Program Manager - Electric Utilities

ENTRUST•Plainfield, IN

About The Position

The Program Manager provides overall leadership, governance, and strategic direction for the Transmission Pole Replacement Program and Like-for-Like Asset Replacement Program. The role leads Project Managers and an Analyst, ensuring program goals, schedules, budgets, and performance objectives are met while supporting organizational priorities. The Program Manager guides and mentors the team through planning, development, and execution; sets priorities; balances workloads; allocates resources; and drives accountability. The role oversees program performance across budgets, schedules, milestones, risks, and deliverables. It identifies and resolves issues, manages stakeholder expectations, and ensures work aligns with strategic business objectives. The Program Manager develops program management processes, standards, reporting mechanisms, and governance frameworks; leads program reviews and executive reporting; and coordinates internal teams, contractors, engineering groups, and external stakeholders. The position also oversees project planning, estimating, scheduling, package preparation, procurement, permitting, outage coordination, and construction readiness. It manages budgets, forecasts, resource plans, and program risks, while ensuring compliance with company standards, safety requirements, regulatory obligations, and asset management objectives. The role drives quality assurance and continuous improvement.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in construction, environmental permitting, and/or an engineering discipline.
At least 5 years of experience within the electric utility sector in complex project management, engineering, contracts, construction, or operations.
At least 5 years of detailed project financial forecasting and reporting experience.
Knowledge of power system operations, electrical and civil engineering, environmental matters, engineering economics, and familiarity with legal, purchasing, and utility accounting regulations.
Ability to prioritize work and manage multiple projects under budget and time constraints.
Budget-conscious, metric- and measurement-driven, proactive management of project cost forecasts, and strong attention to detail.
Strong negotiation, presentation, construction management, interpersonal and written communication, cost forecasting, stakeholder management, and critical analysis skills.
Experience with Microsoft Office, including Excel proficiency, Power BI, SharePoint, and MS Teams.
High personal standards of commitment and integrity.
Valid driver’s license and safe driving history.

Nice To Haves

PMP certification.

Responsibilities

Deliver both replacement programs within approved budget, scope, and schedule expectations.
Achieve annual replacement targets and asset reliability objectives.
Coordinate planning, engineering, scheduling, outage management, materials, and construction teams.
Provide accurate forecasting, reporting, and executive communication regarding program performance.
Develop and lead a high-performing project management team.
Proactively manage program risks, resource constraints, and stakeholder expectations.
Develop and implement program management processes, standards, reporting mechanisms, and governance frameworks.
Ensure consistency in project planning, estimating, scheduling, and execution methodologies across both programs.
Lead program reviews and report to executives on program health, financial performance, resource requirements, and strategic risks.
Serve as the primary point of contact for leadership, internal departments, contractors, engineering teams, and external stakeholders.
Facilitate alignment among engineering, operations, work coordination, scheduling, outage planning, materials management, and field construction teams.
Escalate and resolve program-level issues, risks, and resource conflicts.
Ensure Project Managers effectively manage project design development, scope definition, cost estimating, and package preparation.
Review and approve bundled replacement packages and project prioritization strategies.
Oversee schedule development and integration with organizational milestones and operational requirements.
Ensure permitting, material procurement, outage coordination, and construction readiness activities are completed before implementation.
Manage program budgets, forecasts, and resource planning.
Review project estimates and monitor financial performance to identify cost-saving opportunities and mitigate budget risks.
Ensure efficient utilization of internal resources, contractors, and support teams.
Identify, monitor, and mitigate program-level risks, constraints, and dependencies.
Ensure compliance with company standards, safety requirements, regulatory obligations, and asset management objectives.
Drive quality assurance and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance program execution and performance.

Benefits

Company-sponsored medical, dental, and vision insurance.
401(k) plan with company match.
Tuition reimbursement.
Voluntary life, disability, critical illness, accident, and hospitalization plans.
HSA or FSA medical accounts and FSA dependent care and transportation/parking accounts.
Paid time off for full-time employees.
Potential eligibility for a discretionary bonus.
Professional growth and career development opportunities.
Flexible work schedules.
Supportive and inclusive work environment that values diversity and encourages innovation.