Okay, I've searched for full-time Product Portfolio Manager positions in Minneapolis, MN within the energy industry that require 4 years of experience and include 401(k) benefits. I have found several openings that match your criteria.

Sure. Here's the analysis:

Job Analysis:

The Product Portfolio Manager role at Xcel Energy centers on end-to-end management of demand response and demand-side management (DSM) product portfolios in residential segments, with a clear focus on meeting financial and regulatory performance targets. This person is fundamentally hired to drive the success of energy conservation products by blending strategic vision, operational oversight, and cross-functional coordination—balancing customer needs, regulatory constraints, and market opportunities. The role requires managing the full product lifecycle, including pricing, marketing mix, forecasting, budgeting, and regulatory compliance, which highlights the strategic importance of aligning product initiatives with evolving energy policies and customer expectations. Success means not only meeting P&L and DSM goals but also enhancing customer satisfaction and championing innovation, such as integrating new technologies like Virtual Power Plant solutions. The responsibilities imply navigating complex stakeholder environments—from regulatory bodies to internal teams like product development and marketing—demanding strong communication and leadership skills. The requirement for experience with regulatory policies and conservation programs indicates the candidate must be adept at working within tightly controlled energy markets and able to anticipate policy shifts or regulatory nuances. Performance in this role will likely be assessed based on measurable outcomes such as demand response targets, profitability, customer acquisition/retention, accuracy of forecasting, and compliance with energy regulations, especially within a multi-state jurisdictional framework.

Company Analysis:

Xcel Energy operates as a large, forward-leaning utility company functioning across multiple states in the Western and Midwestern U.S., serving millions of electric and gas customers. It presents itself as a mission-driven yet dynamic organization that balances traditional energy delivery with a rising emphasis on renewable energy and customer-centric innovations. The company is likely structured with clearly defined but collaborative silos, where this Product Portfolio Manager role would play a pivotal cross-functional leadership part, interfacing with operational, regulatory, and product development teams. The culture appears to be one that values safety, environmental stewardship, ethical standards, and continuous learning—offering an environment that challenges employees to grow and directly contribute to the energy transition. For a candidate, this means thriving will require adaptability to changing regulations and technologies, a proactive mindset towards innovation in energy management, and a commitment to both customer outcomes and corporate sustainability goals. The role’s strategic impact supports the company’s larger objectives to remain a trusted provider while advancing smart energy products and programs that align with shifting market demands and regulatory frameworks. The broad benefit packages and emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and accessibility also speak to a supportive workplace aiming to attract and retain committed talent over the long run.

Absolutely. Here are some mock interview questions that could come up:

• Behavioral: Tell me about a time when you had to manage a product portfolio that involved navigating complex regulatory requirements. How did you ensure compliance while meeting business goals?
• Behavioral: Describe an experience where you led a cross-functional team to launch a new energy product. What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
• Behavioral: Can you share an example where you had to forecast demand or budget for a new product initiative? How did you approach the accuracy and uncertainty in your forecasts?
• Behavioral: Tell me about a situation where you identified a market or customer need that was not initially obvious and successfully adapted a product or program to address it.
• Technical: How would you develop and maintain a pricing strategy for demand response products within a regulated utility environment?
• Technical: Explain your experience with Demand Response Management Software or Virtual Power Plant technology. How do these tools influence product portfolio decisions?
• Technical: What steps would you take to ensure DSM programs are aligned with regulatory policies across multiple states with differing requirements?
• Technical: How do you track and analyze P&L performance for a portfolio of energy products? What key metrics do you consider and why?
• Situational: Imagine you discover that customer adoption rates for one of your DSM products are lagging behind forecasts due to low market awareness. How would you address this?
• Situational: Suppose a new regulatory change potentially disrupts your current portfolio strategy. How would you assess its impact and respond effectively?
• Situational: You receive conflicting feedback from product development and sales teams regarding the feature set of a new product launch. How do you navigate this to make a final decision?
• Company Fit: Why are you interested in working at Xcel Energy, particularly in this Product Portfolio Manager role?
• Company Fit: How do your personal values and career goals align with Xcel Energy's commitment to environmental stewardship and customer focus?
• Company Fit: In what ways do you see the energy industry evolving over the next five years, and how would you contribute to Xcel Energy's role in that transition?
• Questions for Interviewer: How does Xcel Energy envision the Product Portfolio Manager role evolving as renewable and demand response technologies advance?
• Questions for Interviewer: Can you describe the key internal partnerships this role will engage with most regularly and how success is measured cross-functionally?
• Questions for Interviewer: What are the biggest challenges currently facing the DSM product portfolio, and what strategies are in place to address them?