Director Major Projects
About The Position
The Director Major Projects leads and delivers large, complex high-voltage transmission projects with budgets ranging from $1 billion to $10 billion. The role is the single point of accountability for project safety, schedule, cost, regulatory compliance, commercial performance, stakeholder alignment, and overall execution. It oversees cross-functional teams, contractors, and third-party partners and provides executive-level reporting, project strategy, and decision-making to support successful delivery and customer satisfaction. The Director oversees the safety program, project governance, integrated schedules, budgets and contingency, risk management, change management, contracting strategy, staffing, and construction. The position manages relationships with utilities, RTOs, regulators, landowners, contractors, and joint-venture partners, and ensures readiness for regulatory filings and project hearings. The role is based in New Albany, Ohio, and requires flexibility to travel, typically up to 50%, with possible extended travel or temporary relocation during critical project phases.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, Project Management, Accounting, Finance, or a related field, depending on business unit requirements.
- Ten 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.
- Flexibility to travel as required, typically up to 50%, with potential for extended travel or temporary relocation during critical project phases.
- Ability to safely perform site inspections, including walking uneven terrain, climbing ladders, and maintaining awareness of hazardous conditions.
- Commitment to safety, operational effectiveness, and regulatory compliance.
Nice To Haves
- Master's degree in Business, Engineering, Project Management, Accounting, Finance, Construction Management, or a related field, depending on business unit requirements.
- Experience with 345–765 kV transmission projects in project management, engineering, or construction oversight.
- Experience with underground, HVDC, or submarine work.
- Direct supervision experience.
- Executive communication and reporting experience.
- Contracting and commercial strategy experience.
- Coordination or experience with Regional Transmission Organizations such as PJM, MISO, SPP, or ERCOT, including competitive projects.
- Coordination with State Utility Commissions, including major state applications.
- Experience with significant environmental applications such as USACE, USFWS, and NEPA.
- Strategic planning and project risk assessment and mitigation expertise.
- Ability to develop employees for success in current and future roles.
- Strong conflict management, active listening, delegation, and decision-making skills.
- Ability to constructively challenge assumptions and differing viewpoints.
- High energy, resilience, and tenacity when navigating complex challenges.
- Commitment to continuous improvement, process optimization, and organizational excellence.
- Strong questioning mindset and ability to identify opportunities and implement improvements.
- Experience working across office, construction, utility, power generation, transmission, distribution, telecom, and nuclear environments.
- For internal candidates, two years of experience as a Project Manager Staff, Project Manager Staff Senior, or Director Projects is preferred; demonstrated competencies, knowledge, and skills through results in a shorter timeline may also be considered.
Responsibilities
- Direct, guide, and oversee project management functions to successfully complete assigned projects.
- Implement and oversee the project safety program, monitor performance, and address issues to achieve Zero Harm.
- Report project strategy and team needs to Transmission Executive leadership, including solutions for siting, regulatory, procurement, engineering, construction, and budgetary requirements.
- Establish project commercial contracting strategy and negotiate contractor, EPC, and engineering agreements.
- Lead executive governance with joint-venture partners as required.
- Drive the integrated schedule across workstreams and align it with resource management.
- Oversee program budgets and contingency and manage execution to meet budget targets.
- Identify and manage the executive risk register and develop solutions to mitigate project risks.
- Lead project change management and resolve disputes before escalation.
- Build and mentor a trusting, cohesive, and productive project leadership team.
- Manage relationships with utilities, RTOs, regulators, landowners, and contractors.
- Ensure readiness for regulatory filings and successful project hearings resulting in approval and grant of a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity.
- Manage staffing, including employees, staff augmentation, and consultants and vendors.
- Manage construction and deliver projects safely, on schedule, and within approved investment.
- Apply understanding and experience of technical solutions relevant to project work to guide teams toward solutions.
Benefits
- Annual bonus
- Long-term incentive
- 401(k)
- AEP pension
- Comprehensive benefits package
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
