What are the responsibilities and job description for the Utility Distribution Project Manager I position at CARIAN?
Distribution Project Manager I
Location: Akron, OH OR Reading, PA (Office preferred; client-site presence required, localized travel supported)
Job Type: Full-Time
About Us
CARIAN is a leading, woman-owned, purpose-driven consulting and advisory firm dedicated exclusively to the power sector. We partner with electric and gas utilities to provide strategic advisory and disciplined execution across program management, business intelligence, and field execution oversight. Guided by integrity, trust, excellence, and accountability, our team helps deliver complex capital programs and build the resilient energy infrastructure that communities depend on.
Position Overview
CARIAN is seeking a Distribution Project Manager to support a long-term electric distribution capital program for a major utility client in New Jersey. This role is responsible for managing multiple construction projects from initiation through closeout, with accountability for scope, schedule, cost, and coordination with utility stakeholders, engineering teams, and construction contractors.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a portfolio of 10–20 electric distribution and substation projects from inception through completion
- Review and validate project scopes and develop work plans with engineering and utility stakeholders
- Coordinate outage requests and sequenced construction plans with subject matter experts and contractor partners
- Support material and equipment procurement in coordination with engineering teams
- Coordinate environmental and non-environmental permitting reviews and submissions
- Develop construction RFP packages, including scopes of work, schedules, and permitting documentation
- Evaluate contractor bids and support award recommendations to the utility client
- Facilitate pre-construction meetings and ongoing project progress meetings
- Drive construction progress, frequently supporting work on-site
- Oversee pre-energization activities and project closeout
- Maintain strong working relationships with construction teams through regular site visits and communication
- Coordinate with schedulers to develop and maintain detailed Primavera P6 project schedules
- Maintain project budgets, monthly forecasts, and accrual tracking
- Utilize client systems for financial reporting, contract management, and project documentation
- Report regularly on schedule, cost, safety, procurement, environmental, and design-related issues
- Maintain clear communication between the field, project office, and utility stakeholders
Project Types and Scope
- Electric distribution circuit rebuilds, pole replacements, reclosers, URD work, line upgrades, switches, and customer connections
- Substation terminal upgrades, breakers, relays, and equipment replacements (4.8kV–34.5kV)
- Utility communications projects, including RTUs and network equipment
- New customer service connections and generator interconnections
- Individual project budgets typically ranging from approximately $50K to $5M
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field
- Minimum of 4-8 years of electric distribution or substation construction project management experience
- Demonstrated experience managing project cost, schedule, and contractor performance
- Working knowledge of substations, distribution systems, or utility communications infrastructure
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- PMP certification preferred
- Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to client project sites
Why CARIAN
Purpose-driven work – Help deliver infrastructure that powers communities
Industry reputation – Trusted by leading utilities for our reliability and results
Career growth – Opportunities to lead major programs and mentor high-performing teams
Collaborative culture – Join a team that values delivery excellence and long-term relationships
Competitive total rewards – Strong compensation, full benefits, 401(k) match, and meaningful work
Equal Employment Opportunity
CARIAN is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We hire and develop talent based on qualifications, performance, and business needs. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. As a woman-owned firm dedicated to the power sector, we are committed to building a team that reflects professionalism, expertise, and integrity at every level.
Employment is contingent upon the candidate having and maintaining valid authorization to work in the United States. The Company does not sponsor, and will not sponsor, employment-based visas or provide immigration support for this position.