Job Description

HVAC Product Innovation Manager

The HVAC Product Innovation Manager role advances NEEA’s strategic goals by identifying, assessing, and validating emerging products and technologies to improve commercial HVAC system efficiency. The Product Innovation Manager will work to identify opportunities for Market Transformation initiatives for these products with the goal of permanently and cost-effectively changing markets so these energy-efficient products and practices become the standard without ongoing intervention. Managing a portfolio of electric and natural gas products, the Product Innovation Manager collaborates with testing laboratories, industry experts, engineering firms, and other market actors to evaluate product performance and market readiness. Serving as NEEA’s internal subject matter expert on the technical aspects of product lines, this role supports program teams and conducts ongoing research on emerging technologies that hold potential to deliver energy savings for Northwest consumers. 

We are seeking candidates with experience in commercial HVAC products, systems, and markets , including familiarity with industry trends, technologies, and customer needs in this space. 

This position is based in the Portland, OR metro area, with a hybrid work arrangement. We are looking for candidates who can meet the requirement of working at least 2 days per week onsite at NEEA’s office location. Finalists must have eligibility to work in the US as NEEA is not able to provide VISA sponsorship or have remote work outside of the US. 

Salary range: $120,000 - $135,000 exempt

• Salary is based on the applicants Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. 

The Typical Day May Include… 

• Building and maintaining relationships with market actors such as manufacturers, distributors, design engineers, installers, and end user representatives by becoming an expert in the needs of each of these links in the supply chain. 
• Scanning the market for new innovative energy efficiency products, practices or services. Screen and prioritize those new opportunities for inclusion within NEEA’s portfolio of emerging technologies.
• Defining and maintaining the product plan for each assigned product as it evolves through the market adoption lifecycle.
• Participating in the shared sense of purpose at NEEA as a functional member of program teams by providing ongoing product guidance and support within the team. Teams include Market Transformation Managers , Program Managers, other NEEA resources, and external contractors to ensure a comprehensive approach to Market Transformation objectives. 
  • Collaborating and constructively contributing to team settings by leveraging the functional excellence, strengths, and capabilities of teammates. 
  • Contributing to the design and development of full-scale market transformation programs within NEEA. Assisting Program Managers in establishing appropriate program scope, processes, budgets, schedules, contracts, work plans, and risk mitigation.
  • Working with Market Transformation Managers to monitor and evolve the product segment strategy through changing market conditions.
• Promoting the adoption of efficient products by working with Codes and Standards Engineers to recommend test methods for state and federal standards development. This work coordinates with state, national, and international organizations to update existing test methods and performance specifications.
• Partnering with utility staff involved with emerging technologies to ensure that utility programs and market transformation efforts are complimentary, coordinated, and valued by our utility partners.
• Managing contracts and contractor work for product lab testing, pilots and field demonstrations. This includes creating RFPs and managing contractors through unforeseen issues that may arise with testing of new products. 

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities over NEEA staff. This position will be responsible for supervising and managing contractors. The incumbent provides leadership, direction and guidance to his or her teams and contractors, and provides assistance to management in achieving work group success. 

What Are You Good At? 

A top-performing HVAC Product Innovation Manager at NEEA is a strategic and innovative leader who consistently identifies and advances high-potential energy-efficient technologies through the full product lifecycle. They demonstrate technical acumen paired with insights into the landscape of the market to help prioritize limited resources. Holds the ability to navigate complex stakeholder interests to align product segment strategies with regional energy goals.

They proactively scan for emerging opportunities, manage product assessments, and collaborate with cross-functional teams. Their ability to cultivate and maintain relationships with manufacturers, utilities, and government organizations is core to NEEA’s influence in markets. This role is known for its adaptability, collaborative spirit, and exceptional project management skills. They drive Market Transformation initiatives forward while maintaining a sharp focus on delivering measurable energy savings for Northwest consumers. 

Your Experience, Education, and Skills: 

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, product management, business or related field required.
• 7+ years of experience showing progression of responsibility required.
• Experience with HVAC products and systems in either commercial, residential or industrial environments required.
• Knowledge of energy efficiency, electric and gas utility business operations, and/or Northwest energy markets preferred. 
• Experience in product strategy development including market assessment, short and long-range forecasting, risk-assessment and management preferred. 
• Proven leadership managing multi-stakeholder projects within cross-functional/matrixed teams with ability to influence implementation and meet deadlines required. 
• Ability to adjust strategies and tactics in response to changing organizational priorities or market conditions while maintaining team alignment required. 
• Proven ability to use diverse data sources and market insights to diagnose barriers, uncover opportunities, and guide strategic decisions required. 
• Fundamental understanding with how products deliver value to end users, and how this creates market drivers, business opportunities and supply chain dynamics required. 
• Proficiency at identifying research needs to answer questions about new products and potential markets preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education, experience and training that would provide the knowledge, skills and abilities for this role will also be considered. 

Highlights of NEEA’s Benefits: 

• 90% of medical/dental premiums paid by NEEA, including for dependents 
• Employer funded Health Savings Account 
• 136 hours of PTO/year
• Automatic 6% retirement contribution with an additional 2% matching 
• Flexible work environment, including hybrid work location and 9/80 schedule options 
• Professional development opportunities 

About NEEA

The Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) is an alliance of more than 140 electric and natural gas utilities and energy efficiency organizations working on behalf of Northwest energy consumers to increase the adoption of energy-efficient products services and practices. Since 1997, the region has achieved more than 959 average megawatts (aMW) of Co-Created electric energy savings – the equivalent of enough energy to power more than 700,000 Northwest homes each year.

NEEA welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and fields of expertise, with or without previous experience in the energy industry.

Follow this link to our website and learn more about the organization. 

NEEA is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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