Distribution Project Management Department Manager

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Project Management Department Manager.  The selected candidate may be assigned to any WSP USA office. Be involved in projects with our Distribution Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our clients' objectives and solves their challenges. 

This Opportunity

Provides situational administrative and technical project management guidance for the development, execution, management, and monitoring of designated projects in support of company, regional, and national business line goals. Ensures responsibilities throughout the project lifecycle (proposal phase, planning and project startup, project execution, reporting, and project closeout) are adhered to, delivered, and audited with a level of quality that meets or exceeds corporate project excellence and delivery standards. Provides innovation, administration, and pragmatic direction to address current and future project management challenges in a rapidly changing and complex business and operations climate.

Your Impact

• Provide PM leadership for larger scale/more complex projects ensuring contributors know what they are required to do and by when, preparing and overseeing relevant project budgets, forecasts, margins and KPIs, monitoring external events and risk contingencies, tracking hours and expenses, ensuring satisfactory performance, and managing the contractual obligations to deliver the project or assigned portfolio of assigned project(s) as defined in the contract.
• Develop and foster effective strategies to engage project stakeholders at all levels, maintain effective relationships, and report on project progress.
• Provide guidance and leadership with pursuit/initiation activities for projects meeting defined criteria or risk profile; including “Go / No-Go” decisions, contract reviews, risk mitigation strategies, pricing reviews, etc
• Actively drive the appropriate levels of technical review required for the project, selecting appropriately qualified staff to perform the required reviews, and adherence to the QA/QC plan, as applicable.
• Provide verbal and/or written inputs to multi-disciplinary project teams and contribute to providing high level strategic advice to clients.
• Mentor staff to support their growth and professional development.
• Manage and provide performance guidance and leadership to assigned staff.
• Ensure updates occur with system and process documentation including: Risk (REF/RMP), Project Management Plan (PMP), Project Quality Plan (QP), Project Safety (PSP), and Communications Plan where applicable.
• Facilitate project kick-off meetings with key stakeholders.
• Maintain regular communications with the client including reporting on monthly status, safety incidents, and major issues together with scope and budget impacts.
• Collaborate with professionals from a variety of disciplines to provide “trusted advisor” service and future ready solutions for clients.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, or a related major, or equivalent experience in a technical or engineering firm.
• 12+ years of relevant post education experience in a project management role within our industry.
• Five (5) years of Demonstrable leadership experience
• Advanced proficiency with analytical and organizational skills, with business acumen to bridge the business and project management
• Ability to elicit cooperation from a wide variety of sources, including senior management, subcontractors, consultants, and company-wide staff, including those with whom no formal hierarchical relationship exists.
• Demonstratable experience with schedules and sequencing of electric utility project execution and completion.
• Cost accounting experience with equipment, expenses, and labor categories. 
• Strong ability to quickly adapt to change and demonstrate flexibility to a variety of schedules and hours to meet project-specific needs.
• Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements. Potentially 15-25%+ percent travel may be required. 
• Driver’s license with good driving record  
• Successfully complete the mandatory background check and Motor Vehicle Report
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
• Pass a drug test per WSP and project specific requirements upon request.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three (3) years of utility distribution design experience
• Three (3) additional years of demonstratable leadership of employees
• Master’s Degree
• PE (or equivalent) license 
• Essential project management certification (e.g., PMP).