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

AEP; Kentucky; On-site; USD 189,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

AEP seeks a Major Projects Director to lead a multi-component, billion-dollar program. You will direct project management, ensure safety, manage budget and schedule, and coordinate with JV partners and regulators.

The role requires deep leadership, strategic thinking, and strong stakeholder engagement across utilities and agencies. You will oversee performance, drive governance, and mentor a high-performing team to deliver safe, compliant, and economically successful outcomes on complex capital

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field with 10+ years of experience.
• PMP certification is required.
• Experience in major construction, project controls, and contracting.
• Travel up to 50% may be required.
• Ability to supervise multiple concurrent project components.

Responsibilities

• Own overall project execution including directing, guiding, and overseeing PM functions.
• Implement and oversee project safety program and monitor performance to achieve Zero Harm.
• Report on project strategy to Executive leadership with solutions for siting, regulatory, procurement, engineering, and budget needs.
• Establish project contracting strategy and negotiate contractor, EPC, and engineering agreements.
• Lead executive governance with JV partners as required.
• Drive integrated schedule across all workstreams and align with resource management.
• Maintain oversight of program budget and contingency; manage to targets.
• Identify and mitigate project risks and manage risk registers.
• Lead project change management and resolve disputes.
• Mentor a cohesive project leadership team and develop staff.
• Manage stakeholder relationships with utilities, regulators, landowners, and contractors.

Skills

PMP Certification

Executive communication

Contracting strategy

Stakeholder management

Risk assessment

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management

Master's degree preferred

Job description

**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 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 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 escalate, 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, NEPAOTHER 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!**