Project Planning Manager, Houston

Job Description

Job Description

Butcher Power Products is a Panelmatic company. This role will work directly with Panelmatic.

At Panelmatic , we design and manufacture high-performance electrical and control systems that drive efficiency and reliability across the industrial, utility, renewable energy, and data center markets. With over 60 years of experience, our solutions include precision-built control panels and fully integrated control houses. These systems are trusted by customers who demand uptime, safety, and long-term performance.

Now backed by strategic investment, Panelmatic is scaling rapidly to meet the evolving needs of our customers. Our growing national footprint, advanced engineering capabilities, and commitment to quality ensure we deliver smarter, faster, and more resilient solutions at every stage of your project.

Position Summary

The Project Planning Manager is responsible for developing project execution plans and baseline schedules during the commercial and project startup phases, ensuring projects are positioned for successful execution before handoff to the assigned Project Manager.

This role serves as the organization's subject matter expert for project planning, scheduling, and project controls. The Project Planning Manager works closely with Sales, Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, and Project Management to develop realistic project schedules, identify risks and constraints, establish critical milestones, and define execution strategies.

Following project award and kickoff, the approved baseline schedule and execution plan are transitioned to the Project Manager, who assumes responsibility for project execution, schedule maintenance, reporting, and project performance. The Project Planning Manager supports Project Managers through coaching, training, schedule reviews, and continuous improvement of planning tools, methods, and standards across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Project Planning & Baseline Development

· Develop detailed project schedules during the proposal, commercial, and project startup phases.

· Establish project baselines, key milestones, critical paths, and execution plans prior to project handoff.

· Collaborate with Sales, Engineering, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Operations to develop achievable project schedules.

· Identify schedule risks, resource constraints, long-lead material impacts, and critical dependencies.

· Support project bidding and proposal efforts through schedule development and execution planning.

· Ensure projects are properly planned and positioned for successful execution before being transitioned to Project Managers.

Project Controls & Planning Tools

· Develop and maintain standardized planning tools, templates, and scheduling methodologies across the organization.

· Establish and maintain project control practices including:

o Critical Path Analysis

o S-Curves

o Two-Week Look-Ahead Planning

o Resource Loading & Capacity Planning

o Milestone Tracking

o Schedule Recovery Planning

o Schedule Health Assessments

· Drive consistency in project planning and scheduling practices across all sites and business units.

Project Manager Coaching & Developmen t

· Coach, mentor, and train Project Managers on project planning and scheduling best practices.

· Conduct schedule reviews and provide recommendations to improve planning quality and execution predictability.

· Facilitate planning workshops and training programs to strengthen project management capabilities.

· Serve as the organization's planning expert and trusted advisor for project teams.

Process Improvement & Standardization

· Develop, implement, and improve project planning processes, tools, and methodologies.

· Standardize schedule development, reporting, forecasting, and project control practices across the organization.

· Support PMO initiatives focused on improving schedule predictability, project visibility, and execution performance.

· Evaluate and implement new planning tools, reporting methods, and industry best practices.

Project Execution Support

· Lead the transition of approved baseline schedules to Project Managers at project kickoff.

· Ensure Project Managers understand project assumptions, risks, constraints, milestones, and critical path activities.

· Provide planning and scheduling support throughout project execution as needed.

· Support schedule recovery efforts, impact assessments, and major project reviews.

Qualifications

· Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, Business, or a related field.

· 12+ years of progressive experience in project planning, scheduling, project controls, program management, or project management within OEM, EPC, industrial manufacturing, automation, or similar project-based environments.

· Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Project and project scheduling tools.

· Strong knowledge of Critical Path Method (CPM), schedule forecasting, resource planning, project controls, and performance measurement techniques.

· Experience developing and implementing planning standards, tools, and methodologies across multiple projects or locations.

· Proven ability to coach, mentor, and train Project Managers and cross-functional teams.

· Demonstrated experience planning and managing projects involving protection and control systems, switchgear, MCCs, relay panels, E-House/control house solutions, industrial control panels, power distribution equipment, and other engineered electrical systems.

· Strong understanding of engineering, procurement, manufacturing, testing, and commissioning processes for custom electrical and automation projects.

· Knowledge of Panelmatic products, operations, and project execution methodologies.

· Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and leadership skills.

· Ability to influence stakeholders and facilitate cross-functional alignment in a fast-paced project environment.

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