Vice President, Program & Construction Management - Power

ESP Associates•San Antonio, TX

About The Position

The Vice President of Program & Construction Management (PM/CM) – Power will build and grow a new client-facing PM/CM service line within Pickett’s Power Business Unit. The role leads development and expansion of services that support utility and Power industry clients in planning, managing, and executing complex capital programs and projects. It combines strategic business development, executive client engagement, market expansion, and operational leadership. The role is responsible for identifying and developing client opportunities, establishing Pickett as a trusted PM/CM partner, and building the teams and delivery capabilities needed to execute client programs successfully. It leads growth planning, client pursuits, practice development, program oversight, and business operations, while working across Pickett and the broader ESP organization to support integrated service delivery. The position is suited to an experienced Power industry leader with utility and industry relationships, substantial PM/CM and alternative project delivery experience, and a record of turning market opportunities into sustainable growth.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business, or a related field.
At least 15 years of relevant Power industry experience, including significant leadership experience within a utility, engineering or consulting firm, EPC, contractor, or similar organization.
Proven experience pursuing, winning, and/or delivering significant client-facing PM/CM, Design-Build, programmatic, or on-call utility engagements.
Strong understanding of the electric utility industry, including utility organizations, capital programs, procurement processes, project delivery models, and complex infrastructure program execution challenges.
Established Power industry relationships and demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships with senior utility, EPC, contractor, and industry leaders.
Demonstrated ability to identify opportunities, develop clients, expand accounts, and translate market opportunities into sustainable revenue growth.
Experience with RFQs, RFPs, MSAs, alternative delivery models, strategic teaming arrangements, and contract negotiations.
Ability to build and lead high-performing teams and establish operational capabilities for client delivery and business growth.
Strong understanding of program and project controls, including cost, schedule, risk, change management, performance reporting, and resource planning.
Strong business and financial acumen, including pipeline management, forecasting, budgeting, staffing, and project financial performance.
Excellent executive-level communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
Ability to balance strategic growth responsibilities with hands-on operational and client leadership as the practice develops.
Willingness to travel as needed.
Must pass a drug screen and background check and have a satisfactory driving record in accordance with company policy.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree or MBA.
Professional Engineer (PE) and/or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a strategic growth plan for client-facing PM/CM services within the Power Business Unit.
Build and grow PM/CM services supporting utility capital programs and complex power infrastructure projects.
Identify, develop, pursue, and secure business opportunities with electric utilities and other Power industry clients, emphasizing long-term programmatic relationships.
Build executive-level connections and maintain relationships with utility executives, capital program leaders, engineering and construction leadership, procurement teams, and other client decision-makers.
Position Pickett as a trusted partner for planning, managing, overseeing, and executing complex capital programs.
Lead capture and pursuit strategies, including client positioning, teaming, go/no-go decisions, proposal strategy, presentations, negotiations, and contract development.
Develop strategic partnerships and teaming relationships to expand market presence, capabilities, and access to larger engagements.
Expand existing client relationships and introduce PM/CM services alongside Pickett’s engineering and technical offerings.
Evaluate market opportunities, client delivery models, and geographic expansion strategies; monitor investment priorities, trends, competitors, and client needs.
Build and lead a scalable PM/CM practice, including its organizational structure, staffing model, leadership, processes, systems, and procedures.
Recruit, develop, and retain Program Management and Construction Management professionals.
Establish consistent delivery processes, systems, procedures, and performance expectations, and foster accountability, responsiveness, collaboration, safety, and client service.
Collaborate across Pickett and ESP to align growth initiatives and staffing resources for integrated service delivery.
Serve as executive-level contact for key clients and major PM/CM engagements.
Provide strategic oversight of programs and project delivery teams, aligning work with client objectives, contracts, and performance expectations.
Work with clients to understand capital priorities, resource needs, project risks, delivery challenges, and long-term objectives; develop customized solutions to improve execution, risk management, visibility, and delivery of capital investments.
Oversee program and project management practices, including cost management, scheduling, project controls, risk and change management, construction oversight, and performance reporting.
Establish standards for safety, quality, schedule, cost management, communication, and client satisfaction.
Support resolution of major project challenges, contractual matters, resource constraints, and other issues requiring executive leadership.
Maintain client relationships that support repeat business, expanded engagements, and long-term partnerships.
Establish and manage the PM/CM business plan, including revenue objectives, backlog, staffing forecasts, and financial performance.
Monitor the business development pipeline, anticipated awards, backlog, resource needs, and growth opportunities.
Develop pricing strategies, staffing approaches, and commercial structures supporting competitive proposals and sustainable profitability.
Monitor project financial performance, utilization, staffing efficiency, and practice profitability.
Evaluate contract terms, delivery risks, and commercial commitments with appropriate organizational leaders.
Provide regular reporting and strategic recommendations on practice performance, market opportunities, organizational needs, and growth initiatives.
Travel as needed.

Benefits

Competitive compensation with yearly performance reviews and discretionary annual bonuses.
401(k) Traditional and Roth plans with a guaranteed employer match of 100% up to the first 3% and 50% on the next 2%; eligibility after 60 days.
Paid Time Off and 10 paid holidays.
Four hours of Volunteer Time Off each year, prorated during the first year based on hire date.
Tiered health, vision, and dental insurance options; eligibility after 30 days.
Behavioral medicine through Teladoc.
Employer-paid short-term disability insurance.
Long-term disability insurance.
Life insurance.
Pet insurance.
Education reimbursement opportunities.
Flexible and dependent benefits plan.
Referral bonuses.