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

American Electric Power•Louisa, KY

1d•$188,524 - $245,080•Onsite

About The Position

The Major Project Director develops, directs, guides, and executes project management functions for major generation projects, generally involving multiple complex components and budgets above $1 billion. This role is the single accountable leader for project safety, schedule, cost, commercial performance, stakeholder alignment, execution, and delivery. Depending on the execution strategy and plan, the director may oversee EPC contractors and third-party engineering or other project resources. The director leads a project team through project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and control, and closeout, while building effective relationships with internal and external customers, suppliers, contractors, vendors, and industry peers. During project execution, the director must be located at the project site for its duration. The role covers capital programs of $1 billion to $10 billion, including multiple concurrent generation components or projects with specialized technical scopes. It is accountable for delivery in compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations and NERC, FERC, RTO, and utility commission requirements, as well as for functional leaders and other team members assigned to the projects. The director owns overall project execution, establishes and manages safety and commercial contracting strategies, integrates schedules and resources, controls budgets and contingency, identifies and mitigates risks, leads change management, and resolves disputes. The role reports project strategy and team needs to Generation Executive leadership and manages staffing, construction, regulatory readiness, and stakeholder relationships. It oversees project reporting, safety performance, capital plans and forecasts, regulatory approvals, team development and accountability, contract performance, and compliance with project policies and agreements. The position requires work hours and travel as needed, including extended assignment at the project location during execution. Work may take place at AEP offices, power plants (including nuclear facilities), and construction sites for distribution, transmission, generation, and telecom infrastructure. Nuclear-site work may involve hazardous areas and possible radiation exposure within NRC limits. The role also involves light physical duties, including construction-site walkdowns on unstable surfaces and climbing ladders.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, business, project management, accounting, finance, or a related field, subject to business unit requirements.
At least 10 years of qualified experience, including work in two or more of the following: 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.
Proven strategic thinking and planning skills.
Strength in project risk assessment and mitigation.
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.
Ability to perform light physical duties safely and effectively, including construction-site walkdowns on unstable surfaces and climbing ladders.
Ability to work in varying conditions at AEP locations, including offices, power plants, and construction sites; nuclear-site work may involve hazardous areas and possible radiation exposure within NRC limits.
Ability to write clear, concise reports and make presentations to senior management.
Ability to understand and support AEP policies, values, principles, structure, behavior, and Ways of Working.
Availability for work hours and travel as required, including being at the project location throughout project execution.

Nice To Haves

For internal candidates, two years of experience as Project Manager Staff, Project Manager Staff Senior, or Director Projects, or demonstrated competencies, knowledge, and skills through results achieved in a shorter timeframe.
Master's degree in business, engineering, project management, accounting, finance, construction management, or a related field, subject to 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 federal and state air permits.
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.
Executive communications and reporting experience.
Contracting and commercial strategy experience.
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.
Special skills directly related to the assigned project area may be required.

Responsibilities

Own and oversee overall project execution, directing project management functions to complete assigned projects.
Implement and oversee project safety programs, monitor safety performance, and address issues to support Zero Harm.
Report project strategy and team needs to Generation Executive leadership, including siting, regulatory, procurement, engineering, construction, and budgetary needs.
Establish commercial contracting strategy and negotiate contractor, EPC, and engineering agreements.
Drive integrated schedules across workstreams and align resource management.
Oversee program budgets and contingency and manage execution to meet budget targets.
Identify and manage the executive risk register and develop risk mitigation solutions.
Lead project change management and resolve disputes before escalation when possible.
Build, mentor, and develop a cohesive, effective project leadership team and support the development and performance of project staff.
Manage stakeholder relationships with utilities, RTOs, regulators, landowners, contractors, and other stakeholders.
Ensure readiness for regulatory filings and successful project hearings leading to approval and grant of a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity.
Manage staffing, including employees, staff augmentation, consultants, and vendors.
Manage construction and deliver projects safely, on schedule, and within approved investment.
Apply technical understanding and experience relevant to project scope to guide teams toward solutions.
Oversee and report project metrics, including safety, capital investment, schedule, and other requested performance measures.
Develop risk-adjusted, multiyear capital plans and oversee short- and long-range budgets, forecasts, and cash-flow estimates; support project financing as needed.
Achieve necessary regulatory approvals and contribute as a subject matter expert to regulatory filings, project justification, and analysis.
Administer performance management and hold project team members accountable for their responsibilities.
Guide contract development and contractor management, resolve technical and commercial issues, and escalate when necessary.
Monitor compliance with project policies and standards, support applicable operating or other agreements, and maintain documentation.
Promote continuous improvement, maintain a questioning attitude, and develop or improve guidelines, procedures, and processes.
Write clear and concise reports and present information to senior management.
Work at required locations and travel as necessary to accomplish assignments.