Program Manager US Hydropower and Pumped Hydro Energy Storage (PHES)

Hydropower and Pumped Hydro Energy Storage (PHES)

At GHD we are committed to addressing the world’s biggest challenges in the areas of energy, water and communities.

We are a global network of multi-disciplinary professionals providing clients with integrated solutions through engineering, environmental, design and construction expertise.


Our future-focused, innovative approaches connect and support communities around the world, building resiliency and sustainability for generations to come.


Established in 1928, we remain wholly owned by our people. We are 10,000+ diverse and skilled individuals connected by over 200 offices, across five continents.

Shape the Future of Energy with GHD

Who are we looking for?

GHD North America is seeking a Program Manager to manage our portfolio of Hydropower and PHES projects. You will focus on delivery of project deliverables to multiple clients while supporting the business development and our growth strategy.

Your main duties will be the following:

• Accountable for portfolio of hydropower projects delivery, Lead project delivery team including project managers as necessary and provide guidance to; define specifications, scopes, calculations and reports; manage QA of design deliverables.
• Be a client facing authority, capable of translation and communication of core hydropower design elements to the clients, design partners, construction partners or other stakeholders of the hydropower and PHES projects.
• Lead projects and support pursuit strategy with utilities, hydropower developers and renewable IPPs; and Global Collaboration Centers to drive efficiency and scale.

There’s no pledge more important than the one we make to look after our environment, and we’re committed to helping you do exactly that!

Join us as we strive to ensure a sustainable future for our communities and the world we live in.

Become part of our global network of skilled engineers, scientists, auditors, planners and environmental specialists, all working together to leave this world better than we found it.

GHD is dedicated to driving bold, sustainable, and profitable growth by expanding and investing in our most strategically important clients.

Who are we looking for?

The ideal candidate is a motivated, self-starter, capable of managing portfolio of Hydropower & PHES projects. This candidate will have the desire to develop clients and help foster growth in the Hydropower clients for GHD in the United States and globally. Strong technical skills within hydropower disciplines; structural engineering, civil engineering, geotechnical engineering, geology, electrical engineering, hydro-mechanical engineering, is important as this role will require knowledge and oversight of dams and hydropower projects. Knowledge of financial tools and strong organizational skills is key to the success.

See what the power of commitment can do for you!

Working with an energetic and high performing team, this position offers a variety of work and will see you involved in:

Your primary role as Hydropower Project Director/Program Manager will require:

• Strong coordination and leadership skills to work with multiple project managers simultaneously and provide necessary coaching and mentoring.
• Project and time management skills, including preparation of budgets, work programs, proposals, tenders, technical submissions and reports
• A commitment to maintaining a healthy and safe workplace
• Completion of tasks for multiple projects within budget, to committed programs to support the timely completion of projects
• Contribution to the preparation of successful proposals to clients
• Ongoing compliance with GHD’s Quality, Environmental Management and Occupational Health Safety & Rehabilitation Systems Managers, Client Relationship Managers, Market Leaders, Service Line Leaders and other key people
• Delivering successful project outcomes
• Actively participate in client relationship management, business development, development of proposals, reports and technical analysis

• Manage project risks, deviations, and client issues proactively, using agreed controls and escalation pathways to support disciplined, no-surprises delivery.

• Drive project closeout activities, including complete documentation, lessons learned, continuous improvement actions, and effective handoff across teams and client stakeholders.

• Prepare and review technical and project deliverables, including reports, client updates, and regulatory documentation, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and readiness for internal approval and external submission.

• Manage day-to-day project execution, including performance, risks, issues, changes, and dependencies, while coordinating internal teams and external partners to maintain delivery, quality, and commercial outcomes.

• Provide regular communications and reporting for active projects; keep clients and internal stakeholders informed on progress, financial performance, regulatory obligations, and upcoming milestones.

• Coordinate vendors, subcontractors, and partner teams, ensuring consistent standards for field execution, site access requirements, health and safety expectations, and quality outcomes

• A minimum of 20 years’ experience in engineering, with a minimum of 10 years’ as a project/program manager. Experience in dams and hydropower is a plus
• Developed skills and understanding of hydropower structures
• A clear understanding of how the entire hydropower system works end to end, water to wire process (Reservoir-intake-penstock-turbine-generator-tailrace)
• Experience related to permitting, FERC licensing, grid flexibility, pumped hydro, plant control or automation is a plus
• Experience related to existing hydropower modernization, refurbishment or upgrades is a strong plus
• Technical competency in technical writing with computer skills using MS Office Suite
• Experience working in multi-disciplined teams, including geologists, structural engineers, hydraulic engineers, hydro-mechanical and electro-mechanical engineers.
• Proven ability to lead complex, multi-disciplinary projects while building strong client relationships and delivering high-value outcomes
• Strong track record in managing budgets, aligning stakeholders, and supporting business growth through successful project delivery

What you bring to the team:

The successful candidate will also have to meet the following requirements:

• PE/P.Eng. licensed in at least one State jurisdiction in the United States; deep knowledge of North American hydropower market, ISO/RTO; familiarity with construction/commissioning practices. Membership with ASCE, ASME, IEEE or similar organizations would be a plus.
• Ability to coordinate distributed teams/Global Collaboration Centers; commitment to HSE, quality and rigorous design assurance.
• Ability to coordinate with global contractors, design partners, and other stakeholders.
• GHD hydropower team collaborate globally as one team to support projects around the globe. This candidate will be based in US but may need to remotely support global projects as it fits the project requirements and needs.

What we expect from you:

• Lead hydropower and PHES projects delivery; enable project managers, design engineers and delivery team as a whole to deliver projects on time and on budget; embed safety, quality and commercial rigor across teams; travel as needed.
• Develop and maintain standard libraries, QA checklists and delivery/design templates to improve productivity and consistency across North America.
• Ability to represent GHD at the Hydropower-related trade shows, conferences and speak about GHD hydropower services and engineering capabilities, lesson learned.

#LI-TW1

The salary range for this position is $201,,435 to $272,570. The posted salary range represents the expected hiring range for GHD locations in its major city centres. Ranges may vary for positions in other locations. At GHD, base salary is determined by your skills, experience, qualifications and work location. We are committed to offering competitive compensation and adhere to all relevant pay transparency legislation.

Hybrid Work: Our workplace thrives on a hybrid model, combining in-office collaboration and flexibility. Join us in the office, three days a week, to contribute, connect, and excel in our vibrant environment.

Take on some of the world’s toughest challenges - with everyone at GHD backing you every step of the way. We'll give you control over your career, empower you to find innovative solutions and help you create a lasting impact. See where your commitment could take you with GHD.

As a multicultural organization, we encourage individual achievement and recognize the strength of a diverse workforce. GHD is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status or veteran status.