Utilities & Energy Optimization Manager

Grand Canyon University! One of Arizona's leading institutions of higher learning. Located in the Valley of Sun in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona, GCU is an institutionally accredited, private, nondenominational Christian University.

The Utilities & Energy Optimization Manager is responsible for the strategic management, analysis, and optimization of campus utility systems, including electricity, water, and natural gas. This role drives operational efficiency through data analysis, building systems optimization, and collaboration with Maintenance (MEP), Controls, and Facilities leadership. The position focuses on identifying inefficiencies, reducing utility costs, improving system performance, and developing a pipeline of energy and water conservation projects. Sustainability initiatives are supported as a secondary function, with primary emphasis on operational performance and resource optimization.

Primary Responsibilities /Accountabilities/ Essential Functions:

• Own, manage, and develop comprehensive reporting and analysis for all campus utility data, driving visibility, accuracy, and informed decision-making
• Analyze utility rates and validate billing accuracy to ensure cost integrity, identify discrepancies, and support financial optimization
• Identify and drive opportunities to reduce energy and water consumption through data analysis, system optimization, and targeted efficiency initiatives
• Analyze system performance using data from BMS and metering systems
• Recommend and implement operational adjustments (setpoints, scheduling, sequencing)
• Support peak demand reduction strategies and utility incentive programs
• Partner with HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, and Controls teams to resolve inefficiencies
• Utilize Building Management Systems (BMS) to diagnose system performance issues
• Develop and maintain a rolling portfolio of energy and water conservation projects
• Identify ROI-driven opportunities (retro-commissioning, equipment upgrades, controls optimization, etc.)
• Collaborate with leadership on capital planning and prioritization
• Monitor and optimize campus water usage, including irrigation and mechanical systems
• Identify opportunities for conservation and efficiency improvements
• Evaluate water usage across cooling towers and other major systems to optimize efficiency, reduce waste, and improve overall system performance
• Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) for utilities and system performance, aligned with APPA benchmarks and industry standards
• Provide regular, executive-level reporting to Facilities leadership, translating utility and system data into clear performance trends and insights
• Deliver data-driven analysis and recommendations that support operational improvements, cost optimization, and strategic decision-making
• Support sustainability initiatives by providing reporting, compliance documentation, and data-driven analysis to advance campus sustainability goals
• Other duties as assigned

Equipment Used and Responsibility

• Microsoft Office, Excel, Word, Teams, SharePoint, and Outlook.
• Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS)
• Building Management System (BMS)

Supervisory Responsibilities

Yes

Experience/ Education

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in the fields of Engineering, Business Administration, Resource Management.
• Experience in higher education, healthcare, or large campus environments
• Certified Energy Manager (CEM) or similar credential
• Familiarity with energy modeling, retro-commissioning, or system optimization
• Knowledge of building systems including HVAC, electrical distribution, and water systems
• Experience with analytics platforms, dashboards, or data visualization tools
• 2+ years of demonstrated experience in energy and/or utilities management, with a focus on analyzing consumption, identifying inefficiencies, and supporting optimization of building systems
• Must pass pre-employment background investigation.