Director Major Projects
About the position
Responsible for leading and delivering large, complex transmission projects with budgets ranging from \$1 billion to \$10 billion. Serves as the single point of accountability for project safety, schedule, cost, regulatory compliance, commercial performance, stakeholder alignment, and overall execution. Oversees cross-functional teams, contractors, and third-party partners to ensure successful delivery of high-voltage transmission infrastructure projects. Provides executive-level reporting, drives project strategy and decision-making, ensures compliance with federal and industry regulations, and builds strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to achieve project goals and customer satisfaction.
Responsibilities
- Own overall project execution including directing, guiding, and overseeing project management functions to successfully complete assigned project.
- Implement and oversee project safety program, monitor performance and address issues as they arise in an effort to achieve Zero Harm.
- Responsible for reporting on project strategy and team needs to Transmission Executive leadership. Report to include solutions for siting, regulatory, procurement, engineering, construction and budgetary requirements.
- Responsible for establishing project commercial contracting strategy and negotiate project contractor, EPC, and engineering agreements.
- Leads executive governance with JV partners as required.
- Drives integrated schedule across all workstreams and directs alignment with resource management.
- Maintains oversite of program budget and contingency. Manages project execution to meet budgetary targets.
- Identifies and manages executive risk register. Develops solutions to mitigate and minimize exposure to project risks.
- Leads project change management. Resolves disputes before need of escalation.
- Builds and mentor a trusting and cohesive project leadership team resulting in an effective and highly productive team.
- Manages stakeholder relationships by interfacing with utilities, RTOs, regulators, landowners, and contractors.
- Ensures readiness for regulatory filings measured by successful project hearings resulting in approval and grant of Certificate of Convenience and Necessity.
- Manage all staffing aspects including employees, staff augmentation, and consultants/vendor management.
- Manages construction and delivers project safely, on schedule, and within approved investment.
- Have an understanding and experience with technical solutions related to specifics of the project work to drive team to solutions.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, Project Management, Accounting, Finance, or related field of study dependent on business unit requirements
- Ten (10) years of qualified experience, including work in two or more of the following areas: major construction projects, project management, portfolio management, commissioning, project controls, commercial nuclear power plant, fossil generation, and contract negotiations
- Experience must exhibit progressive levels of responsibility and accomplishment, highly proficient level of business acumen, and demonstrated effective leadership skills
- PMP certification required
- Valid state driver's license
- Flexible to travel as required (typically up to 50%, with potential for extended travel or temporary relocation during critical project phases).
Nice-to-haves
- Master's in Business, Engineering, Project Management, Accounting, Finance, Construction Management, or related field of study dependent on business unit requirements preferred.
- 345–765 kV transmission projects including project management, engineering, or construction oversight
- Underground, HVDC, or submarine work
- Direct Supervision
- Executive communication and report outs
- Contracting/ Commercial Strategy
- Coordination/ Experience with Regional Transmission Organizations– such as PJM, MISO, SPP, or ERCOT, including competitive projects
- Coordination with State Utility Commissions including major State applications
- Significant Environmental applications such as USACE, USFWS, NEPA
- Strategic planning and project risk assessment/mitigation expertise.
- Proven ability to develop employees for success in current and future roles.
- Strong conflict management, active listening, delegation, and decision-making skills.
- Effective at constructively challenging assumptions and differing viewpoints.
- High energy, resilience, and tenacity when navigating complex challenges.
- Committed to continuous improvement, process optimization, and driving organizational excellence.
- Strong questioning mindset with the ability to identify opportunities and implement improvements.
- Experienced working across office, construction, utility, power generation, transmission, distribution, telecom, and nuclear environments.
- Able to safely perform site inspections, including walking uneven terrain, climbing ladders, and maintaining awareness of hazardous conditions.
- Dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of safety, operational effectiveness, and regulatory compliance.
Benefits
- Base Salary
- Annual Bonus
- Long Term Incentive
- 401K
- AEP Pension
- Comprehensive Benefits Package
