Energy Optimization Leader

About the role

The Energy Optimization Leader role is hybrid, requiring a minimum of three weekly visits to Warren, Michigan. Sponsorship: GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role.

Responsibilities

• Own energy and water performance for a portfolio of manufacturing facilities, serving as the primary contact and subject-matter expert for site leadership and ECEs.
• Partner with plant teams to identify, quantify, and prioritize energy and water improvement opportunities and projects that support 4000-Account budgets, PL1/MEI targets, and sustainability goals.
• Support annual and mid-year planning for energy budgets, forecasts, and KPI targets, using data from EnergyCAP, TimberRock, Energy OnStar, building management systems, and other tools.
• Review and support energy project proposals and approvals ensuring sound savings calculations, data quality, and alignment with GM processes and funding criteria.
• Represent Energy & Water Optimization in recurring cross-functional forums and provide concise performance updates, scorecards, and countermeasures to plant and Energy Procurement, Reliability, & Optimization leadership.
• Share best practices across sites and help build energy management capability in ECEs and plant teams through coaching, training, and clear guidance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical discipline (e.g., mechanical, electrical, chemical, industrial, energy systems) or a bachelor’s degree in another field with significant relevant experience.
• 7+ years of relevant experience in energy, utilities, and/or industrial manufacturing, with direct exposure to plant operations and systems.
• Demonstrated experience with energy and water optimization in industrial settings, particularly in one or more of the following: HVAC and building systems, compressed air and industrial ventilation, process cooling and industrial refrigeration, paint systems, lighting and controls, water and wastewater treatment or process water systems.
• Proven track record leading or supporting multi-stakeholder projects in manufacturing environments, including identifying and quantifying savings opportunities, building business cases, supporting implementation, and verifying post-project performance.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to work with interval data, metering systems, dashboards, and utility billing information to drive decisions.
• Ability to build trust and influence across levels and functions, including plant managers, engineers, maintenance teams, and external partners.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to synthesize complex topics into clear, action-oriented messages.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly to manufacturing facilities within the portfolio (frequency will vary based on business needs).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical discipline (e.g., mechanical, electrical, chemical, industrial, energy systems) or a bachelor’s degree in another field with significant relevant experience.
• 7+ years of relevant experience in energy, utilities, and/or industrial manufacturing, with direct exposure to plant operations and systems.
• Demonstrated experience with energy and water optimization in industrial settings, particularly in one or more of the following: HVAC and building systems, compressed air and industrial ventilation, process cooling and industrial refrigeration, paint systems, lighting and controls, water and wastewater treatment or process water systems.
• Proven track record leading or supporting multi-stakeholder projects in manufacturing environments, including identifying and quantifying savings opportunities, building business cases, supporting implementation, and verifying post-project performance.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to work with interval data, metering systems, dashboards, and utility billing information to drive decisions.
• Ability to build trust and influence across levels and functions, including plant managers, engineers, maintenance teams, and external partners.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to synthesize complex topics into clear, action-oriented messages.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly to manufacturing facilities within the portfolio (frequency will vary based on business needs).

Skills

• Experience with ISO 50001/50001 Ready and/or Strategic Energy Management (SEM) programs.
• Prior experience as an Energy Optimization Leader, Energy Conservation Engineer, facilities/utility engineer, or similar role supporting automotive or large industrial facilities.
• Familiarity with utility incentive programs, demand response, and energy procurement considerations.
• Demonstrated success leading or facilitating energy and water treasure hunts or similar multi-day, cross-functional events.
• Strong sense of teamwork and shared achievement of portfolio and corporate targets.

Benefits

This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week {or other frequency dictated by their manager}. This job is not eligible for relocation benefits. Any relocation costs would be the responsibility of the selected candidate.