Project Assistant

NRG; Edmonton; Hybrid; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An energy solutions company is seeking a Project Administrator in Edmonton to support project management initiatives. This role involves coordinating activities, managing project documents, and supporting financial management across projects. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree and experience in project support, along with strong multitasking and communication abilities. The role offers a dynamic work environment with hybrid working options.

Qualifications

• 3 or more years’ experience in a project support role, preferably within a continuous improvement or similar setting.
• Experience with project cost accounting principles, including budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.

Responsibilities

• Assist Continuous Improvement Analysts in all phases of project management.
• Support development and implementation of continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage and support Small & Quick-Change initiatives.

Skills

Strong organizational and multitasking skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Proficiency in project management software

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Project Management, or a related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

SAP

Oracle

Job description

Overview

Welcome to the intersection of energy and home services. At Direct Energy, an NRG company, we’re focused on propelling the next generation of leaders forward. We deliver innovative solutions that help customers power, protect, and intelligently manage their homes and businesses. We are looking for creative and talented people to join our company.

We offer a dynamic work environment and an inclusive culture. Our programs are designed to help employees develop the skills they need for success now and in the future. In everything we do, we aim to champion our employees and bring value to our customers, investors and society.

More information is available at www.directenergy.com. Connect with NRG and Direct Energy on Facebook, LinkedIn, and follow us on Twitter.

Job Summary

The Project Administrator reports to the Manager, PMO and Performance Management and plays a key role in supporting the Continuous Improvement team by assisting in the planning, execution, and finalization of projects. This position is responsible for receiving new work requests, coordinating activities between internal stakeholders and delivery teams, tracking costs, managing project artifacts, supporting small and quick-change initiatives, and contributing to program-level reporting. The role requires strong organizational skills, the ability to manage multiple priorities, and a commitment to continuous improvement. The Project Administrator operates in a dynamic and sometimes ambiguous environment and must be capable of working independently as well as collaboratively within a team.

Key Responsibilities

• Project & Program Coordination: Assist Continuous Improvement Analysts in all phases of project management, including planning, execution, monitoring, and closure.
• Coordinate work activities between internal stakeholders and delivery teams.
• Manage and support Small & Quick-Change initiatives, ensuring timely execution and stakeholder coordination.
• Support the development and implementation of continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist in identifying areas for improvement and developing strategies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Contribute to the preparation and delivery of program-level status reports, including progress updates, risk summaries, and milestone tracking.
• Consolidate project-level data into program dashboards and executive summaries.
• Ensure consistency and accuracy in reporting across multiple projects and initiatives.
• Project & Portfolio Financial Management: Support Portfolio-Level Project Cost Reporting & Management, including consolidated budget tracking, variance analysis, and financial documentation across multiple initiatives.
• Collaborate with finance and PMO teams to monitor and report on portfolio financial performance, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and funding constraints.
• Prepare and analyze portfolio-level cost reports, identify financial trends, and provide insights to support decision-making and resource allocation.
• Ensure compliance with financial governance, reporting standards, and audit requirements across the project portfolio.
• Assist in preparing financial forecasts, funding requests, and executive-level reporting for the entire project portfolio.
• Administrative & Documentation Support: Perform administrative tasks as needed to support the project team.
• Maintain comprehensive project documentation, plans, and reports.
• Schedule and organize meetings, prepare agendas, take minutes, capture action items and key decisions.
• Assist with reporting and various administrative tasks to support project and team performance.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Project Management, or a related field.
• 3 or more years’ experience in a project support role, preferably within a continuous improvement or similar setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Project & Process Management
• PMP, CBAP, Agile Scrum or similar certifications are advantageous
• Grasp of project management lifecycle - waterfall and agile
• Knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) is a plus
• A background in the utilities sector and / or contact center
• Technical & Communication Skills
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in project management software (ADO, Smartsheet or others) and Microsoft Office Suite
• Excellent computer skills, including all MS Office applications
• Comfortable working independently in an ambiguous environment with multiple stakeholders and delivery resources
• Financial & Cost Accounting Expertise
• Experience with project cost accounting principles, including budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis at a portfolio level
• Familiarity with financial systems and tools such as SAP, Oracle, or similar ERP platforms
• Understanding of capital vs. operational expenditure tracking and reporting
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial data and provide actionable insights

Working Conditions

• Open office environment.
• Weekend work, extended hours, and flexible work schedules may also be required.
• Hybrid working

NRG Energy is committed to a drug and alcohol-free workplace. To the extent permitted by law and any applicable collective bargaining agreement, employees are subject to periodic random drug testing, and post-accident and reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing. EOE AA M / F / Protected Veteran Status / Disability. Level, Title and / or Salary may be adjusted based on the applicant's experience or skills.

EEO is the Law Poster (The poster can be found at http://www.eeoc.gov/employers/upload/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf)

Official description on file with Talent.