Distribution Program Manager (Emerging Technologies)

JOB DESCRIPTION FirstEnergy at a Glance We are a forward-thinking electric utility powered by a diverse team of employees committed to making customers' lives brighter, the environment better and our communities stronger. FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE) is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability, and operational excellence. Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, FirstEnergy includes one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, more than 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions, and a regulated generating fleet with a total capacity of more than 3,500 megawatts. About the Opportunity This is an open position with the FirstEnergy Service Company, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. The Program Manager leads the development, execution, and oversight of Emerging Technologies (EmT) programs across FE operating companies. This role drives program delivery within approved scope, cost, and schedule while ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and enterprise strategy. Programs in scope include Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), Distributed Energy Resource (DER) integration and other similar programs. The preferred reporting location is the FirstEnergy Headquarters in Akron, OH. The role can be located at any FirstEnergy location. Responsibilities include: * Leading end-to-end program management, including planning, execution, monitoring, and reporting. * Defining program scope, deliverables, timelines, budgets, and resource plans in coordination with cross-functional teams. * Managing program execution to deliver within approved scope, cost, and schedule while achieving expected business outcomes. * Monitoring program performance; identify risks, resolve issues, and manage escalations. * Coordinating cross-functional stakeholders (Regulatory, Engineering, IT, Legal, Strategy) and external partners to ensure alignment and delivery. * Supporting regulatory filings, discovery responses, and reporting to commissions and stakeholders. * Tracking and validating realization of program benefits and business outcomes. * Developing and delivering leadership updates, communication plans, and stakeholder engagement strategies. * Ensuring compliance with safety, operational, and corporate standards. * Supporting development of long-term strategy, technology standards, and integration of engineering and IT systems. * Managing vendor engagement and support issue resolution as needed. * Developing presentations and communications for leadership, internal stakeholders, and external partners. * Demonstrating a commitment to safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement. * Willingness to travel, including overnight, as required. Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Project Management, or related discipline and minimum 5 years related utility distribution experience are required. * In lieu of a degree, High School Diploma / GED and minimum 7 years related utility distribution experience are required. * 5 years of project management experience or the equivalent is required. * Strong project management skills with an ability to develop, manage, and control multiple tasks. * Experience with regulatory environments and/or utility programs preferred. * Able to manage budgets, schedules, risks, and performa