Senior Project Manager

WSP • Minneapolis, MN

16d • $90,000 - $140,000

About The Position

WSP is a leading energy solutions provider with decades of experience managing projects across the Midwest. Our portfolio includes transmission line development, renewable energy generation, energy storage, and grid modernization. We are committed to sustainability, regulatory compliance, and fostering strong relationships with stakeholders and communities. Why join us? Impact: Be instrumental in shaping the Midwest’s energy infrastructure and advancing clean, reliable energy solutions. Collaboration: Work alongside a talented, passionate team committed to driving excellence in every project. Growth: Benefit from ongoing professional development, leadership opportunities, and exposure to cutting-edge industry trends. Culture: Thrive in an environment that values integrity, innovation, and respect for diverse perspectives. Competitive Compensation: Enjoy a comprehensive salary package, performance incentives, and robust benefits. This Opportunity Are you ready to help us drive the next phase of energy infrastructure in the Midwest? We are seeking an accomplished Senior Project Manager with extensive experience managing both large and small environmental-related projects within the power and energy sector. This is a unique opportunity to join a dynamic team dedicated to delivering impactful solutions in a rapidly evolving industry. The successful candidate will possess deep expertise in siting and routing, project permitting, and on-site construction oversight for compliance with permit conditions. Strong collaboration with regulatory agencies and a comprehensive understanding of the Midwest energy market are essential. To support our growing workload, WSP is looking for a professional Siting and Routing, and Natural Resources focused Project Manager with a background in the energy market. This professional will join our interdisciplinary team of professionals in our Midwest Region, focused on siting and routing with state permitting, impact assessment for the social, natural, and physical environment to support a variety of clients and projects. The following locations are included but not limited to: Minneapolis or Duluth, MN, Chicago, IL, Madison, WI or in the Dakotas or Iowa. Our dynamic team works collaboratively within the region and with other planners, scientists, and engineers within WSP to successfully meet our clients’ needs. We promote a positive work environment for multi-disciplinary collaboration and pride ourselves in making sure every team member is valued and given opportunity for growth. The focus of experienced professional joining our team would be to lead a variety of energy-related projects in coordination with other planners, biologists, archeologists, scientists, and engineers in the Midwest Region and beyond. Leadership of such efforts will include proposal development, client coordination and managing scope, schedule, and budget as well as technical aspects from project initiation to completion. This role will focus on project management and delivery oversight for energy-related projects, interpersonal skills, and the ability to partner with clients, co-workers, and agency representatives. WSP is especially interested in candidates with a history in leading such efforts for the energy generation and transmission industry and other energy-focused projects. The ideal candidate will demonstrate experience in directing the technical and administrative aspects of complex siting and routing projects, environmental studies related to environmental impact assessment and permitting, and will be responsible for coordinating schedules, providing technical direction to project teams, ensuring regulatory compliance, implementing program policy and problem resolution to assure project completions on time and within budget. Flexibility and willingness to work as part of an interdisciplinary team is a must. Opportunities for growth include development of client relationships, marketing and business development, and leading a team of natural resources practitioners. Experience with routing and siting and/or other energy-related projects in ND, SD, IA, MN, or WI is preferred.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Engineering, Environmental Science, Project Management, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 7+ years of experience, including project management, preferably within the energy sector, with a track record of success in both large-scale and smaller energy projects (electric transmission, distribution, generation, renewables, or gas pipeline).
• Deep familiarity with energy market dynamics in the Midwest, including regulatory structures, permitting pathways, and regional infrastructure challenges.
• Ability to navigate complex stakeholder landscapes and build consensus among diverse groups.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills and a commitment to high-quality outcomes.
• Innovative mindset with a passion for operational efficiency, sustainability, and process improvement.
• Ability to anticipate regulatory or market shifts and adapt strategies accordingly.
• Demonstrated expertise in permitting, routing/siting studies, analyses, and associated report writing for energy projects in the Midwest region.
• Experience planning, attending, and participating in open houses and public meetings.
• Familiarity and experience managing preparation of public utility commission applications within Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and/or Iowa, including expert witness testimony.
• Strong working knowledge of federal, state, and local regulatory requirements affecting energy infrastructure, especially within the Midwest market.
• Proven ability to manage teams, budgets, schedules, and contractors during all phases of project execution.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated experience in development of successful proposals and presentations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, defining and understanding client requirements, managing expectations, communicating with clients and project staff

Nice To Haves

• Experience with renewable energy projects or emerging technologies is highly valued.
• Demonstrated success in growing client portfolios, recruiting, and engaging with a dynamic team.
• Expert witness testimony experience is a plus.
• Experience with routing and siting and/or other energy-related projects in ND, SD, IA, MN, or WI is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Project Leadership: Lead multidisciplinary teams across complex energy projects, ensuring delivery on time, within scope, and on budget.
• Siting and Routing: Direct and manage site selection and route evaluation processes for transmission, distribution, and generation facilities, balancing environmental, technical, and stakeholder requirements.
• Permitting Expertise: Oversee all aspects of project permitting, including preparation of applications, coordination with local, state, and federal agencies, and management of public hearings and community engagement initiatives.
• Regulatory Engagement: Foster productive relationships with regulatory agencies and authorities, ensuring projects adhere to all applicable laws, standards, and best practices, including providing strategic advice and direction on state filing requirements.
• Market Analysis: Monitor trends, policy changes, and emerging technologies in the Midwest’s energy landscape; advise on project strategy and business development opportunities.
• Stakeholder Management: Serve as primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, including clients, government officials, landowners, and the public.
• Documentation & Reporting: Ensure thorough project documentation, compliance records, and transparent reporting for all phases of the project lifecycle.
• Continuous Improvement: Advocate for innovation and process enhancements, driving operational excellence across all projects.
• Growth and Business Development: Lead/contribute to development of proposals, including scope of work/technical approach, budget, and schedule. Developing and maintaining client relationships.

Benefits

• WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on a providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees