Director, Major Projects | NEW GENERATION (Construction Utility Projects)

American Electric Power•Lawton, OK

5d•$188,524 - $245,080•Onsite

About The Position

The Major Project Director develops, directs, guides, and executes project management functions for complex major generation projects, typically with total budgets exceeding $1 billion. The role is the single accountable leader for project safety, schedule, cost, commercial performance, stakeholder alignment, execution, and delivery. Depending on the execution strategy, the Director may oversee EPC contractors and other third-party resources, such as engineering services. The Director leads a project team through initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and control, and closeout. The position builds relationships and communicates with internal and external customers, suppliers, contractors, vendors, and industry peers. The project portfolio may involve capital budgets of $1 billion to $10 billion, multiple concurrent generation components, or specialized technical generation scopes. The Director is required to work at the project location for the duration of project execution. The role oversees project reporting, safety programs, capital planning and forecasting, regulatory approvals, team development and performance, stakeholder relationships, contracting, and compliance. It manages construction and project change, risk, budget, and schedule to deliver safely and within the approved investment. The Director may also support project financing and regulatory filings, and must understand technical solutions relevant to the assigned project. Work may take place at AEP offices, power plants (including nuclear sites), and construction sites for Distribution, Transmission, Generation, and Telecom infrastructure. Work at nuclear power sites may involve hazardous areas and possible radiation exposure within NRC limits. Work hours and travel vary as required by assignments, and greater travel may be needed for specific assignments.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, business, project management, accounting, finance, or a related field, depending on business unit requirements.
10 years of qualified experience, including work in at least two of the following areas: major construction projects, project management, portfolio management, commissioning, project controls, commercial nuclear power plant, fossil generation, or contract negotiations.
Experience demonstrating progressive responsibility and accomplishment, strong business acumen, and effective leadership skills.
PMP certification.
Valid state driver's license.
Ability to work hours and travel as required to accomplish assignments; project execution phases require being on location for the duration.
Ability to perform light physical duties, including construction site walkdowns on unstable surfaces and climbing ladders, while remaining aware of hazardous site conditions.
Ability to write clear, concise reports and make presentations to senior management.
Ability to understand and support AEP policies, values, principles, structure, and Ways of Working.

Nice To Haves

For internal candidates, two years of experience as a Project Manager Staff, Project Manager Staff Senior, or Director Projects is preferred; demonstrated competencies and results in a shorter timeline may also be considered.
Master's degree in business, engineering, project management, accounting, finance, construction management, or a related field, depending on business unit requirements.
Experience with generation projects in project management, engineering, or construction oversight.
Experience with utility generation projects.
Experience with heavy industrial construction projects.
Experience with EPC contract execution models for new generation construction.
Experience with Generation Interconnection Agreements.
Experience obtaining air permits through federal and state agencies.
Experience coordinating with federal, state, and local agencies to obtain environmental and non-environmental permits for new power plants.
Direct supervision experience, including performance plans and expense reports.
Experience with executive communications and report-outs.
Experience with contracting and commercial strategy.
Experience coordinating with regional generation organizations such as PJM, MISO, SPP, or ERCOT, including competitive projects.
Experience coordinating with state utility commissions, including major state applications.
Experience with significant environmental applications such as USACE, USFWS, and NEPA.
Strategic thinking and planning strength.
Strength in project risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
Ability to develop individuals in their current and next roles.
Highly developed conflict management, listening, delegation, and decision-making skills.
Ability to challenge differing opinions effectively.
High energy and tenacity when facing difficulties and challenges.
Special skills directly related to the assigned project area, as required.

Responsibilities

Own overall project execution and direct, guide, and oversee project management functions through successful project completion.
Lead project teams and hold functional leaders and assigned team members accountable for project responsibilities.
Implement and oversee the project safety program, monitor contractor and employee safety performance, and address issues in support of Zero Harm.
Report project strategy and team needs to Generation Executive leadership, including solutions for siting, regulatory, procurement, engineering, construction, and budget requirements.
Establish commercial contracting strategy and negotiate contractor, EPC, and engineering agreements.
Drive the integrated schedule across workstreams and align it with resource management.
Oversee the program budget and contingency, develop and manage forecasts and cash flows, and deliver within approved investment targets.
Develop a risk-adjusted, multi-year capital plan and evaluate scenarios to accommodate changes in project targets.
Identify and manage the executive risk register and develop mitigation strategies.
Lead project change management, gain stakeholder acceptance, and resolve disputes before escalation where possible.
Build, mentor, and develop a cohesive project leadership team and provide development opportunities for project staff.
Manage stakeholder relationships with utilities, RTOs, regulators, landowners, contractors, and other parties.
Ensure readiness for regulatory filings and achieve required regulatory approvals, including supporting hearings and applications for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity.
Manage staffing, including employees, staff augmentation, consultants, and vendors.
Manage construction and deliver the project safely, on schedule, and within approved investment.
Oversee and report safety, capital investment, schedule, and other requested performance metrics to sponsoring organizations, business units, and Operating Company Leadership.
Support project financing activities with Treasury, Generation Finance, and banking firms as applicable.
Participate as a subject matter expert in regulatory filings and provide project justification and analysis.
Guide contract development in alignment with the project execution strategy and direct contract and contractor management; resolve technical and commercial issues or escalate as necessary.
Monitor compliance with project policies and standards, support applicable agreement governance, and maintain documentation.
Administer performance management reviews and support team members in meeting organizational goals and values.
Promote continuous improvement, question assumptions, and develop or improve guidelines, procedures, and processes.
Prepare clear, concise reports and presentations for senior management.
Perform light physical duties safely and effectively, including construction site walkdowns on unstable surfaces and climbing ladders.