Energy manager: a profession serving company performance

As a key energy management profession, the energy manager plays an essential role in optimising energy efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint of companies. Against a backdrop of soaring energy prices and growing awareness of environmental issues, energy managers occupy a strategic position. It enables organisations to achieve their sustainability and profitability objectives while complying with their regulatory obligations. What are the tasks, skills required, salary, advantages and disadvantages of this forward-looking profession? Find all the answers in this job description.

Overall, the challenges of the energy manager position focus on reducing energy costs, improving energy efficiency, regulatory compliance, environmental responsibility and raising stakeholder awareness of sustainability. The main tasks of the energy manager are therefore based on these challenges.

What are the main tasks of an energy manager?

1/ Analysis and monitoring of energy data

First of all, the energy manager carries out energy audits to assess the company's energy consumption and its cost.

It collects and analyses data to :

• identify energy-saving opportunities ;
• establish a energy efficiency strategy ;
• assess the progress made in reducing consumption ;
• suggest adjustments if necessary;
• draw up regular reports on the company's energy performance.

2/ Developing energy efficiency strategies

The energy manager also develops plans and strategies to reduce energy consumption, optimise processes and implement more energy-efficient technologies. This involvesidentify "inefficient" or energy-guzzling equipment and replace with more energy-efficient equipment.

The energy manager also helps to manage the company's energy contracts.  

Energy manager, a job with a future thanks to the energy transition

3/ Managing sustainable energy projects

It oversees the design and implementation of projects aimed at integrate thees renewable energies in the company's operations. They may also coordinate the implementation of energy storage and intelligent energy management systems.

4/ Risk management

In terms of risk management, the energy manager can be involved in two levels.

• Financial risk

Fluctuating energy prices and the risks associated with security of supply are major challenges for businesses. The energy manager therefore plays a crucial role in several respects:

• monitor and analyse energy market trends
• developing risk management plans
• identify alternative solutions to mitigate these risks

• Regulatory compliance

Energy and environmental regulations are increasingly strict. The energy manager ensures that the company complies with current standards and regulations, particularly in terms of energy efficiency, greenhouse gas emissions and environmental reporting. They may therefore be responsible for technical and regulatory monitoring.

5/ Raising awareness and training

The energy manager plays a key role in raising awareness of energy issues among management, employees and external stakeholders. They can organise training and awareness-raising sessions. Objectives: to promote best practice in energy efficiency, to encourage the adoption of eco-responsible behaviour within the company...

What training and experience is needed to become an energy manager?

A level diploma Bac +5 is required.

First of all, it's best to opt for a scientific baccalaureate, or failing that STI2D (sciences and technologies for industry and sustainable development). Then, enrol on a engineering school curriculum. Recruiters look favourably on general engineering qualifications with a specialisation in "energy" or "energy-environment". They also look favourably on engineering degrees with a specialisation in public works, civil engineering or sustainable building. Holders of a Masters 2 in environmental management, thermal engineering or industrial energy are also well placed.

The business is also accessible to QSE, technical or maintenance managers. Similarly, recruiters appreciate experience as an energy/petrochemicals workshop manager, energy production manager or renewable energy park operator. Additional training, focusing on specific areas of energy and energy efficiency, can enhance the profile of these candidates.

What skills does an energy manager need?

TECHNICAL SKILLS (hard skills)

• In-depth knowledge of energy technologies and systems, thermal and mechanical processes
• Knowledge of the building life cycle and of one or more building environmental performance assessment and certification standards: HQE®, BREEAM, WELL, LEED, ETC.
• Knowledge of one or more software packages for determining energy performance, regulatory heat balance calculations or dynamic thermal simulation: ClimaWin, Pleiades-Comfie, TrnSys, etc.
• Mastery of standards (ISO 50001, ISO 50006, ISO 50015, ISO 14001)
• Mastery of project management techniques
• Knowledge of technical programming and calculation languages: Python, MATLAB, etc.
• Mastery of the Office pack, in particular Excel and, if possible, VBA
• Technical English

BEHAVIOURAL AND RELATIONAL SKILLS (soft skills)

• Excellent listening skills
• Sense of diplomacy and negotiation
• Interpersonal skills and leadership
• Ability to analyse and summarise
• Rigour and organisational skills

How much does an energy manager earn?

The average salary is 41 000 €. But salary ranges change considerably with experience.

A rare and fast-growing profession, the energy manager is one of the three professions whose salaries are set to rise the most in 2023.

Remuneration survey 2023 - Page Group (Mickael Page branch)

At the start of their career, energy consultants can expect to earn between €30,000 and €35,000 gross per year. This rises to €40,000 to €50,000 gross per year after 5 years' experience. On average, an energy efficiency manager with more than 10 years' experience can exceed €60,000 or even €70,000 gross per year.

These ranges also vary according to training, sector of activity and type of structure.

What kind of working environment?

Energy managers can work in a wide variety of organisations.

These include, of course, large-scale companies in the industrial and energy sectors. There are also opportunities in civil engineering and public institutions (hospitals, universities).

Other possibilities include environmental consultancies, design and engineering firms and architects' practices. Energy managers may also work as independent consultants.

But in recent years, we can see that smaller companies in the tertiary sector internalise this type of position rather than using consulting firms or design offices.

Job titles can vary from one sector to another or depending on the size of the company: energy consultant, energy efficiency manager, energy management engineer, energy and environment project manager or sustainable development and energy manager.

What are the career prospects for energy managers?

Energy managers can progress to become sustainability managers. This will broaden their scope to include waste and water management and corporate social responsibility. They could also become energy efficiency consultants. Another possible career path is as a renewable energy manager.

What are the attractions and constraints of this job?

To thrive in this role, you need to have strong ecological convictions. A thorough knowledge of energy transition issues will help you to defend your projects effectively. The energy sector is constantly evolving, with the emergence of new technologies, regulations and practices. As a result, the energy manager profession offers many opportunities for learning and professional development, which tends to encourage career advancement.