Program Director - Grid Flexibility

Help us use technology to make a big green dent in the universe! Kraken powers some of the most innovative global developments in energy. We create the technology that redefines utilities and unlocks a new energy system of the future. By optimising renewable generation, building a more intelligent grid, and empowering utilities to deliver an exceptional customer experience, our operating system is transforming the industry worldwide. It’s an incredibly exciting time to work in energy. Join us on our mission to improve the lives of ONE BILLION humans within the decade and shape a cleaner, better future for everyone. Why This Role is Important We are looking for a highly credible Program Director to take end-to-end ownership of a highly complex, marquee US utility flexibility deployment. This is a "control room heavy" initiative focused specifically on grid-level needs: consolidating and dispatching supply and demand-side flexible assets, to unlock multiple value streams. Given the “first of a kind” nature of this program, we are looking for a dynamic individual, with deep understanding of our industry and the ability to span the full gamut of getting things done “hands on” to managing the exec level relationships. This role is about writing the book with us. You will have full delivery and commercial matrix accountability for making this deployment a massive success. You must possess the grid-operational credibility to effectively lead discussions with senior utility stakeholders and the hands-on operational capability to manage the program mechanics yourself. We need a leader who is comfortable working directly on the execution and building the foundational framework for the program.

🚀 What you'll own

• Program End-to-End: Be the leader driving the program from day one through implementation and into long-term value realisation. You will directly manage the delivery timelines, decision-making, coordination, and execution.

• Bridge the Gaps: Act with extreme versatility. Produce the necessary documentation, artefacts, and assets along the way, bridging functional gaps as they emerge to ensure seamless delivery.

• External Stakeholder Management: Build deep credibility with a highly regulated, major US electric utility. Deepen existing relationships, proactively identify and build new ones across the organization, and navigate the complex operational layers of the utility.

• Internal Alignment & Leadership: Be the credible cross-functional operator who ensures product, engineering/tech, delivery, and customer-facing teams are perfectly aligned. While no product team will report directly to you, you will have the line of sight and influence necessary to steer vital product and delivery trade-offs.

• Drive Commercial Success: Hold explicit commercial ownership alongside delivery. You will be accountable for the business case, value realization, customer expansion, and revenue linkage.

🧠 What you'll bring to the party

• Experience: In-depth, senior-level experience with target seniority at the Director, Senior Director, or Head-of level in program, implementation, delivery, or utility-transformation leadership.

• Grid & Flexibility Expertise: Direct, deep experience in grid modernisation programs. You should have a strong understanding of Demand Response, DERs, VPPs, DERMS, AMI, and grid operations.

• Utility Navigation: Proven experience managing regulated US electric-utility stakeholders. You know how to navigate the operational, control-room side of a utility.

• Hands-on Operator: Recent end-to-end ownership of a complex grid program (planning, governance, cross-functional execution) where you drove the core project management rather than delegating it to a separate PMO layer.

• Commercial Acumen: Clear history of commercial/solution ownership, P&L exposure, or value realisation accountability.

Bonus Points

• Location/Network: Based on the US East Coast, with specific exposure to Virginia, Mid-Atlantic, or broader East Coast utility ecosystems.

• Niche Expertise: Experience leading grid-side flexibility work aimed at specific physical or locational grid constraints, rather than just bulk system or generic programs.

• Industry Presence: A recognized and credible figure in the US utility or flexibility ecosystem.

• Travel: this role will involve travel to the client in the North East every ~2 weeks for a few days at a time.

⭐️ Why you'll love it here:

• Great medical, dental, and vision insurance options including FSAs.

• Paid time off — we know working hard means also being able to recharge as needed, we trust our employees to get the work done and take the time they need.

• 401(k) plan with employer match.

• Parental leave. Biological, adoptive and foster parents are all eligible.

• Pre-tax commuter benefits.

• Flexible working environment: you need to shift around your schedule? You do you, we genuinely believe in work/life balance.

• Equity Options: every Kraken employee owns part of the business. We’re a team, working together towards huge goals. Every person is crucial to our success, you should be rewarded as such.

• Modern office or co-working spaces depending on location.

• The salary range for this position is from $200,000 - $260,000 depending on relevant experience, role alignment, and client management expertise demonstrated throughout the interview process. While the broad salary range is listed, not all candidates will be placed at the top of the range—this will be determined by the overall fit for the position. If you have questions about this, just ask! Our recruiters are happy to provide more context.

Are you ready for a career with us? We want to ensure you have the right tools and environment to unleash your potential. If you have any accommodation requests, please contact us at [email protected]. We’ll do our best to tailor the experience to your needs so you can feel comfortable, confident and be at your best! Studies have shown that some groups of people, like women, are less likely to apply to a role unless they meet 100% of the job requirements. Whoever you are, if you like one of our jobs, we encourage you to apply as you might just be the candidate we’re looking for! At Kraken, we're creating a team of genuine, honest, empathetic people. Our people are our strongest asset and the unique skills and perspectives people bring to the team are the driving force of our success. As an equal opportunity employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute. We consider all applicants without regard to race, colour, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. Our (i) Applicant and Candidate Privacy Notice and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Notice, (ii) Website Privacy Notice and (iii) Cookie Notice govern the collection and use of your personal data in connection with your application and use of our website. These policies explain how we handle your data and outline your rights under applicable laws, including, but not limited to, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). Depending on your location, you may have the right to access, correct, or delete your information, object to processing, or withdraw consent. By applying, you acknowledge that you’ve read, understood and consent to these terms Please note that, in line with our current recruitment policy, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position; applicants must have the right to work in the country that they're applying to, at the time of application.