Utility Distribution Project Manager I

CARIAN • Akron, OH

4d

About The Position

CARIAN is seeking a Distribution Project Manager to support a long-term electric distribution capital program for a major utility client in New Jersey. The role manages multiple construction projects from initiation through closeout, with accountability for scope, schedule, cost, and coordination among utility stakeholders, engineering teams, and construction contractors. The position is based in Akron, Ohio, or Reading, Pennsylvania; office work is preferred, and client-site presence is required with localized travel supported.

The project portfolio may include electric distribution circuit rebuilds, pole replacements, reclosers, underground residential distribution work, line upgrades, switches, customer connections, substation terminal upgrades, breakers, relays, equipment replacements, utility communications projects, new customer service connections, and generator interconnections. Individual project budgets typically range from approximately $50,000 to $5 million.

CARIAN is a woman-owned consulting and advisory firm focused on the power sector. It partners with electric and gas utilities on program management, business intelligence, and field execution oversight, guided by integrity, trust, excellence, and accountability. The company describes the role as purpose-driven work supporting resilient energy infrastructure, with career growth, a collaborative culture, competitive compensation, full benefits, and a 401(k) match.

Employment is contingent on maintaining valid authorization to work in the United States. CARIAN does not sponsor employment-based visas or provide immigration support for this position.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4–8 years of electric distribution or substation construction project management experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing project cost, schedule, and contractor performance.
• Working knowledge of substations, distribution systems, or utility communications infrastructure.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to client project sites.
• Valid authorization to work in the United States that can be maintained; the company does not sponsor employment-based visas or provide immigration support.

Nice To Haves

• PMP certification.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of 10–20 electric distribution and substation projects from inception through completion.
• Review and validate project scopes and develop work plans with engineering and utility stakeholders.
• Coordinate outage requests and sequenced construction plans with subject matter experts and contractor partners.
• Support material and equipment procurement in coordination with engineering teams.
• Coordinate environmental and non-environmental permitting reviews and submissions.
• Develop construction RFP packages, including scopes of work, schedules, and permitting documentation.
• Evaluate contractor bids and support award recommendations to the utility client.
• Facilitate pre-construction meetings and ongoing project progress meetings.
• Drive construction progress, frequently supporting work on-site.
• Oversee pre-energization activities and project closeout.
• Maintain strong working relationships with construction teams through regular site visits and communication.
• Coordinate with schedulers to develop and maintain detailed Primavera P6 project schedules.
• Maintain project budgets, monthly forecasts, and accrual tracking.
• Utilize client systems for financial reporting, contract management, and project documentation.
• Report regularly on schedule, cost, safety, procurement, environmental, and design-related issues.
• Maintain clear communication between the field, project office, and utility stakeholders.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation.
• Full benefits.
• 401(k) match.
• Career growth opportunities to lead major programs and mentor high-performing teams.
• Collaborative culture and purpose-driven work.

What This Job Offers

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