Lead Project Manager- Large Power Generation
About The Position
The Lead Project Manager - Large Power Generation leads end-to-end execution of large, complex power generation projects within the Waukesha Project Execution function. The role owns delivery of the customer solution—including scope, schedule, cost, quality, risk, contract execution, and customer satisfaction—from order intake through final acceptance and closeout. It manages strategically important projects that may exceed 300 MW and $300 million in total project value, serving as the primary point of accountability for internal functions and external stakeholders and ensuring safe, compliant, on-time, and on-budget execution. The position coordinates cross-functional project teams and customer relationships throughout contract execution, installation, commissioning, performance validation, and handover. It also manages project financial performance and contractual obligations, provides executive reporting and decision support, and drives continuous improvement. The role is based in Waukesha, Wisconsin, or Houston, Texas, and requires up to 20% travel to customer, supplier, and project sites. Visa sponsorship is not available now or in the future.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Project Management, Business, or a related technical field.
- Significant experience in large-scale power generation, energy, EPC, industrial infrastructure, or reciprocating engine power plant project execution.
- Extensive project management experience with demonstrated responsibility for projects exceeding 300 MW and $300 million.
- Proven track record managing highly complex, multidisciplinary projects with international or multi-site execution scope.
- Strong knowledge of contract management, project controls, scheduling, cost management, risk management, and customer governance.
- Experience leading cross-functional teams in a matrix organization.
- Strong commercial acumen, including the ability to manage claims, change orders, milestone billing, and margin protection.
- Demonstrated ability to influence senior internal and external stakeholders.
- Strong culture of safety, accountability, transparency, and customer focus.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capability with a proactive, ownership-driven mindset.
- Ability to manage ambiguity, drive decisions, and maintain execution discipline across long project cycles.
Nice To Haves
- Deep understanding of power plant delivery models, including packaged equipment, EPC interfaces, commissioning, and plant performance obligations.
- Experience with engine-based power generation solutions, grid support applications, peaking plants, baseload plants, or energy transition projects.
- Strong executive presence and ability to lead under pressure in high-visibility customer environments.
- Familiarity with project management tools and methodologies such as integrated master scheduling, earned value, risk reviews, and stage-gate governance.
- PMP or equivalent project management certification.
- Experience with international contracts, consortium structures, and complex stakeholder environments.
Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end execution of large-scale power generation projects from contract handoff through commissioning, performance validation, final customer acceptance, and closeout.
- Own project delivery and performance across safety, quality, schedule, cost, cash, margin, contractual obligations, and customer satisfaction.
- Direct cross-functional execution across engineering, sourcing, manufacturing, logistics, field services, commissioning, finance, legal, and commercial teams.
- Develop and govern project execution plans, including schedules, resource planning, risk management, milestone tracking, and executive governance.
- Serve as the primary customer interface, lead executive reviews, and build trusted relationships with customers, EPCs, developers, consultants, and strategic partners.
- Administer contract execution, including scope management, change orders, claims, payment milestones, commercial correspondence, and contractual risk mitigation.
- Identify, manage, and resolve technical, operational, commercial, and regulatory project risks, opportunities, and critical issues.
- Lead safe and compliant site execution, including installation, commissioning, startup, quality standards, EHS compliance, export controls, and project handover.
- Manage project financial performance, including forecasting, revenue recognition support, cash collection, contingency management, and margin protection.
- Provide executive reporting and decision support by communicating project status, risks, recovery actions, and key business impacts to senior leadership.
- Drive continuous improvement and organizational learning through lessons learned, best-practice sharing, and execution excellence initiatives.
- Build alignment across teams, establish disciplined operating rhythms and clear decision-making, and mentor less experienced project managers.
- Represent Waukesha professionally in customer-facing and executive-level forums.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits
- Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
- Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
- Paid time off and 14 paid holidays
- 401(k) retirement savings program
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
