Director Major Projects

Job Summary

Responsible for leading and delivering large, complex transmission projects with budgets ranging from $1 billion to $10 billion. Serves as the single point of accountability for project safety, schedule, cost, regulatory compliance, commercial performance, stakeholder alignment, and overall execution. Oversees cross-functional teams, contractors, and third-party partners to ensure successful delivery of high-voltage transmission infrastructure projects. Provides executive-level reporting, drives project strategy and decision-making, ensures compliance with federal and industry regulations, and builds strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to achieve project goals and customer satisfaction.

What You’ll Do

• Own overall project execution including directing, guiding, and overseeing project management functions to successfully complete assigned project.
• Implement and oversee project safety program, monitor performance and address issues as they arise in an effort to achieve Zero Harm.
• Responsible for reporting on project strategy and team needs to Transmission Executive leadership.
• Report to include solutions for siting, regulatory, procurement, engineering, construction and budgetary requirements.
• Responsible for establishing project commercial contracting strategy and negotiate project contractor, EPC, and engineering agreements.
• Leads executive governance with JV partners as required.
• Drives integrated schedule across all workstreams and directs alignment with resource management.
• Maintains oversight of program budget and contingency.
• Manages project execution to meet budgetary targets.
• Identifies and manages executive risk register.
• Develops solutions to mitigate and minimize exposure to project risks.
• Leads project change management.
• Resolves disputes before need of escalation.
• Builds and mentor a trusting and cohesive project leadership team resulting in an effective and highly productive team.
• Manages stakeholder relationships by interfacing with utilities, RTOs, regulators, landowners, and contractors.
• Ensures readiness for regulatory filings measured by successful project hearings resulting in approval and grant of Certificate of Convenience and Necessity.
• Manage all staffing aspects including employees, staff augmentation, and consultants/vendor management.
• Manages construction and delivers project safely, on schedule, and within approved investment.
• Have an understanding and experience with technical solutions related to specifics of the project work to drive team to solutions.

Accountable For

• Reporting: Oversee and report out on project metrics including safety, capital investment, schedule and all requested performance metrics to the sponsoring organization, business unit, Operating Company Leadership or JV partnership.
• Safety: Support, monitor, and reinforce contractor and employee safety performance through safety program implementation and recognition of any improved process, procedure and performance measurement that demonstrates a commitment to Zero Harm.
• Capital Investment: Development of a risk adjusted multi-year capital plan for major project. Oversee project’s short- and long-range total budget and forecast to ensure accurate development of estimated cash flow. This may include supporting Treasury and Transmission Finance functions for project financing with various banking firms. Implement effective change management while gaining stakeholder acceptance. Develop, evaluate, and execute scenarios to accommodate increased or reduced project targets.
• Regulatory Requirements: Achieve all regulatory approvals needed for the project. Actively participate as needed as a subject matter expert on regulatory filings, providing project justification and analysis.
• Culture: Foster a strong, positive team culture. Mentor and provide development opportunities of project staff through job assignments, training programs, rotation, and personal development plans.
• Team Performance: Support and hold project team members accountable in their responsibilities. Administer the company's performance management review program ensuring alignment with organization's goals and values.
• Stakeholder Relationships: Build and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders to achieve project goals while obtaining complete customer satisfaction.
• Contracts: Guide the development of contracts aligned with project execution strategy. Direct and provide guidance in the management of contracts and contractors. Resolve all issues both technical and commercial in a timely manner or elevate, as necessary.
• Compliance: Monitor project compliance with the established project policies and standards. If applicable, support the development and governance of applicable Operating Agreements, Service Agreements, Administrative Agreements, or other applicable joint venture agreements necessary to operate the business. Maintain documentation.

What We're Looking For

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, Project Management, Accounting, Finance, or related field of study dependent on business unit requirements Ten (10) years of qualified experience, including work in two or more of the following areas: major construction projects, project management, portfolio management, commissioning, project controls, commercial nuclear power plant, fossil generation, and contract negotiations Experience must exhibit progressive levels of responsibility and accomplishment, highly proficient level of business acumen, and demonstrated effective leadership skills PMP certification required Valid state driver's license

Other Considerations

Internal candidate consideration: Two (2) years of experience as a Project Manager Staff, Project Manager Staff Senior, or Director Projects is preferred, or demonstrated competencies, knowledge and skillset through achieved results in a shorter timeline. Preferred Experience: Master's in Business, Engineering, Project Management, Accounting, Finance, Construction Management, or related field of study dependent on business unit requirements preferred. 345-765 kV transmission projects including project management, engineering, or construction oversight Underground, HVDC, or submarine work Direct Supervision Executive communication and report outs Contracting/ Commercial Strategy Coordination/ Experience with Regional Transmission Organizations such as PJM, MISO, SPP, or ERCOT, including competitive projects Coordination with State Utility Commissions including major State applications Significant Environmental applications such as USACE, USFWS, NEPA Other Capabilities: Proven strength in strategic thinking and planning. Proven strength in project risk assessment and mitigation strategies. Demonstrated strength in developing individuals in their current role as well as the next one. Highly developed conflict management, effective listening, delegation, and decision-making skillsets. Ability to challenge differing opinions in a very effective manner. High-energy and tenacity in facing difficulty and challenges. Work hours and travel as required to successfully accomplish assignments. Travel typically 50% or less, however greater travel may be required in support of specific assignments. During phases of project execution, the Major Projects Director may be required to live on location of the project being overseen. Safely and effectively Perform light physical duties. Duties can involve construction site walkdown on unstable surfaces, climbing ladders, and awareness of hazardous site conditions. Promote continuous improvement and maintain a strong questioning attitude. Ask intrusive questions and challenge assumptions. Own, develop and/or improve guidelines, procedures, and processes to achieve organizational goals and objectives for continuous improvement. Perform work at various AEP locations in varying conditions. Work sites will include office, power plants (including nuclear), and construction sites for Distribution, Transmission, Generation, and Telecom infrastructure. Work performed at nuclear power sites may involve work in hazardous areas and possible radiation exposure within the limits prescribed by the NRC. Special skills directly related to the area of the assigned project may be required, as necessary. Ability to write clear, concise reports and ability to make presentations to senior management. Understand and support the policies, values, principles, structure, and behavior of AEP, especially the AEP Leads framework: Lead by example, engage employees, Act with accountability, develop employees, and strive for excellence

What You’ll Get

• Base Salary
• Annual Bonus
• Long Term Incentive
• 401K
• AEP Pension
• Comprehensive Benefits Package

Where You’ll Work

New Albany, OH

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade: SP20-012 compensation range: $188,524.00 - $245,080.00

Physical Demand Level for this job is

S - Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Equal Employment Opportunity

It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.

About Us

At American Electric Power, we provide more than electricity to our millions of customers - we energize possibilities. We’re redefining the future of energy by reducing our carbon footprint, empowering the communities we serve and building an engaged, talented workforce. All while delivering the reliable service our customers expect. It’s an exciting time in the energy industry. Are you ready to be part of it? We’re looking for team members to help create the grid of the future. Learn more about our commitment to creating a supportive, inclusive work culture that values different experiences.