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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Electrical Project Manager

💰 $110,000 - $165,000

Project ManagementConstructionEngineeringElectrical Engineering

🎯 Role Definition

As an Electrical Project Manager, you are the central leader responsible for the planning, execution, and successful closing of electrical construction projects. You will be the primary liaison between our company, clients, general contractors, and internal teams, ensuring seamless communication and coordination. Your mission is to drive project profitability, guarantee safety and quality, and build lasting client relationships by overseeing every aspect of the project lifecycle, from initial bid to final punch list.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Project Engineer (Electrical)
  • Assistant Project Manager
  • Lead Electrical Engineer

Advancement To:

  • Senior Project Manager
  • Program Manager
  • Director of Operations / Construction Director

Lateral Moves:

  • Construction Manager
  • Preconstruction / Estimating Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Manage all financial aspects of projects through rigorous cost control, including the development of the master budget, accurate monthly cost forecasting, and proactive management of project profitability (P&L).
  • Develop, maintain, and drive the overall project schedule using software like MS Project or Primavera P6, ensuring all critical path milestones, procurement deadlines, and deliverables are met.
  • Lead, mentor, and manage project teams, including Superintendents, Foremen, Project Engineers, and administrative staff, to foster a collaborative and high-performance work environment.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for all stakeholders, including clients, architects, engineers, and general contractors, facilitating clear, professional, and consistent communication.
  • Oversee the entire procurement lifecycle, from negotiating purchase orders for major electrical gear and materials to managing subcontractor contracts and ensuring timely delivery to the job site.
  • Champion and enforce a world-class safety culture on-site, ensuring strict compliance with all OSHA and company-specific safety policies to maintain a zero-incident workplace.
  • Expertly manage all project documentation, including the processing of RFIs, submittals, and change orders, ensuring all records are accurate, logged, and communicated effectively.
  • Conduct thorough pre-construction activities, including design reviews, constructability analysis, and value engineering exercises to identify and mitigate risks and optimize project outcomes.
  • Collaborate with the estimating department to review bid packages, develop scopes of work, and provide strategic input for competitive and accurate project proposals.
  • Direct and coordinate all subcontractor activities, holding them accountable for safety, quality, and schedule adherence in line with their contractual obligations.
  • Perform regular site visits to monitor project progress, quality of workmanship, and adherence to design specifications and electrical codes.
  • Prepare and present comprehensive monthly project status reports to senior leadership, detailing financial health, schedule status, risks, and client satisfaction.
  • Negotiate and administer all contracts and subcontracts, ensuring favorable terms and protecting the company's interests while maintaining fair partnerships.
  • Implement and manage the project's Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) plan, ensuring all installations meet or exceed NEC standards and client expectations.
  • Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate project risks related to budget, schedule, quality, and safety by developing and implementing robust contingency plans.
  • Drive the project closeout process, including the management of the punch list, commissioning, submission of as-built drawings, O&M manuals, and final financial reconciliation.
  • Interpret complex electrical schematics, blueprints, and specifications to resolve technical challenges and ensure correct installation by field personnel.
  • Track key performance indicators, such as labor productivity and material usage, against the budget, implementing corrective actions as needed to ensure project profitability.
  • Resolve conflicts and disputes with clients, vendors, or other stakeholders in a timely and professional manner to maintain positive relationships and project momentum.
  • Facilitate project kick-off, owner/architect/contractor (OAC), and other critical project meetings, preparing agendas and distributing meeting minutes to all attendees.

Secondary Functions

  • Mentor and develop junior team members, such as Project Engineers and Field Staff.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of project management processes, standards, and tools within the organization.
  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis related to project performance.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Advanced proficiency with Project Management Software (e.g., Procore, Viewpoint, CMiC).
  • Expertise in Project Scheduling Software (e.g., Primavera P6, Microsoft Project).
  • In-depth knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local building codes.
  • Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, cost control, and financial forecasting.
  • Experience with Electrical Estimating Software (e.g., Accubid, McCormick).
  • Contract negotiation, administration, and management.
  • Ability to read, interpret, and analyze blueprints, schematics, and construction documents.
  • Proficient management of RFIs, Submittals, and Change Order processes.
  • High proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel for data analysis and reporting.
  • Familiarity with design and coordination software like AutoCAD or Revit.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional Leadership and Team Management
  • Client Relationship Management & Service Orientation
  • Superior Written and Verbal Communication
  • Advanced Negotiation and Conflict Resolution Skills
  • Complex Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
  • Meticulous Organization and Time Management
  • High Attention to Detail and Accuracy
  • Stakeholder Management and Influence
  • Decisive and Confident Decision-Making
  • Adaptability and Resilience in a fast-paced environment

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university or college.

Preferred Education:

  • Master's Degree in a relevant field.
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Construction Management
  • Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 5-10 years of progressive project management experience within the electrical construction industry.

Preferred: Demonstrated success managing large-scale commercial, industrial, data center, or healthcare electrical projects with values exceeding $5 million. A stable work history with a reputable electrical contractor is highly valued.

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