Vice President of Operations and Delivery
Date Posted: October 2026
Location: Illinois, Remote
Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary Range: $165,000 - $190,000
Desired Start Time: January 2027
Reporting to: CEO
Inova Energy Group, a woman-led consulting firm focused on building a sustainable and equitable clean energy future is seeking a strategic, results-oriented Vice President of Operations and Delivery to lead the company's overarching execution, delivery, and scaling of client-focused work. This executive leadership role will support operational excellence and organizational scalability, and will be responsible for ensuring successful project delivery, optimizing internal processes, managing a team of subject matter resources, and driving overall performance and profitability of Inova’s body of work.
The Vice President of Operations and Delivery will work closely with Inova’s leadership team to translate strategic goals into efficient, scalable operational practices. This role is critical to ensuring Inova consistently delivers exceptional client service while maintaining the systems, processes, talent, and operational capacity needed to support sustainable growth.
The ideal candidate is a curious, and highly motivated leader who thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment and is passionate about building high-performing teams and creating meaningful impact through Inova's work. This individual combines strategic thinking with hands-on execution and has demonstrated experience in the clean energy program industry, working with utilities and/or government agencies and/or leading project-based and consulting organizations. The successful candidate will possess strong leadership, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, along with the ability to build client and partner relationships, manage competing priorities, and drive results. Experience overseeing project portfolios and teams, and fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement is required.
This position is based in Illinois and is primarily remote, with periodic travel throughout the state and beyond as needed. Travel is anticipated approximately 20% to 30% of the time. The Vice President of Operations and Delivery reports directly to the CEO and collaborates closely with Inova's leadership team, staff, clients, and external partners.
Responsibilities
Oversee, direct, and scale multi-state clean energy programs under executive guidance, with a focus on the Midwest region.
Lead operational integration and transition activities for new projects and clients, major program changes and strategic operational initiatives.
Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with company goals, growth objectives, and long-term vision
Monitor project portfolio performance, produce forecasts, and proactively address delivery risks, challenges, and resource constraints
Support Inova’s projects by self-executing some project work primarily in a project management and project sponsor capacity and based on subject matter expertise. Develop comprehensive project plans, work breakdown structures, and implementation schedules.
Establish a quality culture, lead operational enhancements and continuous improvement initiatives based on lessons learned, performance data, client feedback and best practices.
Manage and mentor high-performing teams of consultants, project managers, researchers, and communication specialists.
Monitor team member productivity/utilization and resource allocation, perform workload balancing and capacity planning.
Track and report on operational Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), profitability, and budgets.
Develop, maintain, and continuously improve standard operating procedures (SOPs), policies, and best practices related to project management and project execution, to that improve efficiency and scalability.
Partner and collaborate with various business units, including with Strategy to ensure alignment with company business development efforts and with Talent Development to support hires.
Participate in leadership team planning, strategic initiatives, and organizational decision-making.
Qualifications and Skills
Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into operational execution.
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Energy Engineering, Project Management, or a related field. Advanced degree/MBA preferred.
Minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressive leadership experience in operations, project delivery, consulting, professional services, or a related environment.
Minimum of seven (7) years’ experience in the clean energy industry or related-field, working with utility and state government clients.
Demonstrated experience leading remote, cross-functional teams in a project-based professional services environment. Experience managing organizational growth and supporting change management efforts associated with new systems and operational processes.
Exceptional leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
Ability to analyze and interpret financial data and prepare reports and statements.
Proven success overseeing project portfolios, resource management, and organizational performance.
Experience managing budgets, financial performance, profitability, and operational metrics.
Strong understanding of project management methodologies, software, operational systems, and process improvement practices.
Strong interpersonal, communication, and client management skills. Superior presentation delivery skills.
Desire and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and growth-oriented environment
Proficient skills with Microsoft Office Suite.
Preferred Additional Qualifications
Valid driver’s license.
Certifications such as Project Management Professional (PMP), Professional Engineer (PE), Certified Energy Manager (CEM) preferred.
Well-established industry relationships with a focus on the Midwest.
Familiarity with workforce planning, utilization management, and organizational scaling strategies.
Experience implementing operational technologies, business systems, and automation tools.
Benefits
The base salary for this position is between $165,000 and $190,0000 annually, with additional compensation available as annual bonuses based on company-wide performance.
Inova offers the following benefits:
Flexible work schedule with remote arrangements
Generous time off policies including three (3) weeks paid time off, ten (10) paid holidays, sick leave, and volunteer time.
401(k) plan with employer contribution
Health, dental and vision insurance
Life and Long-Term disability Insurance
Professional development opportunities
The starting salary within the pay range will be based on several factors, including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, shift, travel requirements, and business and organizational needs.
About Inova
Inova Energy Group (inovaenergygroup.com) is a woman- and minority-led business on a mission to uplift underserved communities and empower small and diverse businesses in the transition to a clean energy future. Through creative advising, bold thinking, and collaborative partnerships, we tackle today’s complex energy challenges—blending technical expertise with human insight to advance a resilient and inclusive tomorrow.
Founded in 2014 and based in Chicago, Illinois, Inova Energy Group (Inova) is a strategic advisor for public agencies, utilities, and communities, advancing an inclusive, innovative, and resilient clean energy future. Delivering expert strategic advising, community and stakeholder engagement, and design and delivery, Inova utilizes market research, technical expertise, community input, human insights and partnership development to inform analysis, strategies and messaging.
Our core values:
INTENTIONAL COLLABORATION – Together, we are better.
GENUINE CURIOSITY – Never stop learning.
PEOPLE FIRST – Team, partners, and communities served are at the heart of what we do.
ENTREPRENEURIAL MINDSET – Making ideas happen.
IMPERFECT EXCELLENCE – The pursuit of excellence does not demand perfection.
WORK-LIFE INTEGRATION – Work as a contributor to a meaningful life.
Inova is committed to the growth of underrepresented individuals in our industry. Inova is an equal opportunity employer.
How We Work
At Inova, our greatest assets are the kind of people we attract. We pride ourselves in being an energetic and collaborative team, that strives for creative solutions and excellent delivery of work. We empower individuals to pursue their interests and continuously develop their professional skills, while working with a variety of projects and topics.
Our work environment is flexible, and we have a strong commitment to achieving an appropriate work-life integration. As a small team, we rely on each other and leverage our skills and knowledge to think outside the box. We are nimble and passionate about our work – with the knowledge that what we do makes an impact in our communities and the world.
To Apply
Please submit a cover letter and resume to careers@inovaenergygroup.com