Director Major Projects

American Electric Power•New Albany, OH

1d•$188,524 - $245,080•Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for leading and delivering large, complex transmission projects with budgets ranging from $1 billion to $10 billion. Serves as the single point of accountability for project safety, schedule, cost, regulatory compliance, commercial performance, stakeholder alignment, and overall execution. Oversees cross-functional teams, contractors, and third-party partners to ensure successful delivery of high-voltage transmission infrastructure projects. Provides executive-level reporting, drives project strategy and decision-making, ensures compliance with federal and industry regulations, and builds strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to achieve project goals and customer satisfaction.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, Project Management, Accounting, Finance, or related field of study dependent on business unit requirements
Ten (10) years of qualified experience, including work in two or more of the following areas: major construction projects, project management, portfolio management, commissioning, project controls, commercial nuclear power plant, fossil generation, and contract negotiations
Experience must exhibit progressive levels of responsibility and accomplishment, highly proficient level of business acumen, and demonstrated effective leadership skills
PMP certification required
Valid state driver's license
Proven strength in strategic thinking and planning.
Proven strength in project risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
Demonstrated strength in developing individuals in their current role as well as the next one.
Highly developed conflict management, effective listening, delegation, and decision-making skillsets.
Ability to challenge differing opinions in a very effective manner.
High-energy and tenacity in facing difficulty and challenges.
Safely and effectively Perform light physical duties. Duties can involve construction site walkdown on unstable surfaces, climbing ladders, and awareness of hazardous site conditions.
Promote continuous improvement and maintain a strong questioning attitude. Ask intrusive questions and challenge assumptions. Own, develop and/or improve guidelines, procedures, and processes to achieve organizational goals and objectives for continuous improvement.
Special skills directly related to the area of the assigned project may be required, as necessary.
Ability to write clear, concise reports and ability to make presentations to senior management.

Nice To Haves

Two (2) years of experience as a Project Manager Staff, Project Manager Staff Senior, or Director Projects is preferred, or demonstrated competencies, knowledge and skillset through achieved results in a shorter timeline.
Master's in Business, Engineering, Project Management, Accounting, Finance, Construction Management, or related field of study dependent on business unit requirements preferred.
345–765 kV transmission projects including project management, engineering, or construction oversight
Underground, HVDC, or submarine work
Direct Supervision
Executive communication and report outs
Contracting/ Commercial Strategy
Coordination/ Experience with Regional Transmission Organizations– such as PJM, MISO, SPP, or ERCOT, including competitive projects
Coordination with State Utility Commissions including major State applications
Significant Environmental applications such as USACE, USFWS, NEPA

Responsibilities

Own overall project execution including directing, guiding, and overseeing project management functions to successfully complete assigned project.
Implement and oversee project safety program, monitor performance and address issues as they arise in an effort to achieve Zero Harm.
Responsible for reporting on project strategy and team needs to Transmission Executive leadership. Report to include solutions for siting, regulatory, procurement, engineering, construction and budgetary requirements.
Responsible for establishing project commercial contracting strategy and negotiate project contractor, EPC, and engineering agreements.
Leads executive governance with JV partners as required.
Drives integrated schedule across all workstreams and directs alignment with resource management.
Maintains oversite of program budget and contingency. Manages project execution to meet budgetary targets.
Identifies and manages executive risk register. Develops solutions to mitigate and minimize exposure to project risks.
Leads project change management. Resolves disputes before need of escalation.
Builds and mentor a trusting and cohesive project leadership team resulting in an effective and highly productive team.
Manages stakeholder relationships by interfacing with utilities, RTOs, regulators, landowners, and contractors.
Ensures readiness for regulatory filings measured by successful project hearings resulting in approval and grant of Certificate of Convenience and Necessity.
Manage all staffing aspects including employees, staff augmentation, and consultants/vendor management.
Manages construction and delivers project safely, on schedule, and within approved investment.
Have an understanding and experience with technical solutions related to specifics of the project work to drive team to solutions.
Oversee and report out on project metrics including safety, capital investment, schedule and all requested performance metrics to the sponsoring organization, business unit, Operating Company Leadership or JV partnership.
Support, monitor, and reinforce contractor and employee safety performance through safety program implementation and recognition of any improved process, procedure and performance measurement that demonstrates a commitment to Zero Harm.
Development of a risk adjusted multi-year capital plan for major project. Oversee project’s short- and long-range total budget and forecast to ensure accurate development of estimated cash flow. This may include supporting Treasury and Transmission Finance functions for project financing with various banking firms. Implement effective change management while gaining stakeholder acceptance. Develop, evaluate, and execute scenarios to accommodate increased or reduced project targets.
Achieve all regulatory approvals needed for the project. Actively participate as needed as a subject matter expert on regulatory filings, providing project justification and analysis.
Foster a strong, positive team culture. Mentor and provide development opportunities of project staff through job assignments, training programs, rotation, and personal development plans.
Support and hold project team members accountable in their responsibilities. Administer the company's performance management review program ensuring alignment with organization's goals and values.
Build and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders to achieve project goals while obtaining complete customer satisfaction.
Guide the development of contracts aligned with project execution strategy. Direct and provide guidance in the management of contracts and contractors. Resolve all issues both technical and commercial in a timely manner or escalate, as necessary.
Monitor project compliance with the established project policies and standards. If applicable, support the development and governance of applicable Operating Agreements, Service Agreements, Administrative Agreements, or other applicable joint venture agreements necessary to operate the business. Maintain documentation.
Perform work at various AEP locations in varying conditions. Work sites will include office, power plants (including nuclear), and construction sites for Distribution, Transmission, Generation, and Telecom infrastructure. Work performed at nuclear power sites may involve work in hazardous areas and possible radiation exposure within the limits prescribed by the NRC.
Understand and support the policies, values, principles, structure, and behavior of AEP, especially the AEP Leads framework: Lead by example, engage employees, Act with accountability, develop employees, and strive for excellence