Senior Utility Distribution Project Manager
About The Position
CARIAN is seeking a Distribution Project Manager to support a long-term electric distribution capital program for a major utility client in New Jersey. This role is responsible for managing multiple construction projects from initiation through closeout, with accountability for scope, schedule, cost, and coordination with utility stakeholders, engineering teams, and construction contractors. The projects include electric distribution circuit rebuilds, pole replacements, reclosers, URD work, line upgrades, switches, and customer connections, as well as substation terminal upgrades, breakers, relays, and equipment replacements (4.8kV–34.5kV). Utility communications projects, new customer service connections, and generator interconnections are also part of the scope. Individual project budgets typically range from approximately $50K to $5M.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field
- Minimum of 13+ years of electric distribution or substation construction project management experience
- Demonstrated experience managing project cost, schedule, and contractor performance
- Working knowledge of substations, distribution systems, or utility communications infrastructure
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- PMP certification preferred
- Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to client project sites
Nice To Haves
- PMP certification
Responsibilities
- Manage a portfolio of 10–20 electric distribution and substation projects from inception through completion
- Review and validate project scopes and develop work plans with engineering and utility stakeholders
- Coordinate outage requests and sequenced construction plans with subject matter experts and contractor partners
- Support material and equipment procurement in coordination with engineering teams
- Coordinate environmental and non-environmental permitting reviews and submissions
- Develop construction RFP packages, including scopes of work, schedules, and permitting documentation
- Evaluate contractor bids and support award recommendations to the utility client
- Facilitate pre-construction meetings and ongoing project progress meetings
- Drive construction progress, frequently supporting work on-site
- Oversee pre-energization activities and project closeout
- Maintain strong working relationships with construction teams through regular site visits and communication
- Coordinate with schedulers to develop and maintain detailed Primavera P6 project schedules
- Maintain project budgets, monthly forecasts, and accrual tracking
- Utilize client systems for financial reporting, contract management, and project documentation
- Report regularly on schedule, cost, safety, procurement, environmental, and design-related issues
- Maintain clear communication between the field, project office, and utility stakeholders
Benefits
- Strong compensation
- Full benefits
- 401(k) match
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
