Senior Project Manager I - Transmission & Distribution

Bartlett & West; Missouri; On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Bartlett & West seeks a Power Delivery business leader to grow our engineering practice across power systems, grid integration, substations, and transmission projects. The role emphasizes developing client relationships, expanding market presence, and leading project teams with an entrepreneurial mindset.

The position requires 10+ years in design, staff management, and business development, along with a Professional Engineer license. Travel is expected to be 10–15%.

Qualifications

• Professional Engineer license required.
• Minimum 10+ years of design, staff management and business development.
• Travel limited to 10–15% of time.

Responsibilities

• Develop business plans and generate opportunities with clients.
• Lead staff and manage projects' scope, schedule, and revenue.
• Build client relationships and pursue new markets.
• Coordinate with Marketing for proposals.
• Mentor staff and lead high-level positioning activities.

Skills

Professional Engineer license

Results focused

Communication skills

Relationship building

Client management

Financial acumen

Presentation skills

Negotiation

Decision making

Leadership

Planning/Organizing/Project Management

Conflict management/resolution

Collaboration

MS Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering

Job description

Company Overview

Bartlett & West is an engineering, technology and other professional services firm headquartered in Topeka, KS with 19 offices in seven states throughout the Midwest. As a completely employee‑owned company, Bartlett & West has a “We Before Me” mentality. We prioritize service to our clients, communities and each other. We’re less concerned about titles and more concerned about how each person can be supported to make the greatest impact.

Position Summary

This position is responsible for building a profitable Power Delivery engineering business. The preferred candidate should embody an entrepreneurial mindset and possess a comprehensive grasp of engineering, design principles, and specifications pertaining to power systems utilized in utility transmission and distribution projects. While expertise in power delivery design is prioritized, a versatile comprehension encompassing grid integration, high‑voltage substations, transmission lines, medium‑voltage utility distribution systems, SCADA, and low‑voltage industrial and commercial distribution systems is strongly favored. The candidate will focus on business and project development with opportunities for staff management responsibilities, leading high‑level positioning activities and pursuing project opportunities while expanding client relationships and growing the business.

Responsibilities

Positioning and Client Development (40%)

• With support from the Market Leader, develop a business plan and generate project/business opportunities through client contacts to meet the company’s business plans, revenue expectations, and growth strategies.
• Identify project opportunities well before the proposal stage, meeting with potential clients and assessing go/no‑go criteria.
• Participate with internal Market Leaders and conduct research to develop strategies for identifying future business opportunities in the geographic areas.
• Develop new strategic initiatives for building relationships and partnerships.
• Review and analyze market information to acquire knowledge of markets, build relationships, and bring business partners together.
• Seek leadership opportunities and maintain a high profile in appropriate professional and community organizations.
• Stay abreast of funding sources to assist prospective and existing clients in pursuing major new projects; occasionally assist clients with identifying applicable funding sources.
• Attend and represent the company at trade/industry functions as appropriate for the specific geographic locations.
• Establish and maintain strong, mutually advantageous relationships with key clients.
• Build relationships with clients, peer organizations, and business associates.
• Consult with project managers and work with the Marketing Team to develop business proposals.
• Develop and implement strategies to expand existing market penetrations and enter new markets.
• Coordinate with the Marketing Team for positioning support.

Staff Recruitment and Management (10%)

• Based on the office business plan and working with HR, identify, recruit, hire, and retain top talent.
• Manage local staff in the development and production of engineering deliverables.

Project Oversight and Management (20%)

• Either directly or through management of local staff, manage projects including scope, schedule, fees, QA/QC, revenue, invoicing, and project close‑out.

Unit Financial Management (10%)

• On a monthly basis, analyze and report on office financial performance.

Client Relationship Management (10%)

• Track, develop, and maintain client records using a client relationship management software system, including contact information, touch‑point notes/documentation, opportunities, and estimates of effort and revenue.
• Develop and support relationship‑building activities, including participation in client events to develop/maintain relationships with existing and prospective clients and partners.
• Develop processes to prioritize and track success with opportunity pursuits from client lists and contacts.
• During a project, lead the client feedback process and disseminate collected information to the project team and client contacts.
• Plan and facilitate appropriate meetings with stakeholders (regulatory agencies, clients, project managers, and other team members) to provide exposure and value to the client.

Mentoring / Coaching & Other Responsibilities (10%)

• Develop and deepen working relationships with project managers and senior management within the company.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Professional Engineer license
• Results focused
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
• Relationship building
• Client management
• Financial Acumen
• Customer focused (internal and external)
• Presentation skills
• Excellent listening skills
• Negotiation
• Influencing
• Decision Making
• Ability to lead, manage, train, and mentor others
• Exhibits highly developed traits for initiative, responsibility, flexibility and leadership
• Collaboration
• Planning/Organizing/Project Management
• Self‑awareness/Self‑management
• Accountability
• Trust/Integrity
• Conflict management/resolution
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite with ability to learn other software programs as necessary

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering

Experience

Minimum of 10+ years of experience in design, staff management and business development with demonstrated ability to develop business resulting in profitable sales and revenue.

Travel Expectations

Limited travel beyond the geographic boundaries of the office location. Some travel is required to corporate headquarters and other office locations, approximately 10‑15%.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a listing of all functions and responsibilities that are required of this position. Employee owners are expected to take on additional responsibilities as requested.

An offer is contingent upon successfully passing the pre‑employment drug screen. A drug screen will need to be completed within 48 hours of being contacted.

Nearly all positions at Bartlett & West can require employee‑owners to operate a motor vehicle on public roads in the course of their duties. Accordingly, all employees may be required to have acceptable driving records and to provide authorization to the Company to periodically obtain motor vehicle reports.

Bartlett & West is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, status as a protected veteran or status as a qualified individual with disability.