Project Manager (Engineering)

NW Natural•Happy Valley, OR

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

At NW Natural, we offer more than rewarding career opportunities and a vibrant, inclusive work culture. We invite you to join us in providing safe and reliable utility services and renewable energy to better the lives of the communities we serve. Our vision is to be the leader in service excellence, innovation and environmental stewardship for our customers, while building on our strengths as a trusted energy provider and environmental leader for our industry. In addition to environmental stewardship, we’re also deeply committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at NW Natural. Our DEI Council started 21 years ago, and today we continue to foster a culture where all employees can experience a sense of belonging, shared purpose and possibility. Employees based at our Headquarters are required to work on-site a minimum of two days per week. Specific in‑office days may vary by team and business needs. This hybrid schedule supports collaboration, connection, and engagement while also offering flexibility for remote work. The Project Manager is responsible for the execution and delivery of gas utility capital projects from engineering handoff through construction and closeout. This role operates in a model where the Project Manager is accountable for the project scope, cost, and schedule. Engineering is responsible for the product scope, technical decisions, and design authority. The Project Manager partners closely with Engineering as the primary internal customer, translating product scope into executable schedules, cost forecasts, procurement plans, and construction activities. The PM is accountable for driving project delivery forward, removing obstacles, coordinating directly with resources, managing contractors, delivering/managing accurate forecasts and schedules, and resolving execution issues to support Engineering’s priorities. This role works in close collaboration with Engineering, Construction PM, Gas Operations, Procurement, and external partners to ensure projects remain on track, on budget, and aligned with the engineering scope while meeting safety, regulatory, and quality requirements. The Project Manager applies standard project controls, reporting, and forecasting practices to support consistent execution and visibility, while maintaining a strong focus on project delivery and Engineering alignment.

Requirements

Demonstrated success delivering construction or capital projects involving multiple concurrent workstreams, contractors, and technical stakeholders.
7+ years of project management experience, preferably in construction, industrial, utility, or energy sector.
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, project management, business, or a related field.
Working knowledge of engineering deliverables, construction contracts, and execution models, including RFPs, and alternative delivery methods such as EPC.
Proven ability to develop and maintain detailed execution schedules and accurate cost forecasts, translating high‑level milestones into deliverable construction plans.
Ability to proactively engage Engineering, Procurement, and contractors to obtain information required for maintaining schedule and forecast accuracy.
Demonstrated ability to partner effectively in an engineering led delivery model, recognizing Engineering as the technical authority while managing execution, cost, schedule, and risk.
Communication skills, with the ability to drive alignment, follow‑up, and accountability across internal teams and external contractors at all levels of the organization.
Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
Demonstrates interpersonal and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage, influence, and align stakeholders who manage competing priorities, securing timely inputs and decisions without formal authority.
Ability to operate effectively in a fast‑paced, execution focused environment, adapting to changing priorities and incomplete information.
Demonstrated analytical skills, including problem-solving and critical thinking, with attention to detail.
Familiarity with environmental regulations and safety standards related to gas projects.
Proficiency in project management software such as MS Project, Primavera, or similar tools.
Ability to learn and adapt to Company software systems necessary to support project management, project asset and financial management and reporting.
Requires to be local to Oregon or Washington.
Requires site visits to projects within NW Natural Service territory.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience with permitting process, inspection, construction management, utility companies or in a regulated utility environment preferred.
Prior experience in construction management, owner’s representative roles, or EPC project delivery preferred.
PMP certification or equivalent preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as a self‑directed, execution‑focused Project Manager, partnering with Engineering as the primary internal customer to keep engineered scope moving through design, construction, and closeout.
Translate engineering deliverables into executable schedules, cost forecasts, and resource plans, proactively aligning contractors, materials, and internal activities.
Actively drive project delivery, holding team members and contractors accountable for assigned tasks, deliverables, quality, and timelines.
Maintain ownership of detailed schedule and forecast management, developing and actively managing execution‑level schedules that align with Engineering defined milestones, and addressing impacts from design evolution, construction sequencing, procurement, or field conditions to meet overall project commitments.
Own cost forecasting, accuracy, and variance management, proactively engaging Engineering, Purchasing, Contractors, and other stakeholders to obtain the information required to maintain current and credible cost and schedule forecasts.
Proactively manage project communications by defining information needs, communication channels between both internal and external stakeholders, and follow‑up actions, ensuring timely decision‑making and issue resolution.
Assess and actively communicate impacts to scope execution, schedule, and cost resulting from baseline changes; support formal and detailed Change Requests in accordance with PMO requirements
Coordinate contractors, vendors, and consultants to ensure work aligns with engineered scope of work, approved means and methods.
Oversee transmittals and submittals to ensure proper documentation and timely progression of work; partner with Engineering during RFI review and approval to identify, assess, and manage any resulting schedule, cost, or execution impacts.
Identify and manage project delivery risks, defining mitigation actions and driving resolution to prevent delays or cost impacts.
Create and manage project key performance indicators, contingency, risk registers, and mitigation plans.
Maintain continuous alignment with Engineering on execution sequencing, constructability impacts, and delivery risks.
Operate effectively in a fast‑moving and at times ambiguous environment, maintaining progress even when processes are not fully defined.
Demonstrate flexibility and sound judgment while working under schedule and field pressure, adjusting execution plans as needed to maintain momentum.
Facilitate focused execution meetings and provide clear, concise status updates tied to delivery, risks, and forecasted outcomes.
Utilize NWN PMO project management best practices to track progress, milestones, forecasts, and commitments.
Provide clear guidance to project team members regarding tasks, deadlines, and expectations, while addressing and resolving performance concerns.
Drive process improvements and implement PMO project management best practices to enhance project efficiency.
Conduct site visits as needed to support projects, including travel to construction site.

Benefits

Rich health insurance benefits with competitive employer contribution
Free access to an online wellness resources platform
Up to 23 Vacation Days
80 Hours of Sick Time
10 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays
Flexible work arrangements
3 weeks paid parental leave
Be part of a workplace where your voice matters. Engage with our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council, and a variety of Employee Resource Groups that support community and growth.
1500 sq foot exercise facility and secure bike room
Meaningful annual incentive bonus opportunity in addition to base salary
Competitive 401K company contribution and match
15% discount on NW Natural stock through Employee Stock Purchase Program
Up to $5250 a year in tuition reimbursement
Wellness incentive program
20% off natural gas service
Up to 30% discount at NW Natural Appliance Center
TriMet Pass for all HQ employees
Generous discounts with Verizon & AT&T Wireless