Principal Business Case & Decision Analysis Lead

Seattle City Light, one of the nation’s largest municipally owned electric utilities, is committed to delivering affordable, reliable, and environmentally responsible power. As the utility navigates new technologies, customer expectations, and regulatory changes, we are strengthening our ability to make clear, well-grounded business decisions.

We are seeking a Principal Business Case & Decision Analysis Lead — the utility’s expert responsible for owning, improving, and guiding the enterprise business case process. This role evaluates new programs, customer offerings, operational changes, grants, and major investments, ensuring decisions are grounded in financial truth, customer value, and organizational risk.

This position reports to the Financial Planning Manager.

Here is more about what you’ll be doing: 

 

• Own and evolve the enterprise business case framework, ensuring rigor, transparency, and alignment with utility financial principles.
• Guide cross-functional teams through structured decision-making, identifying risks, opportunities, alternatives, and implementation pathways.
• Develop and review business cases for new programs, customer offerings, capital projects, grants, and policy or regulatory changes.
• Conduct scenario modeling and economic analysis to support strategic decisions and long-term planning.
• Integrate business case insights into rate cases, strategic planning, and financial forecasting.
• Communicate complex findings clearly to executives, technical teams, and elected officials.

 

In addition to the skills and experience mentioned below, a successful applicant will have experience that reflects a commitment to creating fair and equitable outcomes and has: 

Education: Master's Degree in Economics, Finance, Business Administration, or other field involving extensive course work in economic and financial theory and analysis. (Graduate study may be replaced by four years of related professional experience. Other combinations of education and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability.)
  
Experience: Minimum of five years professional experience in economic/financial research and analysis.

Desired Qualifications - You will be successful if you have the following experience, skills, and abilities:

• Expertise in business case development and structured decision analysis
• Strong financial modeling skills (Excel, Power BI, Tableau)
• Experience in utilities, energy, infrastructure, or public-sector analysis
• Ability to translate complex analysis into clear recommendations
• Skill in facilitating cross-functional collaboration
• Curiosity, initiative, and self-direction
• Customer-focused thinking and understanding of utility financial principles
• Project leadership experience

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The full salary range for this position is $64.12 to $74.37 per hour.

Application Process

Please submit the following with your online application: 

A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job announcement 
A current resume of your educational and professional work experience. 
*Incomplete applications will not be considered*


Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications.   Seattle City Light values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Seattle City Light encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check. The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with the Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3. A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020.Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: hhttps://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits

Want to know more about Seattle City Light? Check out our web page: https://www.seattle.gov/city-light/about-us/careers.