Project Leader/Project Manager

As one of the largest investor-owned utility companies in the United States, PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) is committed to creating long-term, sustainable value for our 3.5 million customers, shareowners, and the communities we serve. Our high-performing regulated utilities provide an outstanding experience for customers, consistently ranking among the best in the nation. PPL invests in new infrastructure and technology to create a smarter, more reliable, and resilient energy grid while advancing a cleaner energy future and driving innovation to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

About the role

The Project Leader is the single point of accountability for medium-size PPL Electric Utilities transmission and distribution projects, responsible for planning and managing all aspects from development through closeout. This role identifies risks, develops mitigation plans, and integrates information into cohesive project plans, managing and influencing subject matter experts and leading teams.

The Project Manager is the single point of accountability for large PPL Electric Utilities capital projects (Transmission, Distribution, and Substation), responsible for the successful delivery of an assigned project portfolio throughout the project lifecycle, including planning, detailed design, construction, closeout, and turnover to operations.

Responsibilities

Project Leader

• Serve as the primary customer-facing point of contact for distribution load-driven projects, coordinating with external stakeholders from inception through completion.
• Partner with Economic Development and customers to evaluate and identify optimal solutions for new or expanding loads on the distribution system.
• Collaborate with Engineering to define project scope and required system upgrades, translating planning outputs into executable project plans.
• Fully accountable for scope, schedule, cost, and quality attainment for assigned projects, including:
  • Establishing project plans, key milestones, resources, work breakdown structure, risks, and contingencies.
  • Identifying risks, developing mitigation plans, monitoring project status, and implementing corrective actions.
  • Reporting project status, forecasting cash flows, and final project costs.
• Develop and manage project teams, integrating various disciplines as necessary.
• Plan and manage small to medium-size projects from development through closeout.
• Establish project controls, metrics, and key success indicators.
• Manage trade-offs between scope, schedule, quality, and cost.
• Control expenditures, schedule, and quality to execute projects within budget.
• Manage communications, including project reports and status meetings with stakeholders.
• Track and report progress, document obstacles, delays, and claims.
• Participate in contracting decisions, identify contract obligations, and assist in contract final closure.
• Responsible for all financial aspects of the project, including budget, invoice payments, and financial closeout.
• Perform other duties as assigned and comply with all policies and standards.

Project Manager

• Serve as the primary customer-facing point of contact for distribution load-driven projects, coordinating with external stakeholders.
• Partner with Economic Development and customers to evaluate and identify optimal solutions for new or expanding loads.
• Collaborate with Engineering to define project scope and required system upgrades, ensuring alignment with schedule, cost, and reliability objectives.
• Manage a portfolio of projects with budgets ranging from $1M to $100M and complexity from low to extreme.
• Plan, direct, and ensure successful management of assigned project portfolios utilizing project management office resources.
• Maintain communication with upper management to ensure smooth project execution.
• Advise leadership on project portfolio status, budget, and resource planning.
• Establish and nurture positive relationships with customer organizations.
• Develop, execute, and maintain project management plans, including scope, schedule, cost, quality, communication, resource, issues, risks, and contractor management.
• Apply PPL PM methodology and enforce project standards.
• Manage project team identification, deliverables, and day-to-day operational aspects.
• Manage "gate" reviews and quality assurance procedures.
• Proactively identify risks, monitor project status, and coordinate corrective actions.
• Ensure project documents are complete, current, and stored appropriately.
• Manage project budget, revenue recognition, invoicing, and receivables.
• Accurately forecast project costs and manage cash flows.
• Responsible for project contracts, including bid processes, dispute resolution, and contract closure.
• Oversee invoice/payment processes and updates to financial systems.
• Lead in coaching and mentoring team members to achieve deliverables.
• Support the development and maintenance of project management policies, standards, and procedures.
• Assume a leadership role in educating the business and technical community on project management processes.
• Take ownership of special projects and company initiatives.
• Initiate and implement new technologies, methodologies, processes, and procedures to support PPL's goals.

Both roles may require driving as an essential function and may be assigned an Electric Utilities emergency and storm role, necessitating after-hours work. Assigned work location may change, with potential for remote work or on-site requirements.

Requirements

Project Leader

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Engineering, Mathematics, Science, or related discipline, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3 to 5 years of experience in project management, construction management, project controls, budgeting, or team leadership.
• Budget, cost control, reporting, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) credentials.
• Strong written, oral, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated initiative and leadership skills.
• Engineering economics skills and critical path methodology knowledge.

Project Manager

• Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of 4 years of project management experience, or Master's Degree with a minimum of 2 years of project management experience, or a minimum of 8 years of specific related experience.
• Strong budgeting, cost control, scheduling, reporting, and writing skills.
• Clear understanding of project management methodology as outlined by the Project Management Institute's PMBOK.

Preferred Qualifications:

• B.S. in Business, Engineering, or Science.
• Project management certification by a recognized organization.