Distribution Project Manager

Highlights of the job

We are hiring a Distribution Project Manager [Full-time Permanent] position working out of Edmonton, AB. This opportunity is open to internal and external candidates. Current EPCOR Employees, please ensure that you are using your “@epcor.com” email address.

The Distribution Project Manager reports to the Manager, Distribution Project Management and is accountable for managing and successfully completing a portfolio of annual projects and programs within Distribution to meet growth demands, fulfill requirements under EPCOR Distribution & Transmission Inc. (EDTI) Franchise and TELUS agreements, service new customers, and enhance system reliability and safety. Overall responsibilities also include ensuring project budgets are accurate and complete, obtaining required approvals from internal and external stakeholders and governing bodies.

This position may be eligible to participate in EPCOR’s Where We Work hybrid program after completing 12 months in the role – depending on business needs and upon meeting the eligibility requirements.

What you’d be responsible for

• Providing significant contributions or inputs to the Distribution Projects Business Plan, with an appropriate understanding of the EPCOR Utilities Inc. (EUI) and Distribution Projects strategy to ensure alignment, positive relationships, and seamless collaboration between EDTI, Project Management as well as across EUI teams.

• Developing and implementing an optimized annual portfolio management plan by reviewing and analyzing EDTI’s annual projects and budgets to ensure that crew workloads are balanced, and cost efficiency opportunities are realized, and project deadlines are met.

• Managing the project/program funding and approval process in a timely fashion, including the development of appropriate support material for annual budget process and documentation for off-cycle approvals, up to and including Financial Review Council (FRC) approval limits, in accordance with EPCOR’s Capital Investment Policy.

• Designing and communicating comprehensive project charters for each assigned capital project or program ensuring budget and resource estimates are accurate given available data; assumptions, and constraints are documented, and the scope and estimate methodology are clearly outlined to create a baseline for project reporting and variance analysis.

• Overseeing the end to end (E2E) project management process ranging from defining project requirements; assigning and communicating scopes of work to internal and external resources based on current priorities and deadlines; to monitoring, controlling and reporting on project performance and costs on an ongoing basis in accordance with corporate, EDTI and any site specific safety and environmental requirements.

• Defining Issue for Construction (IFC) target dates and arranging construction meetings as well as design walk-throughs on large-scale or complex projects to ensure timely review and delivery of complete work order packages

• Assessing, evaluating, and appointing external contractors and consultants with adequate qualifications, cost minimization, and proper contractor management practices – to support project execution in compliance with EDTI procurement, regulatory, Health Safety & Environment (HSE), and legal requirements

• Managing regulatory and permitting requirements with external stakeholder including but not limited to: Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC), Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO), City of Edmonton, Province of Alberta, Alberta Infrastructure, Alberta Environment, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, other regulatory and government agencies.

• Conduct routine site inspections on projects sites documenting any safety or environmental risks or deficiencies found and assign appropriate corrective actions. Support HS&E led investigations as required.

• Support the execution of work in achieving project compliance and meeting performance metrics by:
  • Leading and facilitating project kick-off and planning meetings for all large-scale, high-profile, environmentally sensitive, or complex projects.
  • Maintaining open communication channels with field crews, inspectors, contractors, engineering or other external parties.
  • Evaluating work progress and maintaining project metrics reports while ensuring all changes are documented and approved through the change order process.

What’s required to be successful

• Successful completion of a Degree in Civil or Electrical Engineering. A Professional Licensee (PL) in Civil or Electrical Engineering with extensive experience in trades, construction, or project management, will be considered
• Must be registered with APEGA as a P. Eng. or PL or aspire towards becoming a certified professional 6 months after being hired into the role

• Project Management Professional (PMP) designation will be considered an asset. 
• 5 years of progressively responsible experience in electrical distribution systems required, including direct design or construction experience in Aerial and Underground Distribution systems.
  • Knowledge of Aerial and Underground Distribution system construction methods, procedures, work practices and techniques is an asset.
  • Candidates possessing less than the required years of experience may be considered at a developmental level
• In-depth knowledge of the Customer Connection Guide and EDTI’s Terms and Conditions for Connection and Access Service required
• Experience in planning and executing new and complex initiatives; design and construction of on-site Capital Engineering projects is required.
  • Experience in project management of complex utility construction projects with increasing responsibility is an asset.
• Familiarity with Customer Connection Guide and EDTI’s Terms and Conditions for Connection and Access Service required.
• Demonstrated ability to understand and manage complex budgets and schedules relative to this area of responsibility is required.
• Possess strong project management and team leadership skills with a combined ability to build meaningful interpersonal and collaborative relationships within EPCOR and external stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills to influence problem solving around technical or complex issues
• Can apply professional judgments to make sound decisions while managing shifting priorities in a dynamic and agile environment.
• High level of competency with computer software. In particular: Microsoft Office, Ivara and other work Management tools such as MS Project.

As our best candidate, you actively use a variety of communication styles and can gain buy-in, champion process improvements, work independently and lead others. You have exceptional communication, facilitation and management skills that engage all audience levels. You excel at motivating and supporting others with positive and constructive feedback. Your skills transcend project management, managing shifting priorities in a dynamic and agile environment with exceptional scope, cost, and schedule management.

Other important facts about this job

Jurisdiction and Hours of Work: This is a professional level position and that typically works Monday to Friday (40 hours per week)

Application deadline: January 21, 2025

EPCOR Employees: Please ensure that you are using your “@epcor.com” email address.

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Please note the following information:

• A requirement of working for EPCOR is that you are at least 18 years of age, successfully attained a high school diploma (GED, or equivalent level of secondary education) and legally entitled to work in Canada. (A copy of a valid work permit may be required.)
• If you are considered for the position, clearance on all applicable background checks (which may include criminal, identity, educational, and/or credit) and professional reference checks is required. Some EPCOR positions require an enhanced level of background assessment, which is dictated by law. These positions require advanced criminal record checks that must also be conducted from time to time after commencement of employment.
• A technical/practical assessment may be administered during the selection process and this exercise will be used as a part of the selection criterion.
• To meet the physical demands required of some positions, candidates must be in good physical condition and willing to work in all weather conditions. Clearance on pre-placement medical and drug and alcohol testing may be required.