ROLE OVERVIEW
The Project Manager is responsible for overseeing a wide range of research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) activities. The PM will be leading multiple simultaneous research initiatives that are at various stages of completion. The scope, time outline, and budgets for current projects are set by the project funders and the Executive Director. This is a highly visible role with heavy emphasis placed on working with outside entities. The organization is based in New Jersey though this project manager role is to be based in Southern California; the Project Manager will lead R&D projects for gas utility clients throughout the US with a focus on clients in the western part of the country. An office space may be provided for the project manager at a client member’s HQ in Los Angeles or Orange Counties. This position will require a travel commitment of around 20-25% (4-6 overnights per month) with an extra week per quarter for company meetings. The Project Manager reports to the Executive Director who is also the VP of Research, Development & Deployment for the parent company (a gas utility trade association based in Massachusetts). The Project Manager, once fully trained, will be managing 5 to 9 projects at various stages of completion at any one time with a cumulative budget of $2-$3 million dollars. The training program is tailored to the new PM’s capabilities/experiences and should take about nine months to complete.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Project Management:
- Manage all aspects of research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) projects.
- Responsible for budgetary and long-range project planning for project milestones and deliverables.
- Evaluate proposed and ongoing projects in terms of stated objectives, risk, methodology, and benefits.
- Perform market and industry research.
- Identify and select 3rd party research labs (private, university, and government) to conduct actual research and product development.
- Evaluate and report on quality and quantity of work performed by research contractors.
- Balance and provide timely deliverables on multiple projects.
- Relationship Management & Business Development:
- Interact and communicate through verbal and written media at multiple management levels with clients, vendors, research labs, and other 3rd party entities.
- Develop and deliver high level presentations as well as technical papers on projects and proposed activities.
- Engage with current/potential clients to discuss planned research projects, gain financial buy-in to support these projects, uncover client’s future R&D needs, and present company’s value proposition.
REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Engineering Management (Mechanical, Industrial, Civil or Chemical Engineering majors preferred); PMP designation or coursework strongly considered.
- 3+ years of experience in an engineering/project management or research focused environment.
- Proven ability to simultaneously manage multiple projects at various stages of completion.
- Experience working both individually and in a team-focused environment.
- Effective relationship builder with a diverse range of stakeholders.
- Demonstrated technical writing skills and presentation ability.
- Ability to engage with variety of outside executives and engineers.
- Ability and willingness to work in a virtual/WFH environment.
- Experience/exposure to Natural Gas industry (midstream, transmission or distribution sectors) preferred but not required.
COMPENSATION
A meaningful compensation package will be developed for the successful candidate that includes a base salary plus performance-based bonus.