Transmission Practice Leader

Provides strategic and operational leadership for an organization responsible for executing highly complex transmission projects and multi-project programs while delivering superior client satisfaction. Guides multiple project teams and Project Managers to achieve cohesive, client-centric outcomes; ensures effective coordination among clients, utilities, regulatory agencies, and multidisciplinary stakeholders; balances competing priorities; and drives strong technical, operational, and financial performance. Directs the growth of the practice and its capabilities to address expanding transmission needs driven by accelerated load growth, large-load development, generation interconnections, aging infrastructure, congestion, and evolving reliability and resiliency requirements.

About the Company

KCI Technologies, Inc. is a 100% employee-owned engineering, consulting and construction firm serving clients throughout the United States. Recognized as an industry leader, KCI employs cutting-edge technologies, management practices and strategic growth initiatives. Employee ownership fosters an entrepreneurial spirit, encourages technical expertise, and shapes strategic planning. Currently ranked #56 on Engineering News-Record’s list of the Top 500 design firms in the nation.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and guidance to Project Managers (PMs), Senior Project Managers (Sr. PMs), and staff within the practice.
• Support the professional growth and development of Sr. PMs, PMs, and staff.
• Provide technical project and staff oversight.
• Assume responsibility for the business within the practice, focusing on achieving budgeted margins, project health, and effective cash management across collective projects.
• Collaborate closely with other Practice Leaders to share best practices and optimize collective success.
• Hire and manage work routine of all assigned staff and assign job activities as required.
• Track and coordinate practice performance results.
• Provide project and client leads to other practice leaders to grow their practices.
• Serve as project manager on select projects.
• Ensure all projects within practice follow the quality control procedures outlined in the approved Quality Control Manual.
• Improve quality and production key performance indicators (KPIs) scores relative to similar internal organizations and establish KCI as a top 25% performer benchmarked to its external peers.
• Lead recruiting and retention efforts to attract and retain top talent within the practice.
• Develop and deliver timely annual employee performance appraisals for assigned staff.
• Mentor staff, leading in their training and development.
• Lead negotiations of contract terms, scopes, and fees with clients/subconsultants.
• Lead project schedule development from inception to completion for projects within the Practice.
• Develop monthly progress reports and invoices for projects.
• Prepare monthly staff utilization plans.
• Operate within specified corporate or project budget parameters.
• Manage project administration in accordance with internal and contract-specific requirements.
• Provide monthly cash management (WIP/AR) comments to Finance and the Project Management Office.
• Provide weekly new project budget data and invoicing data to project analysts.
• Drive business development initiatives by maximizing opportunities with existing and new clients, gathering valuable insights for business planning purposes, and cross-selling other KCI services where applicable.
• Lead project opportunity evaluation, consultant selection, and the preparation of qualification/experience statements within Practice.
• Identify new business opportunities, coordinate and participate in project presentations to clients, develop and organize proposal teams, and promote KCI’s capabilities among existing and prospective clients.
• Develop and maintain customer relationships by soliciting performance feedback, identifying client needs, and positioning the firm for future projects.
• Provide input for the annual business development plan to achieve sales targets.
• Provide and review annual market research in preparation for annual business plan development.
• Provide market trends to the Regional Director and Discipline Director for strategic planning purposes.
• Comply with all KCI policies and procedures.
• Ensure practice fulfills Quality Management System compliance requirements.
• Participate and contribute to annual leadership meetings and applicable regional office forums.
• Represent KCI in technical/industry and community organizations.
• Develop project-specific safety plans as needed.
• Ensure compliance with all Federal, state, and local safety rules and regulations.
• Deliver all projects on time, within budget, and at a high level of quality while fully meeting the scope.
• Monitor effective use of equipment and personnel.

Skills

• Extensive knowledge of overhead and underground transmission engineering, design, and construction principles for systems ranging from 69 kV through 500 kV.
• Strong understanding of regional and interregional transmission needs, including accelerated load growth, transmission congestion, transfer-capacity limitations, aging infrastructure, resource adequacy, and changing generation locations and technologies.
• Advanced proficiency in transmission engineering and analysis software, including the PLS-CADD software suite, MFAD, LPILE, and related tools, with the ability to establish best practices and train and mentor others.
• Comprehensive knowledge of applicable engineering codes and standards, including NESC, IEC, ASCE, ACI, IEEE, ANSI, and client-specific utility requirements.
• Strong working knowledge of transmission structure and foundation design, geotechnical considerations, constructability, and construction methods.
• Demonstrated ability to independently review and approve engineering calculations, design drawings, specifications, and transmission-line models developed using PLS-CADD and related software.
• Demonstrated proficiency in preparing and reviewing client-specific technical reports, design criteria, studies, specifications, and construction documents for transmission engineering projects.
• Experience conducting or overseeing electric and magnetic field (EMF) studies and related transmission-line analyses.
• Strong knowledge of grid interconnection requirements and the transmission improvements associated with generation interconnections, large-load development, capacity expansion, reliability, and resiliency needs.
• Demonstrated experience developing and coordinating permitting packages and technical documentation for applicable federal, state, and local agencies, including DOT, DEP, FAA, and other authorities having jurisdiction.
• Experience evaluating and implementing transmission expansion and modernization solutions, including new facilities, rebuilds, uprating, reconductoring, advanced conductors, and grid-enhancing technologies, with consideration of system benefits, constructability, permitting, schedule, and lifecycle cost.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, deep organizational and business acumen, and the ability to guide high-stakes projects from inception through delivery.
• Proven experience in financial management, business and account development, marketing, collaboration, workforce planning, mentoring, and staff development.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make decisions.
• Adaptability and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in relevant software and tools used in the practice area.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards related to the service line.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field (AEC Industry) and minimum of 7 years of related professional experience, or 11 years of equivalent professional experience.
• Progressive professional and increasing project management and organizational management experience.
• Proven experience in project management roles within the technical practice.
• Demonstrated leadership capability to build and lead teams of technical practitioners and/or project managers.
• Strong interpersonal as well as verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire teams.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage budgets, project margins, and cash flow.
• Experience in business development, with a focus on maximizing client relationships and identifying growth opportunities.
• Commitment to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence within the Practice.

Qualifications (Preferred)

• Advanced degree in engineering, business administration, engineering management, or a related field.
• Established relationships with investor-owned utilities, public power entities, cooperatives, transmission developers, and other energy-industry clients across multiple geographic markets.
• Demonstrated success developing and executing a transmission practice growth strategy, including entering new markets, expanding service offerings, building backlog, and achieving sustained revenue and profitability goals.
• Experience leading large, complex, or multiyear transmission programs involving multiple projects, offices, disciplines, subconsultants, and utility stakeholders.
• Familiarity with regional and interregional transmission planning, RTO/ISO processes, generation and large-load interconnections, and infrastructure needs associated with accelerated load growth.
• Experience with alternative project delivery methods and emerging technologies in the transmission sector.

Benefits

We offer a competitive compensation package, family-friendly benefits, a collaborative working environment, and the training, mentoring, and resources you need to advance in your career.