Distribution Project Manager

Job Title: Distribution Project Manager

Department: Operations – Electric Utilities

Reports To: Senior Project Manager and/or Operations Manager

Location: Texas

The Distribution Project Manager is responsible for leading survey and geospatial projects supporting electric distribution infrastructure, including overhead and underground distribution lines, poles, and substations, and related facilities. This role manages projects from initiation through completion while serving as the primary liaison between utility clients, engineering firms, and internal survey teams.

The ideal candidate brings direct experience managing survey or geospatial work for electric distribution projects and is capable of leading complex, multi-crew efforts with minimal onboarding or training.

Key Responsibilities

Project Planning

• Lead survey projects supporting electric distribution line design, routing, and construction.
• Develop comprehensive project plans, including timelines, budgets, and resource requirements.
• Ensure project deliverables meet client specifications and engineering requirements.

Client Communication

• Serve as primary contact for utility clients and engineering firms supporting distribution design.
• Establish and maintain strong client relationships by serving as the primary point of contact for project-related matters.
• Communicate project progress, changes, and updates to clients in a clear and timely manner.

Field & Technical Oversight

• Direct and support multiple survey crews operating across distribution corridors, poles, and substations.
• Ensure crews understand project scope, safety requirements, and data collection standards.
• Review and validate survey data prior to delivery to engineering teams.

Joint Use & Make-Ready Support

• Support pole attachment and joint-use surveys for third-party attachers, coordinating field data collection with client and attacher requirements.
• Provide field survey support for make-ready engineering, including clearance, loading, and attachment point verification for new attachments.

Budget and Resource Management

• Monitor project budgets, expenses, and resource allocation to ensure cost-effective project execution.
• Procure necessary equipment, materials, and subcontractor services as needed.
• Coordinate subcontractors and specialty services when necessary.

Quality Assurance

• Oversee the execution of survey projects to ensure data accuracy, adherence to surveying standards, and the production of high-quality deliverables.
• Implement quality control processes and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with client standards and regulatory requirements.

Project Documentation

• Maintain accurate project records, including project plans, progress reports, change orders, and client communications.
• Prepare and review survey reports, maps, and other project deliverables.

Invoicing and Accounts Receivable

• Review all active projects and open WIP reports to determine when projects will be invoiced.
• Review invoices, contracts, proposals, change orders, addendums, etc. to ensure that all project documentation is in place before creating draft invoice.
• Review aging accounts receivable with Project Controls Specialist and Operations Manager to determine who will follow up with clients for payment status.
• Engage with clients that have past due accounts. Review with Project Controls Specialist and Operation Manager to discuss next steps to coordinate payment with client.
• Meet with Project Controls Specialist and Operation Manager to review, discuss, and resolve issues with invoicing and documentation provided.

Risk Management

• Identify project risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure the successful and timely completion of projects.
• Address and resolve issues and challenges as they arise.

Safety and Compliance

• Promote strict adherence to safety protocols for energized electric distribution environments.
• Promote a culture of safety within the project team.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience managing survey or geospatial projects for electric distribution infrastructure.
• Experience supporting overhead and underground distribution projects (typically 4kV–35kV) preferred.
• Strong understanding of distribution line design workflows and survey requirements, including joint-use and make-ready processes.
• Experience coordinating with engineering firms and utility project teams.
• Bachelor's degree in Land Surveying, Geomatics, or a related field is preferred.
• Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) licensure or certification is highly desirable.
• Previous experience in project management in land surveying or a related field preferred.
• Proven track record of successfully managing multiple surveying projects.
• Excellent project management skills, including budgeting and scheduling.
• Strong leadership, communication, and client relationship management abilities.
• Knowledge of surveying principles, techniques, and software tools.
• Proficiency in project management software and tools.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel as needed.

The Distribution Project Manager typically works in an office environment, collaborating with project teams and stakeholders. This role may involve occasional travel for client meetings or project site visits.

This job description is intended to provide an overview of the responsibilities and qualifications for the Distribution Project Manager position. It is not an exhaustive list, and responsibilities may evolve to meet the changing needs of the organization.