Project Manager III or Senior - New Nuclear

Dairyland Power Cooperative; La Crosse (WI); On-site; USD 102,000 - 177,000; Full time

Job summary

Dairyland Power Cooperative in Wisconsin is seeking a Project Manager III to lead complex new nuclear projects, aligning schedules, budgets, and resources with site goals.

You will work with NRC, NEI, and other agencies, mentor junior PMs, ensure safety and compliance, and contribute to PMO improvements while communicating progress to senior leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field with 5+ years of experience, including 3+ years in nuclear.
• PMP certification highly preferred; NRC Senior Reactor Operators license desired.
• Strong knowledge of 10 CFR Part 50, 52, 53 and 72 and nuclear industry practices.
• Advanced project management skills in scope, budget, and resource management.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution of complex new nuclear projects with budgets and schedules.
• Collaborate with NRC, NEI, EPRI and other agencies to align resources and goals.
• Manage vendor relations, negotiate contracts, and monitor performance.
• Identify risks, develop contingencies, and escalate issues to leadership.
• Contribute to PMO tools, templates, and provide updates with metrics to senior leadership.
• Mentor junior project managers and foster a culture of safety and compliance.
• Perform additional duties to drive strategic initiatives and organizational improvements.

Skills

Nuclear project management

Cross-functional leadership

Stakeholder management

Risk management

Budgeting and scheduling

Communication with senior leadership

Organizational change management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

PMP certification

Tools

Microsoft Project

Microsoft SharePoint

OnePlan

D365

Job description

Hiring Salary Range: Level III -$102,400 - $153,600 Senior - $117,800 - $176,700 Compensation is determined by a combination of factors, including but not limited to education, work experience, and certifications. The actual offer may vary, reflecting the candidate’s unique blend of experience, educational background, and skill level.

PURPOSE:

This position is responsible for leading complex new nuclear projects with significant scope, budget, and organizational impact. This role requires understanding of Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) processes and procedures, Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs), advanced project management expertise, cross-functional leadership, and the ability to manage competing priorities. The Project Manager III ensures alignment with organizational strategies and provides high-quality updates to senior leadership.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Strategic Project Leadership: Lead the planning and execution of complex new nuclear projects, ensuring alignment with organizational goals for the site evaluation and feasibility, early development and siting work, and work toward a binding commercial agreement. Develop and oversee detailed project plans, budgets, schedules, and resource allocations. Anticipate challenges and implement proactive solutions.
2. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with internal and external stakeholders to ensure project success. Working with external organizations such as Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI), Electric Power Research institute, and other nuclear agencies. Facilitate cross-departmental communication and collaboration to align resources and goals. Resolve conflicts and build consensus among diverse teams.
3. Vendor and Contract Management: Manage complex vendor relationships, including negotiating contracts, monitoring performance, and ensuring compliance with all obligations. Lead the selection process for consultants, contractors, and suppliers.
4. Risk and Issue Management: Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks. Develop contingency plans and **escalate** issues to leadership as necessary.
5. PMO Development and Reporting: Actively contribute to the continuous improvement of PMO tools, templates, and processes. Provide detailed project updates, including performance metrics, risk assessments, and budget status, to senior leadership.
6. Mentorship and Leadership: Provide guidance and mentorship to junior project managers. Share knowledge and best practices to enhance the overall capabilities of the PMO.
7. Safety and Compliance: Ensure all project activities adhere to Dairyland’s safety policies and applicable industry regulations. Advocate for a culture of safety within all project teams.
8. Additional Responsibilities: Perform other duties as assigned, with a focus on driving strategic initiatives and organizational improvements.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in project management, business, finance, engineering, or a related field with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience with at least 3 years in the nuclear industry. Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Skills:

• Familiarization and understanding of 10 CFR Part 50, 52, 53 and 72 among others.
• Advanced project management expertise, including scope, budget, and resource management.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities with complex projects.
• Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to effectively work with individuals at all levels, both internal and external.
• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams build positive relationships with stakeholders and communicate effectively with senior leadership.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and project management tools such as Microsoft Project, Microsoft SharePoint, OnePlan, and D365.
• Advanced technical expertise and business acumen, with the ability to align technical solutions with strategic organizational objectives and provide guidance to others.
• Exceptional analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex challenges, drive decision-making, and lead teams through ambiguity and change effectively.
• Extensive experience with organizational change management principles.

Licenses and Certifications:

• PMP certification highly preferred.
• An NRC Senior Reactor Operators license is desired.

With headquarters in La Crosse, Wis., Dairyland is a generation and transmission cooperative that provides wholesale energy for 24 electric distribution cooperatives and 17 municipal utilities in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois.

At Dairyland, we know that happy employees are the backbone of any good organization. By offering an excellent compensation and benefits package, opportunities for career growth and a supportive environment, Dairyland helps ensure a quality business and premier workplace.