Manager, PMO

ESP Associates • Raleigh, NC

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Manager, PMO leads project managers and project controllers and develops processes, standards, and tools that improve consistency and predictability in project delivery. The role provides strategic leadership for complex engineering programs and major projects serving public-owned and investor-owned electric utilities. It oversees large project portfolios, project execution, financial performance, and client partnerships, while monitoring scope, schedule, budget, and quality. The manager develops people, metrics, and systems that provide leading indicators and improve project operations.

This position combines people management with ownership of PMO processes, including templates, reporting tools, training, and controls. The manager guides multidisciplinary teams, mentors project managers and engineering staff, and supports business development and company growth. Some travel is required.

Requirements

• 15+ years of experience managing engineering or infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrated experience managing large-scale utility programs or complex infrastructure projects.
• Proven ability to oversee multiple projects and large multidisciplinary teams.
• PE registration or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is required.
• Strong leadership, client relationship management, and business development skills.
• Proven ability to manage large project portfolios and drive financial performance.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to mentor and develop senior staff and project managers.
• Some travel is required.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or a related engineering discipline (preferred).
• Previous experience with utility or engineering consulting firms (strongly preferred).
• Experience in transmission line engineering and project management (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Manage and mentor project managers, providing day-to-day guidance, workload balancing, and professional development.
• Provide leadership and guidance to project managers, project controllers, surveyors, and multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Support the development and improvement of project management processes, standards, and tools.
• Develop and track project metrics and reporting to provide leadership visibility into performance and trends.
• Support project setup, change-order development, documentation, and configuration controls.
• Coordinate with engineering leadership, Accounting, and Project Controls to maintain accurate financial reporting, invoicing, and forecasting.
• Provide strategic oversight of project portfolios, ensuring delivery of scope, schedule, budget, quality, and safety objectives.
• Report program performance, risks, financials, and strategic opportunities to clients and company leadership.
• Oversee financial performance and profitability across assigned programs and portfolios, including risk management and recovery strategies.
• Conduct project reviews and audits to ensure consistency and quality.
• Lead complex project negotiations, contract discussions, and major program planning.
• Lead execution of large-scale engineering programs and major projects for public-owned and investor-owned electric utilities.
• Coordinate with engineering leadership, operations, and executive management to align project execution with company goals and client expectations.
• Identify and pursue opportunities with existing and prospective clients in collaboration with marketing and business development teams.
• Lead or support proposals, scopes of work, schedules, and cost estimates for large projects and programs.
• Represent the company in industry meetings, client strategy discussions, and major project reviews.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation with yearly performance reviews and discretionary annual bonuses.
• 401(k) Traditional and Roth plans with a guaranteed employer match of 100% up to the first 3% and 50% on the next 2%; eligibility after 60 days.
• Paid time off and 10 paid holidays.
• Four hours of Volunteer Time Off each year, prorated during the first year based on hire date.
• Tiered health, vision, and dental insurance options; eligibility after 30 days.
• Behavioral medicine through Teladoc.
• Employer-paid short-term disability insurance.
• Long-term disability insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Pet insurance.
• Education reimbursement opportunities.
• Flexible and dependent benefits plan.
• Referral bonuses.

What This Job Offers

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