Transmission Right of Way Manager/Senior Manager

American Electric Power•New Albany, OH

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Transmission Right of Way (TROW) Manager reports to the Right of Way Managing Director and is responsible for managing the activities for multiple transmission regions, in coordination with the efforts of the Transmission Right of Way (TROW) group. This group is responsible for securing land rights, licenses, leases, permits, and other documents necessary for the construction, operation, and maintenance of AEP's electric transmission facilities, and supporting the joint venture and Transource project TROW needs outside of AEP-Transmission territory. The position is responsible for the timely, efficient, cost-effective, and proper execution of the group's duties, including implementing organizational and process improvements and reporting organizational performance. Manager's duties include responsibility for interactions and negotiations with high-profile or multi-state entities such as government agencies, corporations, or major customers. The group's duties also include responsibility for interaction with landowners on existing transmission lines, enforcing AEP's easement rights, coordinating with Forestry on tree trimming activities, resolving disputes, and addressing property owner complaints related to noise, nuisance shocks, or other transmission line issues. The manager has Board authorization to sign easements and documents binding to AEP and works with AEP Legal and outside counsel on land rights matters affecting the Company.

Requirements

Associate of Science degree is required plus nine (9) years' related experience; OR, Bachelor of Science degree is preferred plus seven (7) years' related experience.
Seven to nine (7-9) or more years of experience including work in business, management, real estate, law, electric transmission and/or distribution right-of-way with a minimum of four (4) years in a previous leadership position.
Prior experience in project management is preferred.
Excellent oral and written communication, presentation, and organizational skills.
Strong proficiency working with Microsoft Office products (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and right-of-way/land management (i.e., geoAMPS or other land management databases) or other equivalent databases and a background with project controls.
Must have a valid driver’s license issued by the appropriate State.
Bachelor's degree in business, real estate, engineering or related field (for Senior Manager).
Eight (8) or more years of experience including work in business, management, real estate, law, electric transmission and/or distribution right-of-way with a minimum of four (4) years in a previous leadership position (for Senior Manager).
Prior experience in project management preferred (for Senior Manager).
Valid driver's license (for Senior Manager).
Demonstrate the ability in leadership, team building, time management, building collaborative environments, accountability, and problem solving (for Senior Manager).
Possess project management skillset with the ability to develop and implement effective work flow processes (for Senior Manager).
Possess the ability to champion change (for Senior Manager).
Demonstrate skills in conflict management and organizational problem-solving (for Senior Manager).
Ability to convey vision, strategy or other complex information effectively with the ability to influence and drive results (for Senior Manager).

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Science degree is preferred plus seven (7) years' related experience.
Prior experience in project management is preferred.
Prior experience in project management preferred (for Senior Manager).

Responsibilities

Manage and direct employees, both internal AEP and a large contract workforce engaged in transmission right of way activities throughout the region.
Assure adherence to approved processes and documents including rights of entry, damage claims, contracts, easements, licenses, leases, permits, options to purchase, and other legal documents within the designated region.
Ensure the proper maintenance and administration of company records including easements and right of way maps.
Prepare and revise annually (where applicable) tax reports and other regulatory reports on all transmission land rights owned by AEP.
Plan, organize, and provide training to the regional TROW staff on the acquisition of land and land rights for transmission projects.
Plan, organize, and manage the regional efforts related to the acquisition of land rights for transmission projects.
Render guidance to other departments for the acquisition of land and land rights.
Develop estimates and provide guidance for scheduling of right of way acquisition.
Identify qualified suppliers; develop, bid, and administer contracts with right of way procurement companies for work on transmission projects.
Oversee, review, and approve the preparation of nonstandard documents within the designated region.
Responsible for consistent interpretation of easements and agreements.
Ensure that all documents and forms used are acceptable to AEP Legal.
Develop procurement strategies within the region, monitor costs, provide reports, develop and maintain budgets, ensure targets and goals are achieved, and assure alignment with Business Unit and Corporate strategy.
Maintain awareness of industry practices and trends and assure alignment with industry best practices.
Assist and confer with legal counsel and project managers in the region in the preparation of condemnation cases and/or other court actions involving land and land rights matters, together with lawsuits that may result from the construction, operation, or maintenance of AEP's electric transmission facilities; appear as a witness in court actions as required.
Provide right of way expert testimony on behalf of AEP in civil courts or regulatory proceedings.
Manage TROW electronic tools and databases, and ensure efficient utilization, including associated wireless and workstation hardware.
Ensure the quality and consistency of the TROW records systems and legal documents.
Approve vouchers for payments of expenses incurred in the acquisition of land and land rights involving electric transmission and/or distribution facilities such as contractual obligations for the purchase of options, easements, damage claims settlement, attorney fees, outside appraisal services, and contractor invoices.
Prepare and issue periodic reports indicating the status and cost of managed projects.
Track project quality, timeliness, and performance against annual work plans.
Monitor the closeout process for TROW projects.
Review lessons learned and recommend process improvements as appropriate.
Determine resource needs, designating staff members to work on projects, and assigning work to staff members.
Gain an understanding of the entire transmission line project process including scoping, estimating, risk assessment, siting, design, project management, and construction.