Program Director - Southeast in Birmingham

Program Director - Southeast in Birmingham

Birmingham Full-Time 132000 - 176000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Sparkfund

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead critical utility programs and ensure successful delivery across the Southeast.
  • Company: Join Sparkfund, a leader in transforming energy infrastructure for a sustainable future.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, comprehensive health coverage, and flexible work options.
  • Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for growth and development in a dynamic environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the energy sector while driving innovative projects.
  • Qualifications: 10+ years in program management with strong stakeholder management skills.

The predicted salary is between 132000 - 176000 £ per year.

About Sparkfund

Sparkfund is the utility services company unlocking capacity on the grid. Through its Distributed Capacity Procurement (DCP) model, Sparkfund enables utilities, energy majors, and large-load customers to deploy front-of-the-meter batteries and gensets as distribution infrastructure. By adding targeted capacity exactly where and when the grid needs it most, DCP helps meet demand, support reliability, and put downward pressure on rates. Sparkfund supports program design, grid value assessment, asset host engagement, and value chain management to ensure on-time, on-budget deployment with maximum system value and lowest cost. With more than 3,200 projects deployed across 43 states and more than 300MW of energized assets constructed, Sparkfund is transforming customer-sited assets into a valuable portfolio resource for the benefit of our society.

About the Role

We’re looking for a Program Director, Southeast to own the end-to-end delivery of one of Sparkfund’s most critical utility and hyperscaler programs. This is a Director-level role where you’ll serve as the single point of accountability for program performance, execution, and client success. You’ll be responsible for aligning cross-functional teams, maintaining strong executive-level relationships, and ensuring programs are delivered on time and at a high standard. If you’re someone who thrives in complexity, takes true ownership, and knows how to drive results across multiple workstreams—this role is built for you.

What You’ll Do

  • Own Program Delivery
    • Lead end-to-end execution of utility and hyperscaler programs across the Southeast market
    • Own program timelines, KPIs, and overall performance
    • Ensure successful delivery from early-stage planning through implementation
  • Lead Cross-Functional Execution
    • Align Development, Engineering, Delivery & Operations, and Host Engagement teams
    • Ensure workstreams are properly sequenced, resourced, and moving forward
    • Identify and remove blockers quickly to keep programs on track
  • Manage Stakeholders & Client Relationships
    • Serve as the primary point of contact for utility and external partners
    • Build and maintain strong relationships with executive-level stakeholders
    • Proactively communicate progress, risks, and key decisions
  • Drive Program Visibility & Governance
    • Own program reporting, dashboards, and executive updates
    • Maintain clear visibility into program health and performance
    • Ensure decisions, risks, and milestones are well-documented
  • Manage Risk & Solve Problems
    • Identify risks early and take action before they impact delivery
    • Navigate complex, regulated environments with confidence
    • Drive resolution across teams when issues arise
  • Improve & Scale
    • Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and delivery models
    • Capture lessons learned and apply them across future program phases
    • Help scale program execution as the business grows

What We’re Looking For

  • Experience
    • 10+ years of experience in program management, operations, or large-scale delivery
    • Proven ownership of complex, multi-workstream programs
    • Experience serving as the primary point of accountability for customer-facing programs
    • Strong experience working cross-functionally across multiple teams
  • Industry Background
    • Experience in the electric power, utility, or infrastructure space strongly preferred
    • Familiarity with regulated or contract-driven environments
  • Skills & Capabilities
    • Strong stakeholder management and executive communication skills
    • Ability to drive clarity and execution in complex environments
    • Experience building and managing program reporting and KPIs
    • Strong problem-solving and decision-making ability
  • Nice to Have
    • PMP or equivalent certification
    • Experience working with utilities, regulators, or large enterprise clients

Location & Travel

Hybrid role based in the Southeast (Atlanta, Columbus, or Birmingham preferred) ~10–15% travel, primarily within the region.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Salary range: $132,000 – $176,000, depending on experience and location
  • Performance-based bonus eligibility
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • 401(k) with employer match
  • Flexible time away
  • 12 weeks paid parental leave
  • Hybrid work flexibility + monthly phone/Wi-Fi stipend

Why Sparkfund

At Sparkfund, we partner with utilities and leading organizations to deploy infrastructure at scale. This role sits at the center of that work—bringing together teams, clients, and execution to deliver real impact.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Sparkfund is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees and applicants. We do not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Sparkfund also provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs or practices, in all phases of the hiring process and throughout employment. If you need an accommodation, please let us know.

Disclaimer

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties, responsibilities, and requirements may change at any time based on business needs. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds and experiences to apply — even if you do not meet every listed qualification — as skills and competencies can develop in different ways.

Program Director - Southeast in Birmingham employer: Sparkfund

Sparkfund is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, empowering employees to take ownership of impactful projects in the energy sector. With a strong focus on professional growth, employees benefit from comprehensive training, flexible work arrangements, and competitive compensation packages, including performance-based bonuses and generous parental leave. Located in the vibrant Southeast, team members enjoy a dynamic environment that encourages creativity and teamwork while making a meaningful contribution to sustainable energy solutions.

Sparkfund

Contact Details:

Sparkfund Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Program Director - Southeast in Birmingham

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We think you need these skills to ace Program Director - Southeast in Birmingham

Program Management
Stakeholder Management
Cross-Functional Team Leadership
Executive Communication
Risk Management
Problem-Solving
KPI Development and Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

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Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.

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How to prepare for a job interview at Sparkfund

Master the Case Study Game

In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!

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As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Be a Cultural Fit

We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Sparkfund. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!