Project Manager

NW Natural•Happy Valley, OR

15d•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. NOTE: 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 Role: This role works collaboratively with procurement, accounting, finance, engineering, IT&S, facilities and external vendors and partners to successfully deliver projects at NW Natural. This role will serve as a subject matter expert on PMO processes, tools, and deliverables to support other procurement resources operating in a project management capacity. This role will also actively participate in identifying, assessing, and implementing process improvements within the PMO.Day to Day:

Requirements

Demonstrated success applying project management concepts and techniques across small to medium projects
Proven communication and presentation skills across all levels of the organization
Demonstrated analytical skills, including problem solving and critical thinking, with attention to detail
Ability to facilitate meetings and manage diﬃcult conversations with tact and diplomacy
Ability to gain and maintain credibility at all levels of the organization
Bachelor’s degree in business, [technology, engineering. construction] or related field
PMI or equivalent certiﬁcation preferred
5+ years of project management experience
Thorough knowledge of project and program management theories, models, and techniques for [information technology, construction, engineering] projects
Demonstrated success applying project management concepts and techniques across complex, mission-critical projects/programs with multiple cross-functional dependencies

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in business, [technology, engineering, construction] or related field preferred
PMI or equivalent certiﬁcation preferred
8+ years of progressive project management leadership experience

Responsibilities

Responsible for driving assigned projects throughout all project phases from initiation, through close, in accordance with the PMO’s project delivery process and best practices.
Build strong relationships with the project team, sponsors, stakeholders, vendors and leadership, escalating any issues thoughtfully and proactively.
Lead the project intake process within PMO project management tool and obtain all required stakeholder approvals.
Work with the project team to establish accurate project goals, scope of work, budget, and schedule.
Oversee project team and external consultants throughout the project lifecycle and ensure deliverables are completed to NWN’s standards of accuracy and quality.
Periodically work with the project team and stakeholders to identify, collect, and manage project risks and issues
Develop, manage, and update the project actual and forecast cost.
Manage cost performance to both forecast and budget and conduct analyses to identify and remediate variances as needed.
Assess, document, and communicate any changes in the project’s scope, cost, and schedule baseline.
If required, manage the Change Order request/approval process in accordance with PMO change management best practices.
Manage project communications, including meetings, status reports, monthly portfolio reviews, and other communications.
Schedule and lead periodic project team meetings and deliver meeting minutes and action items as required.
Present project status reports at routine monthly executive/project sponsor meetings.
Deliver ad hoc communications as needed or directed to maintain project transparency
Identify, procure, and manage project-related human resources, including FTEs and contractors, from NW Natural resource managers or vendor partners.
Provide all team members with clear guidance regarding tasks and deadlines.
Work with project team members and resource managers to address and resolve any performance concerns.
If external vendors, contractors, or resources are engaged on the project, assist purchasing with the development of request for proposal (RFP) scope documents for outside vendors.
Coordinate the issuance of RFPs with NWN procurement team.
Negotiate and obtain approval as required for vendor change orders.
Manage vendor schedules, deliverables, and cost according to their respective SOWs.
Integrate vendor project information into the project plan.
Ensure adequate touchpoints and communications exist between NW Natural sponsors, steering committees, and stakeholders and vendor project team members.
Prepare and submit PMO required documentation throughout the project lifecycle process.
Track, collect and organize all relevant project information in accordance with PMO change management best practices.
Complete other duties as assigned, including process and/or deliverable improvement projects or other work as assigned by your manager or PMO leadership.

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