Senior Project Manager - Transmission & Distribution- Michels Power, Inc.

Michels Corporation•Otsego, MN

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Michels Power, Inc. is a leading power delivery contractor specializing in high-voltage transmission line construction, substation construction, distribution system modernization, renewable energy interconnections, and emergency power restoration. This role is for a Senior Project Manager – Transmission & Distribution who will lead a phase of a major utility infrastructure program or oversee multiple large-scale power delivery projects valued at $10 million or greater. The position is responsible for all aspects of project execution, including pursuit, estimating, contract negotiations, construction, client management, and closeout. The ideal candidate will be a proven construction leader with extensive experience in transmission, substation, and distribution infrastructure, strong commercial skills, and the ability to develop teams and manage complex projects in dynamic field environments.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Project Management, or a related field, and 7-10+ years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Demonstrated success managing large-scale utility, transmission, distribution, substation, or power delivery construction projects.
Experience leading projects valued at $10 million or greater.
Proven ability to manage project scope, schedule, budget, procurement, risk, and field execution.
Experience supervising project management personnel and leading multidisciplinary project teams.
Strong understanding of contract administration, change management, estimating, and project controls.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
Experience with project management and scheduling software such as Primavera P6, HCSS, Microsoft Project, or similar platforms.
Strong communication, leadership, negotiation, and organizational skills.
Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
Willingness to travel and support long-term onsite project assignments as required.

Nice To Haves

PMP, PE, or other advanced professional certifications.
Experience with utility owners, cooperatives, municipalities, and investor-owned utilities.
Background in overhead transmission, underground distribution, and/or substation construction.
Experience managing complex, multi-discipline power delivery programs.
Familiarity with MISO, SPP, ERCOT, PJM, or other regional transmission environments.
Advanced contract negotiation, estimating, and business development experience.

Responsibilities

Lead large-scale transmission, distribution, and substation projects from pursuit through final completion.
Manage project scope, schedule, budget, quality, safety performance, and profitability.
Directly supervise and mentor Associate Project Managers, Project Managers, and assigned project staff.
Review contracts, project plans, specifications, and bid documents to fully understand project requirements and risks.
Coordinate and lead estimating efforts, proposal development, RFP responses, and competitive bid submissions.
Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, utility owners, subcontractors, and key project stakeholders.
Build and maintain strong customer relationships while ensuring proactive communication throughout project execution.
Coordinate field operations with construction management and field leadership to ensure safe, efficient project delivery.
Manage contract administration, change orders, claims, variations, and project closeout activities.
Review project performance metrics, forecasts, schedules, and cost reports while implementing corrective actions as needed.
Conduct project meetings, lead presentations, facilitate problem-solving discussions, and support executive reporting requirements.
Ensure compliance with utility standards, environmental requirements, permitting obligations, and governmental regulations.
Promote Michels' safety-first culture and ensure adherence to all company safety policies and procedures.
Drive continuous improvement through lessons learned, operational feedback, and best-practice implementation.
Develop and mentor project management talent.
Direct work activities and establish accountability across project teams.
Build effective, high-performing teams that support operational success.
Foster collaboration between internal departments, field operations, clients, and external partners.
Make sound decisions in complex project environments while balancing schedule, cost, quality, and safety considerations.
Support employee engagement, professional development, and succession planning initiatives.