Head of Engineering and Project Management

Founded in 1898, Burns & McDonnell is an award-winning full-service Engineering, Architectural, Construction, Environmental, Permitting, and Consulting services firm. We are a 100% employee‑owned company with regional and project offices nationwide. Burns & McDonnell plans, designs, constructs, and manages projects all over the world with one mission in mind — to make our clients successful.

Burns & McDonnell’s Transmission & Distribution (T&D) Global Practice is seeking a Project Manager to support growing EPC in our Southeast Region, with locations in Charlotte, Atlanta, or Chattanooga. This role will lead the successful execution of Transmission and Substation EPC projects, serving utilities, cooperatives, municipalities, developers, and other energy clients across the region.

The Project Manager will lead and motivate a multidisciplinary team in the day‑to‑day management of project safety, engineering, quality, schedule, cost control, contracts, subcontractors, suppliers, proposals, estimates, documentation turnover, client relations, field staff, and other duties required to execute Engineer Procure Construct (EPC) projects. The Project Manager oversees projects from inception to completion and is responsible for overall project execution and successful delivery on time and within budget.

This is an engineering‑led role with full lifecycle EPC accountability, integrating engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning into a cohesive execution strategy that delivers safe, reliable, and profitable outcomes.

Project Leadership & EPC Execution

Provide overall management of Transmission and Substation EPC projects from concept through commissioning and closeout.

Lead development and implementation of the Project Execution Plan (PEP), including engineering execution, procurement strategy, construction execution, quality assurance plan, safety & health plan, subcontracting plan, staffing plan, organization chart, and procurement plan.

Lead and coordinate directly with engineering to establish development and distribution of engineering deliverables per project schedule and requirements.

Analyze, approve, and implement project specifications, drawing releases, and design changes.

Lead and oversee site mobilization and demobilization planning and support the Site Manager with field implementation.

Oversee client, supplier, and company commissioning and startup teams.

Develop the plan for and direct project turnover documentation, warranty administration, closeout, and record retention processes.

Financial & Commercial Management

Own project profit and loss performance.

Develop and oversee project cost reporting, scheduling, work breakdown structure establishment, project set‑up and closeout, and field progress tracking.

Analyze and approve internal and external reports including scheduling, budgeting, cash flow forecast, and project status reports.

Manage Prime Contract, subcontractor, and supplier invoicing processes.

Lead internal and external project risk reviews and consult with Legal as required.

Serve as an expert in the review, negotiation, approval, and execution of prime contracts, subcontracts, and change orders.

Manage downstream contract administration including RFIs, submittals, change management, contract closeout, and claims mitigation.

Procurement & Subcontract Management

Prepare detailed scopes of work for supplier and subcontractor contracts.

Recruit, prequalify, evaluate, recommend, and select subcontractors and suppliers.

Oversee materials receiving and management processes including inventory control, storage, and transportation.

Oversee compliance with company and client policies related to small and diverse suppliers.

Safety, Quality & Compliance

Adhere to Burns & McDonnell’s safety programs, training, and policies.

Promote and manage Safety & Health performance of project team members and subcontractors.

Perform project safety, quality, progress, and financial audits as required.

Create and oversee project non‑conformance reporting processes.

Secure applicable project permits and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Develop and implement processes to confirm insurance, taxes/duties, licensures, and bonding requirements are satisfied.

Client Management & Business Development

Serve as primary point of contact for clients on assigned EPC projects.

Establish and maintain professional relationships with owners, subcontractors, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders.

Develop new and manage existing client relationships, expanding services and driving repeat business.

Assist in pursuit of new clients, including coordination with Account Managers and regional leadership.

Prepare proposals, assist in presentations, and participate in contract negotiations.

Identify opportunities early, support go/no‑go decisions, determine project fees, and support profitable growth across the Southeast Region.

Direct and coordinate activities of multiple disciplines across engineering and construction teams.

Facilitate cost‑effective utilization of staff while adhering to contractual and performance requirements.

Provide mentorship and formal/informal training to interns, coordinators, engineers, and assistant project managers.

Provide performance feedback for project team members to Department Managers.

Collaborate across regional offices and mentor Project Managers in Training (PMITs).

Support development and maintenance of regional business plans aligned with Southeast growth strategy.

Analyze and communicate project status, risks, schedule, and costs to stakeholders.

Present reports to internal and external executive management.

Lead project meetings and ensure meeting minutes are generated and distributed.

Review daily construction field reports as necessary.

Manage and audit project documentation and filing systems.

Report employee relations issues and consult with Human Resources as required.

Experience supporting high‑voltage transmission line projects, including new builds and rebuilds.

Coordination of siting, permitting, environmental compliance, and right‑of‑way acquisition.

Understanding of structural design, foundations (direct embed, drilled shaft, helical piles), hardware design, and constructability.

Experience managing design and construction of substations across the transmission and distribution grid.

Leadership of engineering teams delivering transformer installations, breakers, protection & controls systems, and associated civil/site work.

Integration of procurement and construction planning for reliable energization and commissioning.

Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management or related degree from accredited program and 7 years applicable experience is required.

Prior experience on construction project sites or executing program management in the industries of aviation, commercial, energy, government, manufacturing, oil & gas, process, transmission & distribution, or water is preferred.

Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, demanding work environment, ability to work overtime on short notice.

Excellent computer skills and proficiency using Microsoft Office

Ability to work collaboratively with others (owners, contractors, engineers, designers) in a multi‑disciplined project team environment to resolve design or drawing issues as appropriate and to accomplish objectives.

Strong experience with document control, scheduling, cost control and project management software

EEO/Disabled/Veterans

Job : Project Management

Schedule: Full‑time

Travel: Yes, 50 % of the Time

Job Hire Type : Experienced #LI-EF #T&D

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