Power Delivery Project Management Area Lead

Job Description

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Power Delivery Project Management Area Lead. The successful candidate may work from a mutually acceptable location within the United States central or eastern time zone. You must have the ability to travel to a WSP and/or client office for periodic face‑to‑face meetings.

The Project Management Area Lead (PMAL) is responsible for managing day‑to‑day activities of the local/regional project management team, ensuring quality standards, client satisfaction, and business plan goals. PMAL provides leadership, fosters teamwork, and drives project excellence across high voltage and EHV projects.

• Provide PM leadership for high‑voltage and EHV projects, overseeing detailed design, budgets, forecasts, margins, KPIs, risk contingencies, contractual obligations, and delivery.
• Support recruitment plans, retention, and employee reviews; conduct direct report performance evaluations.
• Guide internal transfers and hire processes; mentor new PMs.
• Engage stakeholders at all levels, maintain relationships, and report on project progress.
• Participate in pursuit activities, “Go/No‑Go” decisions, contract reviews, risk mitigation, pricing reviews.
• Lead contract negotiations and client presentations as needed.
• Drive technical reviews, select qualified staff, and ensure QA/QC compliance.
• Provide strategic advice to clients through written and verbal communication.
• Manage and coach assigned staff, ensuring performance guidance.
• Maintain system and process documentation:
  Risk (/RMP), PMP, QP, PSP, Communications Plan.
• Lead project kick‑off meetings with stakeholders.
• Coordinate resource and subcontracting requirements with area/technical managers.
• Communicate regularly with clients, reporting status, safety incidents, scope and budget impacts.
• Oversee problem project reviews; develop recovery plans.
• Conduct regular project reporting to clients, technical areas, and BU managers; identify emergent issues.
• Complete formal closeout activities, facilitate lessons‑learned meetings.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary professionals to deliver trusted advisory services and solutions.
• Exercise ethical decision‑making regarding company resources and adhere to the Code of Conduct.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required.

• Bachelor’s in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field in Power & Energy Market, or equivalent experience.
• 12+ years of post‑education experience in project management within the Power Delivery/Utility industry.
• 5+ years of industry experience working with IOUs, IPPs, Co‑Ops, Munis, etc.
• 5+ years of leading engineering or construction teams on medium to large scale electrical utility projects.
• Knowledge of project management processes and tools, including:
  • Contract Management
  • Team Meeting Management
  • Earned Value Management
  • Change Management
  • Risk Management
  • Schedule Management (CPM such as Primavera P6)
  • Financial Management
• Strong understanding of delivery processes and business acumen to bridge project and business needs.
• Advanced analytical, organizational, critical‑thinking, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for leadership, subcontractors, and employees.
• Self‑leadership, attention to detail, multitasking, and adaptability.
• Independent working style with guidance on mid‑ to senior‑level teams; adherence to QA/QC.
• Proficient technical writing, MS Office, Visio, Project, SharePoint, spreadsheets, and PM tools.
• Ability to elicit cooperation across hierarchy.
• Track record of ensuring safety and adherence to health, safety, and harassment policies.
• Flexibility to adapt schedules and hours to meet project needs.
• Occasional travel required; frequency depends on clients and projects.

• Project management certification (e.g., PMP).
• Professional Engineer licenses.
• Master’s Degree in Engineering, Engineering Management, or Business Administration.

WSP USA, the U.S. operating company of WSP, is a leading engineering and professional services firm. With over 15,000 employees across 300+ offices, we design solutions in buildings, transportation, energy, water, and environment markets. WSP provides flexible workplace models, comprehensive benefits, and a culture of growth.

WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status. The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.