Director, Major Projects | NUCLEAR DEVELOPMENT (multiple opportunities) - Columbus, OH / Dallas, TX

American Electric Power; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 189,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER in Columbus, OH, seeks a Major Project Director to lead all project management for a multi-billion-dollar initiative. You will be the single accountable leader for safety, schedule, cost, stakeholder alignment, and delivery across complex components with potential EPC involvement.

Requirements include a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, 10 years of experience, PMP certification, and willingness to travel up to 50%.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, business, or related field with 10 years' experience.
• Experience in two+ major areas: construction, project management, portfolio management, or equivalent.
• PMP certification required; valid state driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Own overall project execution including directing, guiding, and overseeing project management functions.
• Implement and oversee project safety program to achieve Zero Harm.
• Report on project strategy and team needs to Executive leadership with actionable solutions.
• Establish project contracting strategy and negotiate agreements.
• Lead executive governance with JV partners as required.
• Drive integrated schedule across all workstreams and manage resources.
• Monitor program budget and contingency to meet targets.
• Identify and mitigate project risks and issues.
• Lead change management and disputes resolution.
• Build and mentor a cohesive project leadership team.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Regulatory compliance

Risk management

Stakeholder management

Executive communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, Project Management, Accounting, Finance, or related field

PMP certification

Job description

Job Posting End Date

09-22-2026

Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

Job Summary

The Major Project Director role will develop, direct, guide, and execute all project management functions for a major project that has a range of complexities resulting from multiple project components and generally has total budgets more than $1 billion. The position will serve as the single accountable leader responsible for safety, schedule, cost, commercial performance, stakeholder alignment, execution and project delivery. A general scope of responsibilities are:

$1B–$10B capital budget

Multiple concurrent project components

Successful delivery of the project within all local, state or federal regulatory requirements

Compliant to all measures of NERC, FERC, RTO or utility commissions

Accountable for all aspects of project responsibilities including functional leaders reporting directly to the VP and all team members assigned to these projects.

Depending on the project execution strategy and the project execution plan, the VP may provide oversight of EPC contractors or third-party contract resources providing services such as engineering or other project needs.

Accountable to provide executive reporting to AEP leadership and any Joint Venture Board as applicable.

Role will provide effective leadership to a project team that is assembled and developed to ensure all projects components are initiated, planned, executed, monitored & controlled, and closed out. The role will build relationships and effectively communicate with all project stakeholders including internal and external customers, suppliers, contractors, vendors, and industry peers to achieve project goals and obtain customer satisfaction.

Job Description

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 Executive leadership. Report 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 oversite 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 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 with ten (10) years of qualified experience; INCLUDING,

Work in two or more (2+) 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 SR, OR DIRECTOR PROJECTS is preferred, or demonstrated competencies, knowledge and skillset through achieved results in a shorter timeline.

Preferred experiences includes:

• Master's in Business, Engineering, Project Management, Accounting, Finance, Construction Management, or related field of study dependent on business unit requirements preferred.

• 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: approximately $189K - $245K

• In addition to base salary, AEP offers competitive Total Rewards including: discretionary annual/long-term incentives, 401(k), pension, health insurance, vacation, educational assistance, etc.

At AEP, we’re more than just an energy company — we’re a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!

AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER (on-site)

$189K - $245K / Year

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade:

SP20-012

Compensation Range:

$188,524.00 - $245,080.00

The 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.

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.