O&M Project Initiation Manager

O&M Project Initiation Manager

Together, we own our company, our future, and our shared success. As an employee-owned company, our people are Black & Veatch. We put them at the center of everything we do and empower them to grow, explore new possibilities and use their diverse talents and perspectives to solve humanity's biggest challenges in an ever-evolving world. With over 100 years of innovation in sustainable infrastructure and our expertise in engineering, procurement, consulting and construction, together we are building a world of difference.

The O&M Project Initiation Manager is responsible for overseeing the seamless onboarding and integration of new projects into the remote operations center. Operations and Maintenance (O&M) services encompass power generation, storage, transmission, and distribution. This role ensures all baseline deliverables are established and that connectivity required for remote operations and monitoring is successfully implemented to fulfill contractual obligations while maintaining high standards for safety, timeliness, budget compliance, and customer service. Upon project initiation completion, the position facilitates a smooth transition to the portfolio execution project manager. Additionally, this role manages client relationships, supports proposal development, pursues new business opportunities, and leads a diverse team to accomplish project objectives and meet client needs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead teams to initiate project onboarding in accordance with contractual requirements and company policies.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for coordinating remote operations connectivity to project sites.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams—including engineering, IT, and product support—across multiple projects and clients.
• Ensure safety, cost efficiency, and adherence to project schedules for all baseline initiation activities and deliverables.
• Support designated proposals and contribute to business development initiatives.
• Act as a liaison between the remote operations center, corporate support functions, and execution teams on technical matters related to controls/SCADA integration and site connectivity.

Management Responsibilities:

• Acts as a project manager. Among responsibilities is management of a project team. The individual comprising this team may vary by project.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 8-10 years of relevant experience in power, industrial or communications sectors, particularly with SCADA and control systems
• At least 5 years of experience in project management or service delivery leadership
• Experience in programming control systems and configuring network infrastructure
• Proficiency with AWS tools including IoT Core, GreenGrass, VPC Networking, Lambda, MySQL Database, SQS
• Technical competencies in Linux, PC hardware, networking devices, Python development, git, Terraform, JSON, Bash shell, PowerShell, and Visual Studio Code
• Operational Technology (OT) expertise, including SCADA system architecture, reading control system schematics, and familiarity with OPC-UA, Modbus, DNP3, IEC 60870-5-101/104, and Ignition

Preferred Non-Technical Skills:

• Demonstrated leadership and effective team management abilities
• Advanced problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
• Ability to coach, mentor, and develop others
• Strong time management and organizational skills
• Results-driven mindset
• Excellent communication and collaborative skills
• Commitment to continuous learning and staying abreast of industry developments

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. All applicants must be able to complete pre-employment onboarding requirements (if selected) which may include any/all of the following: criminal/civil background check, drug screen, and motor vehicle records search, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations.

Work Environment and Schedule:

• Hybrid or flexible work options may be offered after the first 90 days of employment based upon manager discretion, job performance and work assignment
• Frequent travel with ability to travel on an short notice or emergency basis.
• Office-based role with extended periods of sitting, standing, and computer usage.
• Frequent use of video and audio-conferencing tools for internal and external communications.
• Common site visits including emergency site visits as required.
• Travel to Black & Veatch HQ for team meetings and training as scheduled.