Project Manager - Substation

Utility Supply and Construction Company; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Hydaker-Wheatlake Company in Columbus, Ohio, is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead substations construction projects, with a focus on underground methods. You will own projects from award through closeout, ensuring safety, schedule, budget, quality, and profit targets.

As utilities invest in grid modernization, capacity upgrades, and interconnections, you will coordinate with field crews, utility owners, engineers, and suppliers, developing plans, managing procurement, reviewing

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in civil engineering, construction management, or related field.
• Proven experience as a Project Manager in the utility industry, substations preferred.
• Hands-on knowledge of underground construction methods and practices.
• Proficiency with scheduling and project management software.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical and civil construction drawings.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive project plans, including scope, schedules, and budgets.
• Collaborate with utility owners and stakeholders as the primary contact.
• Provide regular project updates and address concerns promptly.
• Monitor budgets, expenditures, and cost-saving opportunities while maintaining safety and quality.
• Submit accurate information for progress and final billings.
• Oversee contract compliance and manage change orders.
• Plan and track procurement of long-lead equipment and materials.
• Allocate and manage personnel, equipment, and materials to meet project needs.
• Coordinate outage planning and ensure smooth project handoffs.
• Review drawings, specifications, and submittals; manage RFIs.
• Plan and oversee underground scopes including duct banks, conduits, grounding grids, and foundations.
• Identify and mitigate project risks and ensure high-quality deliverables.
• Enforce safety policies and site requirements.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Construction Management

Tools

Project management software

Job description

The Hydaker-Wheatlake Company is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead substation construction projects, with a focus on underground construction methods and practices. You'll own projects from contract award through closeout, making sure each is completed safely, accurately, on schedule, within budget, to a high standard of quality, and at an acceptable level of profit.

As utilities invest heavily in grid modernization, capacity upgrades, and new interconnections, substation work has become more complex and more schedule-critical. This role is the central point of planning, coordination, and control between our field crews, utility owners, engineers, and suppliers.

Essential Job Functions

• Develop comprehensive project plans, including scope, schedules, and budgets, in line with contract terms, regulatory requirements, and industry standards.
• Collaborate with utility owners and stakeholders to define project goals and act as the primary point of contact for clients, subcontractors, and internal teams.
• Provide regular project updates and address concerns promptly.
• Monitor budgets, expenditures, and cost‑saving opportunities without compromising safety or quality.
• Submit accurate and timely information for progress billings, final billings, and service work.
• Oversee contract compliance, manage and negotiate change orders, and ensure approved changes are clearly communicated to the field.
• Plan and track procurement of long‑lead equipment and materials (transformers, breakers, switchgear, relay panels, cable), proactively managing supply chain risks to protect the schedule.
• Allocate and manage personnel, equipment, and materials, keeping staffing at levels that meet the needs of assigned projects.
• Coordinate outage and clearance planning with utility owners and ensure prompt project starts and smooth handoffs.
• Review drawings, specifications, and submittals, and manage RFIs throughout the project.
• Plan and oversee underground scopes such as duct banks, conduit systems, grounding grids, foundations, excavation, and directional boring.
• Identify and assess project risks and implement strategies to mitigate them.
• Monitor and enforce quality standards for all project deliverables.
• Enforce Hydaker‑Wheatlake safety policies, OSHA and IOSHA standards, and owner or site‑specific safety requirements.
• Enforce Hydaker‑Wheatlake safety policies, OSHA and IOSHA standards, and owner or site‑specific safety requirements.
• Maintain accurate project documentation, including progress reports, meeting minutes, and project records.
• Lead, mentor, and motivate project teams, and contribute to performance evaluations for personnel reporting to this position.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field preferred, or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience as a Project Manager in the utility industry, with substation experience strongly preferred.
• Hands‑on knowledge of underground construction methods and practices.
• Proficiency with scheduling and project management software
• Ability to read and interpret electrical and civil construction drawings.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem‑solving skills.