Project Manager (Engineering)

TechDigital Group; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A utility management company is looking for a Project Manager in Saint Paul, MN, to oversee gas transmission projects from inception to completion. The role requires strong communication and leadership skills, along with approximately 5 years of experience in the utility industry. Responsibilities include leading project planning, managing budgets, and ensuring project deliverables meet established timelines. A flexible hybrid work schedule is offered, providing a collaborative environment while maintaining safety standards.

Qualifications

• Approximately 5 years of experience in the natural gas or utility industry.
• Construction-based project management experience preferred.
• PMP certification is nice to have but not required.

Responsibilities

• Provide end-to-end project management and coordination.
• Lead requirements gathering and planning processes.
• Manage project financials including budgeting and forecasting.
• Identify risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Communicate project status to all levels of the organization.

Skills

Strong communication

Organization

Leadership

Advanced Excel proficiency

Scheduling experience

Education

Engineering background

Job description

Job Overview

Project supports the Gas Transmission Project Management team. Projects span from inception through execution and closeout and include:

• Pipeline pressure test replacements
• New pipeline builds and new service installations to neighborhoods / developers
• Regulator (reg) station rebuilds
• Pipeline and reg station relocations due to road or infrastructure changes
• Mandated relocations and new business projects
• RTU (Remote Terminal Unit) program management, including prioritization, forecasting, contractor coordination, and execution

Typical Day

Daily or every-other-day staff meetings with the PM group, weekly cross-functional project meetings (operations, project controls, right-of-way, engineering, contractors), monthly forecasting meetings (12-month outlook), bi-weekly scheduling meetings, design reviews with engineering, reviewing and negotiating contractor and engineering quotes, completing PO, audit, and procurement documentation, site visits (weekly to bi-weekly, depending on project phase), especially during construction season (March–November).

Work Environment & Safety

Individual contributor role, highly collaborative, strong team support culture, open problem-solving environment, some in-person team meetings; many project meetings are remote.

Site visits to gas facilities, pipelines, and reg stations, PPE required; Xcel can provide PPE; travel to active construction sites may occur.

Key Stakeholders

• Project Engineer
• Right-of-Way Agents
• Internal Engineering
• External Design Firms
• Mechanical Contractors
• Project Controls (cost analysts, schedulers)
• Operations personnel

Work Hours & Shift

40 hours per week, standard business hours, flexible start time (around an 8‑hour window). Hybrid schedule: onsite Tuesday–Thursday, remote Monday & Friday, no OT.

Skills & Qualifications

Strong communication, organization, leadership, advanced Excel proficiency, scheduling experience. Non‑technical: communication, organization, leadership, ability to manage cross‑functional stakeholders.

~5 years of experience, experience in natural gas or utility industry (midstream, upstream, downstream, or public utility), construction‑based project management experience preferred, engineering background preferred but not required.

PMP (nice to have, not required)

Position Summary

Standard Operations Position. Provide end‑to‑end project management, leadership, and coordination for large, complex projects or as part of a transformational project workstream with responsibility for project scope, schedule, cost, and risk management. Ensure alignment of financial and operational goals between projects and the business unit. Provide work team direction to achieve approved project scope; develop strategic sequencing and detailed milestone schedules; perform project‑level cost tracking and reconciliation. Ensure availability of, or seek out, adequate resources for projects.

Essential Responsibilities

Financial Management

• Function as project controller.
• Manage project financials including budgeting, forecasting, and actuals tracking.
• Facilitate RFP and contract management processes.
• Review actuals versus planned budget throughout the project lifecycle to identify variances and recommend corrective actions.
• Ensure timely project closure, payment, and reconciliation.

Project Planning

• Lead requirements gathering and planning processes for approved projects while engaging all key stakeholders.
• Develop solution designs that define the entire project scope and secure all required internal and external approvals.
• Ensure coordination with other initiatives and confirm dependencies are identified and addressed.
• Define deliverables and required delivery dates.
• Develop viable work plans / WBS, milestone schedules, and project cost/benefit estimates.

Project Management

• Independently manage detailed project plans approved scope.
• Provide cross‑functional tracking as needed.
• Identify plan gaps and develop closure plans.
• Ensure successful completion of assigned project deliverables and milestones in a dynamic and complex environment.

Resource Management

• Manage resources, both internal and external.
• Manage assigned contracts and associated payments and performance requirements.
• Develop and adapt a comprehensive resource plan for a matrixed team of diverse talent to maximize skills and minimize cost.
• Provide mentoring and guidance to less experienced project team members.

Scope & Risk Management

• Manage scope change request processes for projects.
• Identify risks and issues throughout the project lifecycle.
• Create mitigation strategies and contingency plans.

Relationship Management

• Communicate project status to all levels of the organization.
• Establish effective, collaborative working relationships to maximize project efficiency, responsiveness, and resource allocation.