Program Manager, Construction Engineering

About the role

The Program Manager will play a key role in advancing JERA’s strategic growth with responsibility for greenfield, mid-stage and brownfield project management of utility scale power projects encompassing thermal technologies such as combined cycle gas turbines, simple cycle gas turbines, reciprocating and aeroderivative gas turbines. The scope also encompasses energy storage development (e.g., lithium-ion and long-duration energy storage), and may extend to non-dispatchable renewable energy resources (e.g., solar, wind) and low-carbon energy solutions (e.g., hydrogen, ammonia, carbon capture, and direct air capture) as business strategy dictates. The role requires a deep understanding of the planning and execution of power generation projects and involves managing complex engineering, procurement, pre-construction (EPC) and execution activities, ensuring successful delivery of utility-scale energy projects that meet performance, budget, and schedule expectations. This role requires strong cross-functional project management, risk management acumen, and the ability to collaborate across internal and external stakeholders to drive value creation.

Responsibilities

• Leads and manages third party engineering and construction contracts for power generation and related energy projects (e.g. thermal, BESS).
• Oversees procurement activities, ensuring alignment with contract scope, technical specifications and performance guarantees.
• Conducts monthly and periodic review of EPC’s status, including but not limited to labor, materials, quality control/assurance, safety, budget and workforce planning.
• Provides oversight and coordination of EPC contractors throughout the project lifecycle.
• Prepares and reviews cost estimates, bid packages, and technical bid proposal analysis for projects.
• Monitors construction schedules, identifies risk and implement mitigation strategies to ensure timely project delivery.
• Coordinates construction and commissioning activities in coordination with design engineers, construction contractors, equipment supplier, and stakeholders.
• Supports project financing efforts, and lender reporting and technical due diligence.
• Prepares materials and inputs for financial analysis to support internal governance processes, including Investment Committee presentations, reviews and financial decision-making for project funding.
• Validates and approves project invoices and manage budget tracking and forecasting.
• Prepares and submits all required periodic reports to internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensures project compliance with federal, state and local regulations, including environmental and interconnection permitting and reporting.
• Participates in site visits and contributes to technical evaluations for new acquisitions and new project opportunities.
• Oversees fabrication and major OEM shop monitoring, delivery logistics and schedule adherence.
• Identifies project risks and leads implementation of appropriate mitigation plans.
• Develops and delivers comprehensive handover documentation for the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) team.

Skills

• Strong understanding of electric power generation technologies and project lifecycle
• Excellent communication proficiency across technical and non-technical audiences
• Collaborative mindset with a team-oriented approach
• Business acumen in capital project planning, estimating and forecasting
• Ethical conduct and commitment to safety and compliance
• Advanced problem solving and strategic thinking
• Discretion and confidentiality in handling sensitive project data

Qualifications

• BS in Engineering (e.g. Electrical, Mechanical, Civil), Construction Management or Other with equivalent industry experience
• Minimum 10 years’ experience working in one or more aspects of the planning, design, construction, and operation of utility-scale power generation projects (dispatchable and/or non-dispatchable) [experience in heavy duty turbines]
• PMP certification or equivalent project management credentials (preferred)
• Successful track record managing $50M+ power generation projects (preferred)
• Project experience to include low-carbon fuels, wind, and/or solar (preferred)
• Experience managing contractors and EPC firms in the energy sector (preferred)
• Field experience in low-carbon fuels, solar PV, wind turbines, or combined-cycle gas plants (preferred)