Project Manager / Senior Project Manager - Oahu

We recognize our competitive advantage — our people. We believe in our people, who share our vision of meeting the needs of our employees, customers, and communities and who carry out the continued success of the company. Our employees are committed to the company's foundational values: integrity, excellence, teamwork, environmental stewardship, and community commitment. In turn, we invest in our employees, providing opportunities for challenge and advancement and offering a competitive compensation package.

About the role

The Project Management Department of the Investment Planning & Strategy Division at Hawaiian Electric Company has a vacancy for a Project Manager or Senior Project Manager, depending on the qualifications of the candidate.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and manage scope, schedule, and costs for Energy Delivery projects and programs requiring complex regulatory approvals, land/Right-of-Way acquisition, public relations management, or cross-functional/multilevel (internal) management from conceptualization through budgeting, design, approval, procurement, construction, placement in operation, and project closing.
• Serve as the focal point for all project/program matters and ensure meeting all project-related objectives.
• Provide project leadership, work direction, and secure commitment from team members to meet project milestones.
• Ensure team members have all resources, information, and direction necessary to successfully perform their jobs.
• Evaluate progress and performance of team members; implement personnel actions such as recognition, redirection, recruitment, and replacement.
• Work with community groups, neighborhood boards, government agencies, media, utilities, private companies, City Council, State Legislature, and the PUC to disseminate information, address concerns, obtain permits and approvals, and resolve project-related problems.
• Prepare and provide testimonies and presentations at internal strategic meetings, public meetings, and regulatory hearings.
• Develop strategies to meet program/project goals; identify potential problem areas early and solve problems to ensure goal attainment.
• Redirect planning, design, purchasing, permits/approvals, or construction to prevent or minimize delays or cost increases.
• Conduct inspections of construction sites as necessary.
• Develop and maintain program/project schedules; prepare and present progress and cost reports internally and externally.
• Work with Regulatory Affairs, Budgets, Management Accounting & Financial Services, Community Relations, Government Relations, Corporate Communications, Legal, Energy Delivery departments, and others to obtain approvals.
• Obtain company authorizations for expenditures for engineering, materials, and construction; review and approve procurement for program permitting, design, material, and construction.
• Participate in company emergency response activities as assigned.

Requirements

• Advanced knowledge of project management principles and engineering/construction practices in transmission, distribution, and/or generation fields, typically acquired through college-level training and/or equivalent experience.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification from a nationally recognized organization (e.g., Project Management Institute) is a plus.
• Working knowledge of personal computers and related software applications (e.g., MS Project, UI Planner, Ellipse/DARS, Microsoft Word, Excel, SAP).
• Knowledge of LEAN continuous improvement principles and best practices for operational excellence.
• Knowledge of basic safety principles and best practices for a safe workplace.
• Excellent written, oral, and presentation skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills to direct, influence, motivate, and persuade various groups or individuals.
• Ability to handle difficult and/or sensitive issues with tact, courtesy, and discretion.
• In-depth analytical, computational, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively as a team member and manage people at all levels within the company.
• Ability to develop and maintain strong positive relationships with community and government leaders.
• Ability to remain flexible in a demanding work environment and adapt to rapidly changing priorities.
• Must have or be able to qualify for a State of Hawaii driver’s license and meet company driving standards.

Qualifications

• Several (3-5 years) of experience as a project manager, construction manager, designer, engineer, or in a project support role involving hands-on experience with small to medium-scale projects, preferably within the electric utility industry. A related degree may substitute for three years of experience.
• Few (1-3 years) of project management experience for small to large engineering/construction projects.
• Experience with regulatory, social, and public affairs processes (e.g., neighborhood boards, community groups, government agencies, political leaders, media) related to land use issues.
• Few (1-3 years) of leadership experience is desirable.

Senior Project Manager Additional Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and manage scope, schedule, and costs of major company capital projects, including complex regulatory approvals, land/Right-of-Way acquisition, public relations management, or cross-functional/multi-level (internal) management.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all project matters.

Senior Project Manager Additional Requirements

• Extensive knowledge of project management principles and engineering/construction practices in transmission, distribution, substation, and/or generation fields.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification is highly desirable.
• Licensed Professional Engineer in Civil, Structural, Mechanical, or Electrical branch or certified as a Planner by a nationally recognized professional society (e.g., American Institute of Certified Planners) is preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of LEAN continuous improvement principles and SafeStart principles for operational excellence and workplace safety.
• Supervisory/leadership skills for handling sensitive, difficult, or confrontational issues with professionalism.