Project Management Area Lead - Power Delivery

WSP is seeking a Project Management Area Lead for our Power & Energy Management Team. This role is responsible for managing the day-to-day activities of the local and/or regional project management team to produce work consistent with WSP’s mission and culture. The position requires leadership in adhering to WSP’s project management and business practices while achieving business plan goals, maintaining high-quality standards, and meeting client needs. This role will be based in New York, NY, Newark, NJ, Syracuse, NY, Boston, MA, or Philadelphia, PA, with the ability to work remotely from any mutually acceptable location. Periodic travel to a WSP and/or client office is required.

About the role

This opportunity provides leadership and project management oversight for the development, execution, management, control, and monitoring of Substation and/or Transmission Line projects throughout the Northeast Region. The role ensures responsibilities across the project lifecycle—proposal phase, planning, execution, reporting, and closeout—are delivered with quality that meets or exceeds corporate and client standards. The position also addresses current and future project management challenges in a complex business environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide project management leadership for small, medium, and large-scale Substation and/or Transmission Line projects, ensuring support for detailed design, budgets, forecasts, margins, KPIs, risk contingencies, and contractual obligations.
• Serve as a Project Management subject matter expert, ensuring corporate compliance with internal standards and addressing project management challenges.
• Support the development and execution of Business Unit (BU) and Regional Manager recruiting plans, including interviewing candidates and making hiring recommendations.
• Oversee the employee review process, including performing reviews for direct reports and summarizing recommendations for position and salary adjustments.
• Mentor project management staff on internal processes, best practices, earned value management, and PMBOK standards.
• Participate in company-wide and in-person training events for Division development and growth.
• Support the preparation, monitoring, and execution of PE to PM plans for internal transfers and new hires, ensuring strong mentoring relationships.
• Develop and foster strategies to engage project stakeholders, maintain effective relationships, and report on project progress.
• Provide guidance on pursuit/initiation activities, including “Go / No-Go” decisions, contract reviews, risk mitigation, and pricing strategies.
• Lead or participate in contract negotiations, rate schedule development, and client presentations.
• Coordinate internal risk reviews for all projects, adhering to company RDOA requirements.
• Drive appropriate levels of technical review, selecting qualified staff and adhering to QA/QC plans.
• Provide verbal and written inputs to multi-disciplinary project teams and contribute strategic advice to clients.
• Manage and provide performance guidance to assigned staff.
• Ensure updates to 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, including monthly status reports, safety incidents, and major issues with scope and budget impacts.
• Participate in and oversee problem project reviews, providing input on root causes and potential solutions, and assist with project recovery plans.
• Ensure regular project reporting and updates to clients, technical areas, and business unit managers.
• 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, or equivalent experience in a technical or engineering firm. Candidates with PMP certification will be considered.
• 15+ 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 or providing engineering services for IOUs, IPPs, Co-Ops, Munis, etc.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience leading engineering and/or construction teams on medium to large electrical utility-scale projects for medium, high voltage, and/or extra high voltage power delivery.
• 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
• Advanced-level 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 apply project management principles effectively.
• Advanced interpersonal and communication skills to interact persuasively and tactfully with leadership, subcontractors, and employees at all levels.
• Strong 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 in technical writing, office automation, relevant software (e.g., MS Office suite, SharePoint), and PM tools.
• Ability to elicit cooperation from a wide variety of sources, including senior management, subcontractors, 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 meet project-specific schedules and hours.
• Occasional travel is required, depending on client and project-specific needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• PE License
• MBA
• PMP Certification
• Knowledge of WSP’s clients in the Northeast United States

Benefits

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on health and financial stability, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Disability and life insurance
• Retirement savings plans
• Paid sick leave
• Paid vacation or personal time
• Paid parental leave
• Paid time off for bereavement, voting, and naturalization proceedings

Pay

Expected salary (all locations): $200,000 - $280,000.

About WSP

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, WSP USA designs 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., WSP partners with clients to help communities prosper. The company offers a flexible and agile workplace model while providing a comprehensive suite of benefits to support employees’ health and financial stability throughout their careers.