Senior Substation Project Manager

WSP in the U.S.; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP in the U.S. is seeking a Substation Project Manager for our Power & Energy Management Team in Houston, TX. The candidate will lead high-voltage substation projects, ensuring quality and financial integrity, while developing client relationships in the South and Southwest Regions. You will oversee project execution, coordinate with stakeholders, and engage in contract negotiations. The role requires a Bachelor's in Engineering and 12 years of relevant experience, with proficiency in project management tools and a solid understanding of the Power Delivery industry.

Qualifications

• 12 years of post-education experience in a project management role within the Power Delivery/Utility Industry.
• Minimum five years of experience working with or providing engineering services for IOUs, IPPs, Co-Ops, Munis.
• Deep understanding of the project delivery process in the Power Delivery/Utility industry.

Responsibilities

• Manage technical, scheduling, quality, and financial aspects of Power and Energy Substation projects.
• Lead projects of all scales and monitor design, budgets, and contractual obligations.
• Participate in contract negotiations and client presentations.

Skills

Project management processes

Problem-solving

Interpersonal skills

Technical writing

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field

Tools

Primavera P6

MS Office (Word, Excel, Visio, Project, SharePoint)

Job description

Job Description

WSP is seeking a Substation Project Manager for our Power & Energy Management Team. The successful candidate will manage technical, scheduling, quality, and financial aspects of Power and Energy Substation projects, develop client relationships, and market WSP’s Power Delivery services to existing and new clients in the South and Southwest Regions. This position may be based out of Houston, Austin, or Fort Worth, TX, with remote work possible from any mutually acceptable location. Periodic travel to WSP or client offices for face‑to‑face meetings is required.

This Opportunity

Provide project management for the development, execution, control, and monitoring of high‑voltage and EHV substation projects, supporting business line goals at company, regional, and national levels. Ensure responsibilities throughout the project lifecycle—proposal, planning, execution, reporting, and closeout—are delivered to meet or exceed corporate and client standards. Offer innovation, administration, and pragmatic direction to address current and future challenges in a rapidly changing environment.

Your Impact

• Lead projects of all scales (small/medium/large) and monitor detailed design, budgets, forecasts, margins, KPIs, external events, risk contingencies, performance, and contractual obligations.
• Develop strategies to engage stakeholders, maintain relationships, and report project progress.
• Provide guidance during pursuit and initiation activities, including Go/No‑Go decisions, contract reviews, risk mitigation, and pricing reviews.
• Participate in, and at times lead, contract negotiations and client presentations.
• Drive required technical reviews, selecting qualified staff and ensuring adherence to the QA/QC plan.
• Contribute verbal and written inputs to multidisciplinary teams and advise clients strategically.
• Manage and provide leadership to assigned staff.
• Update documentation—including Risk, Project Management Plan, Project Quality Plan, Project Safety Plan, and Communications Plan—regularly.
• Lead project kick‑off meetings with key stakeholders.
• Coordinate with area managers to address resource and subcontracting needs promptly.
• Maintain regular communication with clients, reporting on status, incidents, and major issues along with scope and budget impacts.
• Participate in problem project reviews, identifying root causes and potential solutions, and assist with recovery plans.
• Provide regular reporting and updates to clients, technical areas, and business unit managers.
• Complete formal project close‑out activities and document lessons learned.
• Collaborate with professionals across disciplines to offer trusted advisor services and future‑ready solutions.
• Adhere to responsible decision‑making, company funds, resources, and conduct, and follow WSP’s Code of Conduct.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field within the Power & Energy Market.
• 12 years of post‑education experience in a project management role within the Power Delivery/Utility Industry.
• Minimum five years of experience working with or providing engineering services for IOUs, IPPs, Co‑Ops, Munis, etc.
• Minimum five years leading engineering and/or construction teams on medium to large electrical utility‑scale high‑voltage or extra high‑voltage substation projects.
• Proficiency in project management processes and tools, including contract management, team meeting management, earned value management, change management, risk management, and schedule management (CPM schedules such as Primavera P6 or equivalent), as well as financial management.
• Deep understanding of the project delivery process in the Power Delivery/Utility industry.
• Advanced analytical, organizational, business, problem‑solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent self‑leadership, attention to detail, multitasking, and adaptability in a dynamic work environment.
• Strong expertise in technical writing, MS Office (Word, Excel, Visio, Project, SharePoint), spreadsheets, and PM tools.
• Proven ability to secure cooperation from senior management, subcontractors, consultants, and company employees without formal authority.
• Track record of upholding workplace safety and adhering to WSP’s health, safety, drug/alcohol, and harassment policies.
• Flexibility to adapt schedules and hours to meet project needs.
• Occasional travel required; frequency depends on client and project requirements.

WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. (Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.) The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.