765kv Project Manager

CenterPoint Energy • Houston, TX

15d

About The Position

Leads end-to-end delivery of high-voltage and extra-high-voltage transmission and substation projects for a long-term capital portfolio, with a focus on the Texas 765kV program and associated projects. Develops project execution plans and oversees multiple projects from initiation through commissioning and closeout under an EPC model with an Owner’s Engineer. Owns scope, schedule, budget, safety, quality, and risk, and directs an integrated project management team comprising internal functions and external OE and EPC partners. Serves as the single point of accountability for project execution, regulatory and customer-procedure compliance, risk and issue management, and performance tracking across all phases.

The role establishes project governance and controls, coordinates internal and external interfaces, manages integrated schedules and budget baselines, and oversees forecasting, earned-value tracking, and performance metrics. It leads EPC and OE selection and contracting, long-lead procurement strategy, contractor performance and commercial administration, and coordination of safety, quality, construction, commissioning, and operations. It also ensures complete project turnover and closeout, captures lessons learned, and promotes team accountability and constructive decision-making.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Business Management, Project Management, Construction Management, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, or a related technical discipline from an accredited college or university; a minimum of 6 years of applicable experience related to CenterPoint Energy engineering and construction work practices may be considered in lieu of a bachelor’s degree.
• 7–10+ years of experience in engineering, project management, or construction management within electric transmission and/or substations.
• Demonstrated EPC delivery experience and leadership of multidisciplinary teams.
• Portfolio management experience, including projects with program EPC partners using a collaborative, open-book, or integrated team model.
• Expertise in integrated schedule, cost, and risk controls and formal change management.
• Ability to deal effectively with a wide variety of industry, government, and public contacts on project-related matters.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, ability to work independently and think creatively and analytically, and ability to make quick, sound decisions.
• Ability to thoughtfully and positively influence, lead, and manage change; demonstrated success in project management.
• Strong proficiency with MS Office products.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly to employees, management, and external stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

• Direct EHV experience (≥500 kV, preferably 765kV) delivering transmission line and/or substation scope, including commissioning and energization leadership.
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics Project Operations.
• Professional registration or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end delivery and oversight of multiple high-voltage and EHV transmission and substation projects, especially projects in the Texas 765kV program.
• Develop project execution plans and establish an integrated project management team for delivery under an EPC model with an Owner’s Engineer.
• Own project scope, cost, schedule, quality, safety, and risk from initiation through commissioning and closeout.
• Direct OE and EPC partners and coordinate internal engineering, project controls, supply chain, regulatory and permitting, right-of-way, construction, and operations teams.
• Enforce stage-gate governance, prepare decision-gate packages, provide leadership updates, escalate issues, and maintain transparency into project progress.
• Manage internal handoffs and external interfaces with permitting agencies, landowners, regulators, and other transmission service providers involved in joint projects.
• Develop and own integrated schedules and budget baselines; work with Project Controls to maintain cost and schedule baselines and use earned-value tracking, forecasting, and KPI dashboards during execution.
• Develop and maintain owner’s cost estimates and forecasts throughout the project lifecycle, aligned with AACE standards and internal benchmarks.
• Maintain risk and opportunity registers; facilitate risk reviews, develop and track mitigations, quantify financial and schedule impacts, develop contingency, manage contingency drawdown and release, escalate material risks, and negotiate risk allocation with EPC contractors.
• Lead EPC and OE selection, resource planning, contractor personnel approval and mobilization, and onboarding in partnership with Supply Chain, Engineering, and Legal.
• Develop project-specific scopes of work and guide commercial term-sheet development, including pricing, milestones, liquidated damages or bonuses, warranties, bonds, insurance, and indemnities; ensure documented execution handoffs.
• Develop and execute long-lead equipment and materials procurement strategies; coordinate specifications, production slots, purchase orders, site receiving, storage, and spares with vendors, Procurement/Logistics, Engineering/OE, and EPC partners.
• Verify EPC progress against contractual milestones and acceptance criteria; review and approve progress payments; enforce commercial terms and review change orders and claims with Supply Chain and Legal.
• Support adherence to safety, quality, and environmental standards and approved project plans; coordinate energization, outage planning, and commissioning planning with Operations.
• Ensure complete turnover packages, including as-builts, test records, warranties, training, spares, and O&M manuals; lead financial and contractual closeout and capture lessons learned.
• Facilitate constructive decision-making, identify and resolve team conflicts, and reinforce accountability for safety, quality, schedule, and cost.

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Paid training
• Benefits eligibility begins on the first day
• Transit subsidies
• Flexible work schedule
• Paid holidays and paid time off
• Access to discounts at fitness clubs and an on-site wellness center at the Houston headquarters
• Professional growth and development programs, including tuition reimbursement
• 401(k) Savings Plan with a dollar-for-dollar company match up to 6% and a company contribution of 3% regardless of employee contribution

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior