Project Development Project Manager I

CARIAN; Reading (Berks County); On-site; USD 115,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Comprehensive benefits package

Opportunities for career growth

Job summary

A leading consulting firm is seeking a Senior Project Development Project Manager to lead the early-stage development of large-scale transmission and substation capital projects for a major utility client. This role, based in either Pennsylvania or New Jersey, involves managing projects through conception to development, coordinating with technical teams, and overseeing significant project elements such as budgeting and environmental review. Ideal candidates have over 13 years of industry experience and a degree in Engineering. Competitive compensation and benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 13+ years of experience in the transmission and distribution industry.
• Experience in engineering, project management, or a related technical discipline preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to client project sites.

Responsibilities

• Lead project kick-offs and establish cross-functional teams to evaluate project scope.
• Manage projects from conceptual planning through development phase.
• Serve as primary point of contact with the utility client for development-phase activities.

Skills

Organizational skills

Planning skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Job description

Senior Project Development Project Manager – Pennsylvania or New Jersey

Location: Reading, PA or Morristown, NJ (Onsite / Client Site)

Job Type: Full-Time

About Us

CARIAN is a leading, woman-owned, purpose-driven consulting and advisory firm dedicated exclusively to the power sector. We partner with electric and gas utilities to provide strategic advisory and disciplined execution across program management, business intelligence, and field execution oversight. Guided by integrity, trust, excellence, and accountability, our team helps deliver complex capital programs and build the resilient energy infrastructure that communities depend on.

Position Overview

CARIAN is seeking a Project Development Project Manager to support early-stage development of large-scale transmission and substation capital projects for a major utility client in Pennsylvania. This role leads projects from concept through the development phase, coordinating cross-functional technical teams and preparing projects for handoff to execution once projects reach approximately 30% design maturity.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead project kick-offs and establish cross-functional teams to evaluate, refine, and define project scope
• Manage projects from conceptual planning through the development phase, supporting handoff to execution teams at approximately 30% of the project lifecycle
• Lead multiple concurrent overhead transmission and substation projects ranging from 34.5kV to 500kV
• Coordinate with technical teams to identify project interdependencies and establish overall construction sequencing strategies
• Maintain detailed project financials in coordination with cost analyst teams
• Maintain detailed project schedules in coordination with project scheduling teams
• Implement standardized project management lifecycle processes to ensure consistent documentation and execution
• Leverage technical background to effectively manage projects through early development stages
• Serve as the primary point of contact with the utility client for development-phase activities, including coordination, strategic planning, scope management, and budgeting
• Provide overall management of early project phases, including siting, environmental review, permitting, planning, estimating, engineering, right-of-way acquisition, project controls, procurement support, constructability reviews, material planning, and transition to construction

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering
• Minimum of 13+ years of experience in the transmission and distribution industry
• Experience in engineering, project management, or a related technical discipline preferred
• Strong organizational and planning skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive projects to defined deliverables
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to client project sites

Why CARIAN

• Purpose-driven work – Help deliver infrastructure that powers communities
• Industry reputation – Trusted by leading utilities for our reliability and results
• Career growth – Opportunities to lead major programs and mentor high-performing teams
• Collaborative culture – Join a team that values delivery excellence and long-term relationships
• Competitive total rewards – Strong compensation, full benefits, 401(k) match, and meaningful work

Equal Employment Opportunity

CARIAN is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We hire and develop talent based on qualifications, performance, and business needs. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. As a woman-owned firm dedicated to the power sector, we are committed to building a team that reflects professionalism, expertise, and integrity at every level.

Compensation

The base salary range for this role is $115,000–$175,000 annually. This range represents a good‑faith estimate at the time of posting; actual compensation will depend on experience, qualifications, and other factors permitted by law. In addition to base salary, the role includes eligibility for bonus incentives, a comprehensive benefits package, and a company 401(k) match.

Employment is contingent upon the candidate having and maintaining valid authorization to work in the United States. The Company does not sponsor, and will not sponsor, employment-based visas or provide immigration support for this position.