Prin Project Manager (Transmission) Oakbrook Terrace, IL

Principal Project Manager

The centralized transmission department focuses on long term investments in new GIS and capacity expansion that requires experience in multi-year planning with a matrixed project team to be successful. Executive communication, monthly financial forecasting and risk mitigation are key priorities to ensure project stakeholder management is at the forefront.

Manage complex transmission projects consisting of cross-functional teams involving multiple disciplines and multiple operating areas including contract resources. Responsible for managing the scope, schedule, budget and safety performance of multiple projects and programs. Leads project teams through business case / capital approval process, development and execution of project plans and project closeout. These projects have budgets that will typically range from $1 million to $60 million. Also, may manage high profile business initiative projects with direct accountability for project execution while leading a team to accomplish project objectives within a given time frame and with limited resources. Position may be required to work extended hours for coverage during storms or other energy delivery emergencies.

Primary Duties

• Manages large and/or highly complex and often unique projects requiring application of established project management principles and techniques. Directly accountable to deliver project on time and at or below budget.
• Key interface for external customer work involving transmission and substation projects including presentation of billable costs to the customer and negotiating schedules.
• Collaborate with other project managers, work management, and functional managers to assure optimal utilization of resources.
• Primary communicator with the project sponsor and key stakeholders on project issues including executive level presentations.
• Acquire and manage contract resources by participating in the contractor selection process, prepare contact requisitions, approve change orders and contract payment authorizations and evaluate contractor performance.
• Lead and coach team members to improve performance and meet or exceed expectations. Mentor less experienced colleagues.
• Acquire zoning variations and permits for large projects by presenting project details to city zoning boards and public hearings.
• Perform backup role for Manager Project Management.

The Principal Project Manager is an individual contributor accountable for project budgets, team performance and developing strategic plans to implement projects for various organizations. Responsibilities also include managing scope, budget and schedule to within approved parameters and providing structured and detailed reports to the appropriate Management team. Tasks may include but are not limited to, ensuring the completion of business cases, budgetary approvals, project scheduling, requirements engineering, design and engineering tasks, vegetation management reviews, project reporting, project financial analysis, major equipment procurement, environmental analysis, obtaining real estate and relationship management with large customers, vendors, townships and regulatory agencies, project quality assurance, and change management. Interacts routinely with key internal and external stakeholders including senior management, energy delivery's largest customers, and governmental and regulatory officials. Under little to no supervision, manages multiple projects of complex, large scope and budget. May manage a total portfolio of active projects or annual programs of complex, large scope and budget.

Minimum Qualifications

• For construction project management: Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field and 7-10 years relevant project management or related experience, OR in lieu of Bachelor's degree, 9-12 years relevant project management or related experience; For non-construction project management: Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, or related field and 7-10 years relevant project management or related experience, OR in lieu of Bachelor's degree, 9-12 years or relevant project management or related experience.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or achieve PMP within two years of job entry
• Demonstrated proficiency and experience managing large, complex projects using project management techniques including: A. Planning and Control (product /work breakdown structures, critical path analysis, scope control techniques) B. Issue and Risk Management (identification, assessment and management of project risks including contingency plans) C. Project Management Tools (methods and techniques for planning, scheduling, resource balancing, monitoring cost) D. Business Case Development (cost/benefit evaluations including net present value analysis) E. Progress Reporting (cost/schedule curves, project status report, earned value analysis)
• Proven leadership ability in a high-performance culture
• Demonstrated ability to build consensus, communicate effectively, engage others in the required processes, and hold people accountable
• Valid driver's license and access to an automobile

Preferred Qualifications

• 3-5 years of supervisory experience (manager roles)
• Master's degree in engineering (or advanced technical degree) or Business Administration
• Professional Engineer License
• Experience or knowledge of the specific functional area or discipline (e.g., Utility design/planning/construction or Information Technology experience)