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 will be based out of 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 for in-person meetings is required.

About the Role

As a Project Management Area Lead, you will provide leadership and oversight for the development, execution, management, control, and monitoring of Substation and/or Transmission Line projects throughout the Northeast Region. This role ensures adherence to WSP’s project management and business practices while achieving business plan goals, maintaining high-quality standards, and meeting client needs. You will foster a team atmosphere, drive innovation, and address project management challenges in a dynamic operational climate.

Responsibilities

• Provide project management leadership for small to large-scale Substation and/or Transmission Line projects, ensuring oversight of detailed design, budgets, forecasts, margins, KPIs, risk contingencies, and contractual obligations.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in project management, ensuring corporate compliance with internal standards and addressing current and future challenges.
• Support the development and execution of recruiting plans, including interviewing candidates and making hiring recommendations.
• Oversee the employee review process, including performance evaluations and salary adjustment recommendations for direct reports.
• 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 growth.
• Support the preparation, monitoring, and execution of transition plans for internal transfers and new hires.
• Develop and maintain effective stakeholder engagement strategies, including reporting on project progress.
• Provide guidance on pursuit and 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 and technical reviews for projects, adhering to company requirements and QA/QC plans.
• Provide strategic advice to clients and contribute to multi-disciplinary project teams.
• Manage and guide assigned staff, ensuring adherence to system and process documentation (e.g., Risk, Project Management Plan, Quality Plan, Safety Plan, Communications Plan).
• Lead project kick-off meetings with key stakeholders.
• Coordinate with technical managers to address project resource and subcontracting needs.
• Maintain regular client communications, including monthly status updates, safety incidents, and scope/budget impacts.
• Participate in problem project reviews, identifying root causes and assisting with recovery plans.
• Ensure regular project reporting to clients, technical areas, and business unit managers.
• Complete formal project closeout activities, including documenting lessons learned.
• Collaborate with professionals across disciplines to deliver "trusted advisor" services and future-ready solutions.
• Adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and 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.
• 15+ years of relevant post-education experience in a project management role within the Power Delivery/Utility Industry.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience working with or providing engineering services for IOUs, IPPs, Co-Ops, Munis, or similar entities.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience leading engineering and/or construction teams on medium to large electrical utility-scale projects, including medium, high, 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 tools like Primavera P6 or equivalent)
  • Financial Management
• Advanced understanding of project delivery processes within the Power Delivery/Utility industry and a strong background in project management.
• Advanced proficiency in analytical, organizational, and critical thinking skills, with business acumen to bridge project management and business goals.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively with leadership, subcontractors, and employees at all levels.
• 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 and senior team members.
• Advanced proficiency in technical writing, office automation, and relevant software (e.g., MS Office suite, SharePoint, PM tools).
• Ability to elicit cooperation from diverse stakeholders, including those without a formal hierarchical relationship.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and adhering to WSP’s health, safety, and harassment policies.
• Flexibility to adapt to varying schedules and occasional travel based on client and project requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) License.
• MBA or 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, vacation, and parental leave.
• Paid time off for bereavement, voting, and naturalization proceedings.

Pay

Expected salary range (all locations): $200,000 - $280,000. Compensation is based on education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and internal equity.

About WSP

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, a global engineering and professional services firm. We design lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water, and environment markets. With over 15,000 employees in 300+ offices across the U.S., we partner with clients to help communities prosper. WSP offers a flexible and agile workplace model while providing a comprehensive suite of benefits to support employees throughout their careers.