Project Manager

Southern Power Systems; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Power Systems is seeking a Project Manager to lead high voltage engineering, maintenance and construction projects in industrial or utility settings, guiding proposals and managing projects through close-out.

You will build capable teams, manage scope, schedule and budget, coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, and ensure safety and quality on multi-site substation projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 6 years of related experience.
• 3–5 years of supervision/management.
• Highly organized with multi-tasking and deadline management.
• Strong verbal and written communication with staff at all levels.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Word).

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of high voltage projects.
• Participate in project proposals and bids with Sales.
• Negotiate contracts, subcontracts and change orders.
• Manage budgets, labor costs and reporting.
• Coordinate with internal and external engineering groups.
• Monitor schedules, costs and resources; manage field teams.
• Ensure safety and quality across sites.

Skills

Highly organized

Communication skills

MS Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Project

Job description

Project Manager

SUMMARY:

The Project Manager will lead the development and execution of high voltage engineering, maintenance and construction projects in industrial or utility settings, playing a key role in the proposal effort and managing the project through close-out.

The Project Manager will be a strategic and confident leader who demonstrates competency and proficiency in developing effective teams by holding others accountable; applying a variety of knowledge and skill sets to solve problems and appropriately/constructively responds/engages employees and/or customers. This position will establish objectives and plans to improve the efficiency, quality and reliability of field service operations for an established yet growing business line.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Participate in the project proposal and bid process in conjunction with the Sales department.
• Negotiate, approve and execute contracts, subcontracts, and change orders.
• Perform managerial functions, such as preparing proposals, estimating, budgets, labor costs and report writing.
• Review, evaluate and implement project specifications, drawing releases and design changes.
• Interface with internal, third party and customer technical and engineering groups to understand and coordinate requirements for all scopes of work.
• Routinely Communicate project status, risks, schedule and costs to all internal and external stakeholders.
• Use and maintain schedules to measure time and production to meet requirements.
• Allocate resources per schedule and workload forecast.
• Monitor project cost and schedules.
• Lead a multi-discipline project team of technicians in support of assigned projects.
• Manage all technical requirements, procedures and necessary qualifications for employees to allow the group to self-perform all aspects of substation maintenance and repair to perform high voltage services for clients.
• Coordinate third party or subcontracted services as needed to complete job scope and process invoicing.
• Review Field Service reports before sending them to customers.
• Ensure site specific training for technicians is scheduled.
• Develop and sustain a continuous improvement culture.
• Field service work required at times to support checkout, commissioning site services, troubleshooting, emergency response, safety audits, etc. Some travel may be required.
• Manage all aspects of substation maintenance, repair, testing and commissioning operations, as well as a unique suite of specialty high voltage services.
• Define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions through technical writing.
• Understand the requirements of the customer (internal/external) and implement quality work processes.
• Effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients and customers.
• Maintain professional and positive relationships with customers, contractors, suppliers and other employees.
• Manage direct reports and their performance plans that outline means to improve performance and provide opportunity for development.
• Promote and comply with all Company policies and procedures.
• Additional tasks and responsibilities as needed.

SAFETY:

• Safety is the top priority for our organization. The Project Manager will champion safety for direct reports and peers. The safety of our employees is our first responsibility.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 6 years of related experience.
• 3-5 years of experience in supervision/management.
• Must be highly organized, able to handle multiple tasks, and meet varying deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively with executive, management, and staff level employees with varying professional backgrounds using verbal and written communication.
• Strong understanding of Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word)

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Functional knowledge of electrical system construction, fabrication, operation, maintenance testing and commissioning practices.
• Ability to read electrical system drawings, schematics and technical drawings.
• Proficient in cost control or project management software such as Microsoft Project.
• Understand NERC, NEC, IEEE, IEC NETA and applicable local codes and regulations.
• Demonstrate understanding of substations, substation control and transmission systems.
• Knowledge of current trends and technological developments pertaining to test equipment and maintenance.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Sit or stand for extended periods while working at a computer, reviewing project documentation, or attending meetings
• Travel frequently to active job sites, substations, or utility facilities to monitor project progress, coordinate with field personnel, and ensure compliance with specifications
• Walk on uneven or unpaved terrain, and climb stairs or ladders to access work areas
• Stand or walk for extended periods during site walks and inspections
• Bend, stoop, kneel, or crouch as needed to inspect equipment or installations
• Lift and/or carry up to 25-50 lbs (e.g., drawings, laptop, safety equipment, tools)
• Tolerate exposure to outdoor weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, wind) and industrial environments, including noise, dust, vibration, and moving or energized equipment, during site visits

Travel may include multiple sites per week and occasional overnight stays for multi-day projects. Prior completion of site safety training or certifications (e.g., OSHA 10/30, NFPA 70E awareness) is preferred but not required; training will be provided as needed.

Candidates will be required to pass initial screenings and maintain active status:

• Drug & Alcohol Test
• Fit for Duty (Physical) and Respirator Fit Test
• Criminal Background Check
• LA Driver’s License Status Check