Burns & McDonnell

Project Manager - Transmission & Distribution (Chicago)

Burns & McDonnell$150K — $375K *
Energy & Utilities
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, or related field required.
  • 7 years of relevant consulting experience, preferably in transmission and distribution.
  • Proven success in client and business development, with strong relationship-building skills.
  • Extensive project management experience including proposal development and budgeting.
  • Strong facilitation and problem-solving skills to ensure smooth project execution.
  • Track record of delivering projects within budget and maintaining profit margins.
  • Exceptional planning, analytical, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the project pursuit process and build opportunity pipelines.
  • Monitor project metrics and oversee project management methodologies.
  • Ensure compliance with quality control and financial performance standards.
  • Identify client opportunities and coordinate pursuits with the Sales team.
  • Direct quality control efforts and assess scopes of work during project phases.
  • Support contract reviews and negotiations during renewal processes.
  • Promote alignment among regional staff for effective resource coordination.

Benefits

  • Extensive health, insurance, and disability coverage.
  • Time off and wellness programs to support work-life balance.
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) for eligible employees.
  • 401(k) retirement program for future financial security.
Full Job Description
Description

The Project Manager will report to the T&D Manager of Projects and will be responsible for executing T&D projects and pursuits across multiple business lines within the region. This includes supporting Transmission Line, Distribution Modernization (DMod), Underground & Submarine Cables (UGSC), Networks, Integration & Automation (NIA), and other T&D Business Lines that require additional project management beyond their existing PM capacity.

The Project Manager will oversee the pursuit process, build project execution teams, and manage project implementation. Throughout this process, they will foster a culture of proactive communication, continuous improvement, and a strong focus on growth and profitability.

Additionally, the Project Manager will collaborate with the T&D Manager of Projects to develop project management strategies that enhance Burns & McDonnell's position. This includes establishing sales and business development plans aligned with growth objectives and facilitating collaboration across regional transmission activities, pursuits, and projects.
  • Lead the pursuit process for projects in emerging business lines, building a strong opportunity pipeline, acting as the capture manager for new prospects, driving go/no-go evaluations, and steering opportunities through the risk management process.
  • Oversee project metrics for emerging business lines, either through direct project management or by delegating responsibilities. This includes:
  • Monitoring profitability and financial performance of projects.
  • Ensuring adherence to Burns & McDonnell Quality Control procedures.
  • Overseeing the implementation of project management methodologies, procedures, and tools.
  • Tracking schedule development and ensuring compliance with timelines.
  • Identifying and driving effective change management strategies.
  • Proactively coordinate with national business line management to align emerging business line activities with broader organizational goals.
  • Identify target client opportunities and oversee pursuit coordination alongside the Sales team and seller-doers.
  • Direct quality control (QC) efforts, ensuring scopes of work, schedules, and budgets are thoroughly assessed during both the pursuit phase and execution phase to mitigate potential risks.
  • Provide support in contract reviews, negotiations, and advisement, especially during annual renewal processes.
  • Ensure alignment and collaboration with Regional Office staff, focusing on staff development, quality control, and resource coordination.
  • Support PMIT (Project Manager In-Training) team members in emerging business lines by fostering collaboration with the National PMIT Leadership team and the MAR T&D Manager of Projects.
  • Uphold strict compliance with company and site safety policies, ensuring all projects operate within safety standards

Qualifications
  • A bachelor's degree in engineering, business, or a related field from an accredited program is required.
  • 7 years of relevant consulting experience, preferably within the transmission and distribution industry, with a focus on transmission engineering design and/or project management preferred.
  • Proven success in client and business development, demonstrating strong relationship-building and strategic growth.
  • Extensive experience in project management, including proposal development, contract negotiations, project planning, design team coordination, budgeting, schedule management, and client collaboration.
  • Strong facilitation, collaboration, organization, and problem-solving skills, ensuring smooth project execution.
  • Track record of financial success, including delivering projects within budget, achieving savings, and maintaining strong profit margins.
  • Ability to lead, influence, and manage teams with thoughtfulness and positivity.
  • Exceptional planning and analytical skills to optimize project outcomes and decision-making.
  • Outstanding oral and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively present complex information to employees, management, and clients at all levels.
  • Knowledge of project management methodologies and tools, including proficiency in Microsoft Project or equivalent software.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) License preferred.

Compensation

$150,000.00-375,000.00 Yearly

The expected compensation range for this position is displayed in compliance with all local/state regulations. The expected compensation range for this position is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: individual education, qualifications, prior work experience and work location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary and eligibility to participate in our discretionary year-end incentive bonus program.

Benefits

Our extensive benefits package takes care of you so that you can focus on doing great work. From insurance and disability to time off and wellness programs, we provide the tools to meet your needs. As part of being 100% employee-owned, eligible employees participate in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in addition to our 401(k) retirement program. For more information, please visit the Benefits & Wellness page.

This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.

Job Project Management

Primary Location US-IL-Chicago

Schedule: Full-time

Travel: Yes, 20 % of the Time

Req ID: 262179

Job Hire Type Experienced #LI-JNH #T&D

About Burns & McDonnell

Burns & McDonnell is a full-service engineering, architecture, construction, environmental and consulting solutions firm. The company was founded in 1898 by Clinton Burns and Robert McDonnell and is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. Burns & McDonnell provides services to a wide range of industries, including aviation, defense, energy, environmental, healthcare, and transportation. The company has over 7,500 employees and operates in more than 50 countries around the world. Burns & McDonnell has been recognized as one of the best places to work in the United States by Fortune magazine.
Learn more about Burns & McDonnell
Size
7,500 employees
Industry
Founded
1898

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