Evaluation & Validation People Manager

Communicate any pertinent information regarding project timelines, goals or objectives to team members

The Evaluation & Validation People Manager will develop and lead technical and research staff in our Evaluation & Validation discipline. This position is based out of our Cazenovia (upstate New York) Office. The team is a mixture of early and mid-career engineers and energy professionals focused on field research of emerging energy technologies and energy efficiency program support for utilities, national labs, government agencies & private clients. This is a hybrid role with the expectation that the successful candidate will be on-site at least 3 days per week (and more if business needs require). This role is designed for someone who thrives in a dynamic & fast paced environment and has a passion for providing direction, guidance and leadership to a team of engineers and other staff professionals in an organization.

Provide encouragement & guidance for direct reports to develop active collaboration skills through regular personal check-ins

Conduct root-cause analysis on identified execution and staffing interaction issues, proposing & implementing appropriate solutions and coordinating with the team to address them

Support Program & Project Managers in monitoring & aligning relevant budgets

Help direct reports develop SMART goals that drive growth and successful execution at the organization level

Identifying any areas of concern that could impact the performance of team members

Interviewing and assessing new staff members (includes drafting job descriptions and candidate assessments & interview questions)

Ensure Programs & Projects are appropriately resourced according to scope by reviewing the appropriateness of project plans & program documentation

Mentor & coach team members in their career pathing & support logical succession planning

In partnership with Program & Project Managers, construct Medium Depth Project/Resource Plans in Deltek or other Project Management System

Guide direct reports and other team members on contract scope & complexities

Partnering with New Hires in determining & executing upon 30/60/90 day post hire goals

Develop & monitor appropriate OKRs and KPIs for staff development and growth

Resolving any employee conflicts quickly and efficiently partnering with the Human Resources team as necessary

Manage cross-functional teams to achieve program & project objectives

Support & promote best in class timecard practices adhering to policies and invoicing requirements

Ensure direct reports are on track to meet or exceed goals providing appropriate feedback on the achievement of Objectives & Key Results (OKRs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Maximize productivity by aligning available staff members to appropriate programs & projects while promoting a healthy work/life balance

Experience using Project Management Systems, Human Resource Information Systems, Time Tracking and other key business/office applications/software

Strong written and oral communication skills, and the ability to understand and communicate complex technical & non-technical concepts

Proven track record of improving operational efficiency and managing large teams

The ideal candidate must have high emotional intelligence, be organized and have the ability to communicate well both orally and in writing and work effectively with stakeholders, team members & clients adhering to project timelines, deliverables and budgets. Candidates must have excellent conflict management and problem-solving skills, the ability to prioritize tasks, the ability to create a culture of collaboration among colleagues and other team members across a matrixed organization, have the requisite leadership skills to motivate staff and have hands-on knowledge of performance evaluations and career pathing.

Proficiency in MS O365 suite including word processing, spreadsheet, quantitative data analysis, and presentation computer applications

Ability to operate independently and in cross-functional teams in a consulting and rapid growth-oriented environment

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

5 to 7 years relevant work experience (People Management, Training, Mentorship, Operations, Program/Project Management)

Must be willing and able to contribute in a team environment, while also possessing the capability to perform work independently when necessary

Must be able to participate in work events during non-business hours as required

Beyond fostering an inspiring culture, we provide competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for growth. Join us and be part of a team that’s shaping the future of energy while leaving a positive impact on the world.

We offer a collaborative and dynamic workplace where your ideas are heard, nurtured, and transformed into impactful solutions. With a flat hierarchy and open-door policy, every team member is empowered to experiment, take ownership, and make a real difference.