Project Development Project Manager I

About the role

CARIAN is seeking a Project Development Project Manager to support early-stage development of large-scale transmission and substation capital projects for a major utility client in New Jersey. This role leads projects from concept through the development phase, coordinating cross-functional technical teams and preparing projects for handoff to execution once projects reach approximately 30% design maturity.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead project kick-offs and establish cross-functional teams to evaluate, refine, and define project scope
• Manage projects from conceptual planning through the development phase, supporting handoff to execution teams at approximately 30% of the project lifecycle
• Lead multiple concurrent overhead transmission and substation projects ranging from 34.5kV to 500kV
• Cook up with technical teams to identify project interdependencies and establish overall construction sequencing strategies
• Maintain detailed project financials in coordination with cost analyst teams
• Maintain detailed project schedules in coordination with project scheduling teams
• Implement standardized project management lifecycle processes to ensure consistent documentation and execution
• Leverage technical background to effectively manage projects through early development stages
• Serve as the primary point of contact with the utility client for development-phase activities, including coordination, strategic planning, scope management, and budgeting
• Provide overall management of early project phases, including siting, environmental review, permitting, planning, estimating, engineering, right-of-way acquisition, project controls, procurement support, constructability reviews, material planning, and transition to construction

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering
• Minimum of 4-8 years of experience in the transmission and distribution industry
• Experience in engineering, project management, or a related technical discipline preferred
• Strong organizational and planning skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive projects to defined deliverables
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to client project sites