Power Delivery Project Manager

WSP is seeking a Project Manager for our Power & Energy Management Team. This position will be based out of Houston, TX, Austin, TX, or Fort Worth, TX with the ability to work remotely from any mutually acceptable location. Occasional travel to a WSP and/or Client office for periodic face-to-face meetings is required.

About the Role

This opportunity provides project management for the development, execution, management, control, and monitoring of high voltage and EHV substation and/or transmission line engineering projects. Responsibilities span the project lifecycle, including proposal phase, planning, execution, reporting, and closeout, ensuring adherence to corporate and client project excellence standards. The role involves addressing current and future project management challenges in a dynamic business environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide project management leadership for small to large-scale high voltage and EHV substation and/or transmission line engineering projects, overseeing design, budgets, forecasts, margins, KPIs, risk contingencies, and contractual obligations.
• Develop and foster effective strategies to engage project stakeholders, maintain relationships, and report on project progress.
• Guide pursuit and initiation activities, including "Go/No-Go" decisions, contract reviews, risk mitigation strategies, and pricing reviews.
• Lead or participate in contract negotiations and client presentations.
• Drive appropriate levels of technical review, select qualified staff, and ensure adherence to QA/QC plans.
• Provide verbal and written inputs to multi-disciplinary project teams and contribute strategic advice to clients.
• Manage and mentor assigned staff, providing performance guidance and leadership.
• Update system and process documentation, including Risk (REF/RMP), Project Management Plan (PMP), Project Quality Plan (QP), Project Safety (PSP), and Communications Plan.
• Lead project kick-off meetings with key stakeholders.
• Coordinate with area/technical managers to address project resource and subcontracting requirements.
• Maintain regular client communications, reporting on monthly status, safety incidents, and major issues with scope and budget impacts.
• Participate in and oversee problem project reviews, providing input on root cause issues and potential solutions, and assist with developing project recovery plans.
• Ensure regular project reporting and updates to clients, technical areas, and business unit managers, identifying emergent issues with scope, risk, and/or budget.
• Complete formal project closeout activities and facilitate lessons-learned meetings with key project staff.
• Collaborate with professionals from various disciplines to provide "trusted advisor" services and future-ready solutions for clients.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct, adhering to WSP’s Code of Conduct.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field within the Power & Energy Market.
• 12 years of relevant post-education experience in a project management role within the Power Delivery/Utility Industry.
• Minimum of 5 years of applicable industry experience working with IOUs, IPPs, Co-Ops, Munis, Construction Contractors, or similar entities.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience leading engineering and/or construction teams on medium to large electrical utility-scale projects for high voltage and/or extra high voltage substation and/or transmission line projects.

Skills

• Knowledge and experience with project management processes and tools, including:
  • Contract Management
  • External and Internal Team Meeting Management
  • Earned Value Management
  • Change Management
  • Risk Management
  • Schedule Management (including CPM project schedules such as Primavera P6 or equivalent)
  • Financial Management
• Highly proficient understanding of the project delivery process within the Power Delivery/Utility industry and a strong background in project management.
• Advanced proficiency in analytical and organizational skills, with business acumen to bridge business and project management.
• Advanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills to assess and calculate project management principles, understanding intent, impact, and optimal outcomes.
• Advanced interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively with leadership, subcontractors, and employees at all levels.
• Excellent self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and adaptability to changing priorities in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to work independently and provide guidance to mid-level to senior-level team members, with strict adherence to QA/QC.
• Advanced proficiency with technical writing, office automation, relevant software, MS Office suite (Word, Excel, Visio, Project, SharePoint), and PM tools.
• Ability to elicit cooperation from a wide variety of sources, including senior management, subcontractors, consultants, and company-wide staff.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety, and drug/alcohol policies.
• Strong adaptability to change and flexibility to a variety of schedules and hours to meet project-specific needs.
• Occasional travel is required, with frequency dependent on client and project-specific needs.

About WSP

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. We design lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water, and environment markets. With over 15,000 employees in more than 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with clients to help communities prosper. WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs, along with a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on health and financial stability.