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

Michels Corporation•Midland, TX

9h•Hybrid

About The Position

Michels Power, Inc. is seeking a Senior Project Manager - Transmission & Distribution to lead major overhead transmission and distribution projects throughout Texas. This role is responsible for the entire project lifecycle, serving as a key customer-facing leader and trusted partner to field operations. Michels Power, Inc. specializes in comprehensive overhead and underground construction services for electric utility systems and fiber networks, operating as one of the largest private power utility electrical contractors in the United States. They offer EPC delivery models for complex projects involving transmission lines, substations, and more, and are part of the Michels Family of Companies.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Project Management, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field and 7-10 years of related construction and project management experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Significant experience managing overhead transmission and/or overhead distribution construction projects.
Demonstrated experience managing major projects, significant phases of large complex projects, or multiple projects simultaneously.
Proven experience serving as a primary client-facing leader for electric utility construction projects.
Strong ability to proactively build and maintain relationships with utility customers, engineering partners, subcontractors, suppliers, and project stakeholders.
Strong understanding of overhead transmission and distribution construction practices, including structure installation, foundations, pole and tower construction, conductor installation, stringing operations, right-of-way activities, distribution system upgrades, and associated power delivery infrastructure.
Experience managing project budgets, forecasts, schedules, staffing, procurement, subcontractors, project controls, and overall financial performance.
Strong contract management experience, including change management, variations, notices, commercial negotiations, and final project closeout.
Experience coordinating with Construction Managers, Superintendents, General Foremen, and other field leadership on large utility construction projects.
Experience supporting RFPs, estimating, bid reviews, constructability reviews, project pursuits, and execution planning.
Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop project management personnel.
Strong leadership, financial, organizational, communication, negotiation, presentation, and decision-making skills.
Experience with project management and scheduling software such as Primavera P6, HCSS, Microsoft Project, Procore, or similar platforms.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
Ability to travel approximately 50%, primarily through West Texas, and support onsite project assignments as required.

Nice To Haves

PMP, PE, or other advanced industry certifications are preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Lead major overhead transmission and distribution projects from pursuit and contract award through final project closeout.
Maintain accountability for safety, quality, schedule, financial performance, contract compliance, and customer satisfaction.
Serve as a primary customer-facing leader, maintaining proactive communication and strong relationships with utility clients throughout project execution.
Provide leadership, direction, and mentorship to Project Managers, Assistant Project Managers, Project Engineers, and assigned project staff.
Review project proposals, contracts, scopes of work, schedules, budgets, staffing requirements, and execution plans to establish successful project strategies.
Coordinate closely with Construction Managers and field leadership to maintain alignment between project objectives and field execution.
Lead contract administration and change management from award through final reconciliation and closeout.
Support proposal development, estimating, bid reviews, and pursuit strategies for future transmission and distribution opportunities.
Manage large overhead transmission and overhead distribution construction projects throughout Texas.
Develop and maintain project budgets, cost and revenue forecasts, schedules, staffing plans, procurement strategies, and project execution plans.
Build and sustain relationships with utility customers, engineering partners, subcontractors, suppliers, and other stakeholders.
Proactively communicate project status, financial performance, schedule impacts, risks, changes, and upcoming milestones to customers and internal leadership.
Coordinate with Construction Managers, Superintendents, General Foremen, and field leadership to align crews, equipment, materials, and resources with project requirements.
Monitor labor productivity, equipment utilization, production quantities, material availability, subcontractor performance, and overall project progress.
Lead customer meetings, project reviews, financial reviews, forecasting discussions, schedule meetings, and operational planning sessions.
Manage contractual matters including project correspondence, notices, change requests, change orders, delays, variations, claims avoidance, and final reconciliation.
Review project status reports and modify schedules, forecasts, staffing strategies, and execution plans when necessary.
Prepare and review project reports for customers, operations leadership, and executive stakeholders.
Identify project risks, constructability concerns, commercial exposures, and operational challenges while implementing practical mitigation strategies.
Coordinate project activities necessary to comply with customer requirements, utility standards, government regulations, permits, and applicable agencies.
Support estimating teams with bid requirements, execution strategies, constructability input, production assumptions, and lessons learned.
Support project turnover, as-built documentation, final customer acceptance, and contract closeout.
Provide direct leadership and mentorship to assigned Project Managers, Assistant Project Managers, Project Engineers, and project support personnel.
Assist with interviewing, onboarding, training, coaching, and development of project personnel.
Establish clear expectations and hold project teams accountable for safety, financial performance, schedule, quality, communication, and customer service.
Foster collaboration between project management and field operations.
Help develop future project leaders by providing meaningful feedback, increased responsibility, and opportunities for professional growth.
Create a team environment built around accountability, sound decision-making, communication, and operational excellence.