Assistant Project Director – HV Transmission Projects

The Assistant Project Director supports the delivery of large, complex high-voltage (HV) transmission and utility infrastructure projects. This role is responsible for assisting in the strategic planning, execution, and completion of major transmission programs (e.g., 115kV–765kV lines, substations, grid interconnections), ensuring projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with regulatory and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership & Execution

• Support the Project Director in managing large-scale HV transmission projects from development through commissioning.
• Oversee multiple project packages (e.g., transmission lines, substations, EPC contractors).
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning.
• Drive project schedules, milestones, and deliverables.

Commercial & Financial Management

• Assist in managing project budgets ranging from $100M to multi-billion-dollar programs.
• Monitor cost performance, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Support contract negotiations and administration (EPC, contractors, suppliers).
• Identify and mitigate commercial risks.

Stakeholder Management

• Interface with clients, utility owners, regulators, and local/state authorities.
• Support external communication with stakeholders, including landowners and permitting agencies.
• Maintain strong relationships with internal leadership and partner organizations.

Risk, Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements (FERC, NERC, OSHA, environmental regulations).
• Assist in project risk management, including identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks.
• Maintain governance procedures, reporting frameworks, and project controls.

Construction & Field Oversight

• Provide leadership support during construction phases including site visits and field coordination.
• Ensure adherence to safety standards and quality assurance programs.
• Support troubleshooting and resolution of complex field and engineering issues.

Program Coordination

• Support integration across multiple projects within a transmission program or portfolio.
• Align schedules, resources, and execution strategies across parallel workstreams.
• Drive continuous improvement and lessons learned initiatives.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical preferred), Construction Management, or related field.
• Master’s degree (MBA or Engineering) preferred.

Experience

• 10+ years of experience in utility, energy, or infrastructure project delivery.
• Strong experience with HV transmission systems (lines and/or substations).
• Proven track record supporting large-scale capital projects ($100M+).
• Experience with EPC contract environments and multi-contractor coordination.

Technical Expertise

• Knowledge of HV transmission design, construction, and commissioning.
• Familiarity with grid infrastructure, substations, and interconnection processes.
• Experience with project controls tools (Primavera P6, MS Project, cost management systems).
• Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks (FERC, NERC, environmental permitting).

Leadership & Skills

• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to influence and lead cross-functional teams in a matrix environment.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Problem-solving mindset with strong decision-making capabilities.
• High attention to safety, quality, and execution excellence.