Principal Project Manager - Electric Utility

Position Summary

PowerRise is seeking a Principal Project Manager to serve as a recognized industry expert and senior individual contributor accountable for the delivery of our most complex, highest-risk electric utility capital projects. This role owns electric transmission, substation, and distribution projects, leading project teams through business case and capital approval, development and execution of project plans, and project closeout. Operating under little to no supervision, you will provide strategic direction, commercial rigor, and executive-level communication across a portfolio of concurrent projects and may lead high-profile business initiatives with direct accountability for execution.

Key Responsibilities

• STRATEGIC PROJECT LEADERSHIP & EXECUTION: Develop, manage, and meticulously maintain comprehensive project plans, critical path schedules (utilizing tools like MS Project or Primavera P6), and robust budgets for large-scale electric utility capital initiatives. Lead, mentor, and inspire multidisciplinary project teams, fostering a collaborative, innovative, and high-performing environment that thrives on efficiency and excellence. Oversee and direct all project phases, from initial concept and strategic planning through detailed engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and final closeout, ensuring unwavering alignment with client objectives, contractual requirements, industry best practices, and all regulatory mandates.
• ADVANCED RISK MANAGEMENT & STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATION: Proactively identify, perform in-depth analysis of, and strategically mitigate complex project risks by developing and implementing comprehensive risk management strategies and robust contingency plans. Communicate with exceptional clarity, transparency, and professionalism to executive clients, key senior stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and internal project teams, providing timely, insightful updates, comprehensive reports, and impactful presentations. Collaborate with other project managers, work management, and functional managers to assure optimal utilization of resources across a portfolio of concurrent projects and annual programs.
• CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT, INNOVATION & INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP: Drive innovation and champion continuous improvement initiatives within project management processes, tools, and methodologies, actively seeking opportunities to optimize efficiency, enhance quality, and improve project outcomes. Stay at the forefront of industry trends, emerging technologies, and evolving best practices in utility project management to ensure PowerRise maintains its leadership position.
• CONTRACTOR & COMMERCIAL MANAGEMENT: Acquire and manage contract resources by participating in the contractor selection process, preparing contract requisitions, negotiating and approving change orders and contract payment authorizations, and formally evaluating contractor performance. Review contractor invoices for accuracy and completeness and manage all project financials, including cost engineering, cash flow, accruals, contingency drawdown, and major equipment procurement, to deliver projects at or below approved budget.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Civil, Mechanical), Construction Management, or a closely related technical or business field; in lieu of a bachelor's degree, 16+ years of directly relevant project management experience.
• A minimum of 12+ years of progressive and impactful experience in project management, with a proven and verifiable track record of successfully managing and delivering large-scale, complex electric utility capital projects (transmission, substation, and distribution).
• Demonstrated proficiency managing large, complex projects using established project management techniques, including planning and control (work breakdown structures, critical path analysis, scope control), issue and risk management, business case development (cost/benefit and net present value analysis), and progress reporting (cost/schedule curves, project status reporting, earned value analysis).
• Proven experience administering high-dollar contracts, including contractor selection, change order negotiation, invoice review, and contractor performance management.
• Strong, demonstrated leadership, communication (written, verbal, executive presentation), negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build consensus, engage stakeholders, and hold teams accountable within a high-performance culture.
• High proficiency in project management software and tools, such as Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Microsoft Office, and modern project collaboration platforms.
• Active Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI) is required and must be current at the time of hire.
• Valid driver's license and a driving record that meets PowerRise hiring requirements, with the ability to travel to project and client sites as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business Administration (MBA), or a related field.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Knowledge and experience in underground and overhead electric transmission and substation construction projects.
• Experience managing a total portfolio of active projects or annual capital programs of complex, large scope and budget.
• Previous supervisory experience, or experience providing direction to other project managers.
• Working knowledge of OSHA safety policies and utility design, planning, and construction standards.