Product, Engineering, Operations, Regulatory, and Commercial teams to support successful program execution and scalability. 
• Develop and optimize end-to-end program processes, including resource registration, customer enrollment, dispatch operations, compliance, settlement, and performance monitoring. 
• Lead discussions and coordination with utilities, ISOs/RTOs, aggregators, and external partners regarding program participation, interconnection requirements, and market integration. 
• Identify operational inefficiencies and implement process improvements focused on automation, scalability, customer experience, and program performance. 
• Analyze market trends, regulatory developments, and utility program structures to inform strategic roadmap decisions and business opportunities. 
• Support executive-level reporting and provide strategic recommendations regarding VPP program performance, risks, and growth opportunities. 
• Serve as a subject matter expert for VPP operations, DER aggregation, and grid services strategy across internal and external stakeholder groups. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Energy Systems, Business, or a related technical field. 
• 7+ years of experience in VPP, DER, Demand Response, Energy Markets, Grid Services, or Utility Program Management. 
• Direct experience working with utilities, ISOs/RTOs, VPP aggregators, DERMS providers, or grid service organizations. 
• Strong understanding of utility interconnection processes, DER integration requirements, and wholesale electricity market structures across the U.S. 
• Experience leading complex cross-functional programs involving technical, operational, regulatory, and commercial stakeholders. 
• Demonstrated ability to independently drive strategic initiatives and manage multiple concurrent programs in fast-paced environments. 
• Excellent written, verbal, and executive-level communication skills. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced understanding of DER monetization models, demand response strategy, capacity markets, and grid services participation.
• Experience working with energy software platforms such as DERMS, SCADA, EMS, or distributed asset management systems.
• Familiarity with utility regulatory frameworks, decarbonization initiatives, and evolving grid modernization policies.
• Experience supporting utility partnerships, customer acquisition strategies, or market expansion initiatives.
• Proficiency with analytics and reporting tools such as Tableau, Power BI, SQL, or Python.
• Experience working within fast-scaling clean energy, utility, or energy technology organizations.
• Ability to travel 10% or as needed