Strategic PMO Manager for Large-Scale Utility Projects

Esp Associates; Raleigh (NC); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

401(k) match

Paid time off

Holidays

Volunteer time off

Health, Vision & Dental Insurance

Teladoc

Short-Term Disability Insurance

Job summary

Pickett, an ESP Associates company, is seeking a Manager in the PMO to lead a team of project managers and controllers, establishing processes, standards, and tools for consistent delivery on large electric utility programs. You will oversee project performance across portfolios, delivering on scope, schedule, budget, and quality with strong client relationships.

This role blends hands-on people management with PMO framework ownership, mentoring senior staff while shaping templates, reporting

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience managing engineering or infrastructure projects
• PE registration or PMP certification required
• Experience with utility or engineering consulting firms preferred
• Some travel is required

Responsibilities

• Manage and mentor a team of project managers, providing day‑to‑day guidance, workload balancing, and professional development
• Provide leadership and guidance to project managers, project controllers, surveyors and multidisciplinary engineering teams
• Develop and track meaningful project metrics and reporting to give leadership visibility into performance and trends
• Support project setup, change order development, and documentation and configuration controls
• Coordinate with engineering leadership, Accounting, and Project Controls to maintain accurate financial reporting, invoicing, and forecasting
• Ensure effective coordination with Accounting and Project Controls to maintain accurate project financial reporting, invoicing, and forecasting
• Provide strategic oversight into project portfolios, ensuring successful delivery of scope, schedule, budget, quality, and safety performance
• Provide executive‑level reporting on program performance, risks, financials, and strategic opportunities to both clients and company leadership
• Oversee financial performance and profitability across assigned programs and project portfolios, including risk management and recovery strategies when necessary
• Conduct project reviews and audits to ensure consistency and quality across the team
• Lead complex project negotiations, contract discussions, and major program planning efforts
• Lead the execution of large‑scale engineering programs and major projects for public‑owned and investor‑owned electric utilities
• Coordinate with engineering leadership, operations, and executive management to align project execution with company goals and client expectations
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities with existing and prospective clients in collaboration with marketing and business development teams
• Lead or support the preparation of major proposals, scopes of work, schedules, and cost estimates for large projects and programs
• Represent the company in industry meetings, client strategy discussions, and major project reviews

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Client relations

Business development

Negotiation

Mentoring

Education

Engineering degree (Civil/Mechanical/Electrical)

Job description

Pickett, an ESP Associates company, is seeking a Manager in the PMO to lead a team of project managers and controllers, establishing processes, standards, and tools for consistent delivery on large electric utility programs. You will oversee project performance across portfolios, delivering on scope, schedule, budget, and quality with strong client relationships.

This role blends hands-on people management with PMO framework ownership, mentoring senior staff while shaping templates, reporting