Project Manager

Project Manager

Type: Full-Time, W2

Location: Oakland, CA (on-site)

Salary: $145K–$190K DOE

About the Role

Innovation Consulting is hiring a Project Manager to join our team on a full-time, on-site placement at one of California’s largest investor-owned utilities in Oakland. You will be embedded within an engineering and construction management team delivering transmission and distribution (T&D) capital projects, including transmission and distribution system upgrades and substation modernization. Projects may span engineering, construction, or full project lifecycle phases — candidates with experience across any or all are encouraged to apply.

The Project Manager will own the delivery of assigned capital projects from planning through closeout, managing scope, schedule, cost, quality, and client relationships across a multidiscipline project team. This is a hands-on delivery role — you will coordinate directly with engineering leads, construction superintendents, procurement, and the utility client to keep projects moving and resolve issues in the field.

This role requires experience working within an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC or EPCM) project delivery model. Candidates do not need to have led an EPC team, but must be familiar with how EPC contracts are structured, how work flows between engineering, procurement, and construction disciplines, and how to manage a project at the interface between an E&C firm and a utility owner.

Key Responsibilities

Project Planning & Execution

•     Develop and maintain project execution plans, defining scope, schedule, budget, and resource requirements for assigned capital projects

•     Establish and manage the project WBS, deliverable register, and milestone schedule in coordination with the planning and controls team

•     Coordinate engineering, procurement, and construction activities to maintain project sequencing and avoid schedule conflicts

•     Manage the project risk register, identify emerging risks, and drive mitigation actions to resolution

•     Ensure project activities comply with applicable safety, quality, and environmental standards

Cost, Schedule & Performance Management

•     Own the project cost forecast and budget, working with the project controls team to maintain accurate estimates to completion

•     Monitor schedule performance and critical path, escalating float erosion or milestone risk to project leadership

•     Review, negotiate, and approve change orders; manage the scope change process from identification through incorporation into the baseline

•     Prepare and deliver monthly project status reports covering cost, schedule, scope, and risk for client and internal distribution

•     Identify cost and schedule variances early and lead recovery planning efforts

Stakeholder & Client Management

•     Serve as the primary point of contact for the utility client on assigned projects, maintaining a proactive and solutions-oriented relationship

•     Facilitate project meetings, design review sessions, constructability reviews, and field progress walks

•     Coordinate with the client on permitting, right-of-way, regulatory approvals, and third-party utility interfaces

•     Manage subcontractor and vendor relationships, reviewing performance and resolving issues to keep work on track

•     Escalate critical project issues to leadership and client stakeholders with clear options and recommendations

Qualifications

Required

•     7 years of project management experience on capital infrastructure, utility, or industrial construction projects

•     Experience working within an EPC or EPCM project delivery environment

•     Demonstrated ability to manage project scope, schedule, and cost concurrently on multi-discipline capital projects

•     Experience managing direct interfaces with utility, industrial, or government owner organizations

•     Proficiency in project scheduling tools such as Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project

•     Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field

•     Must be able to work full-time on-site in Oakland, California

Preferred

•     Direct experience on transmission and distribution (T&D) capital projects, including substation construction or distribution system upgrades

•     PMP certification (Project Management Professional)

•     Experience delivering capital projects under CPUC or FERC regulatory frameworks

•     Professional Engineer (PE) license in a relevant discipline

•     Experience managing projects from notice to proceed (NTP) through final closeout and asset transfer

Compensation & Employment

Employment Type: As a W2 employee of Innovation Consulting, you will be placed on assignment with our client for this engagement.

Salary: $145K–$190K DOE

Contract Duration: Open-ended engagement aligned with project scope; extensions anticipated based on project needs.

Benefits: Comprehensive package including medical, dental, and vision coverage; 401(k) with 100% immediate vesting on all contributions; reimbursement account; and paid time off (PTO). No waiting period — benefits eligibility and all accrual items begin on your first day.

Additional Benefits: Discount program covering memberships, hotels, travel, concerts, electronics, and more. Opportunities for professional development and career growth. Supportive and collaborative work environment.

Location: On-site in Oakland, CA. Relocation required if not a commutable distance from Oakland.

Travel: Occasional travel to project sites is required. A company vehicle will be provided, or personal vehicle use will be reimbursed at the California-approved mileage rate.

Why Join Us?

At Innovation Consulting LLC, you will be part of a team that believes in building a better world — starting with the people who make it possible. You will play a meaningful role in our commitment to emotional intelligence, efficiency, and innovation, delivering positive outcomes for our clients and the communities we serve.

We foster a diverse and inclusive workplace where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their unique perspectives and talents to the table. At IC, you will have real opportunities to grow with a company that values diversity, ethical leadership, and sustainability — making a genuine impact through an innovative and collaborative culture.

Innovation Consulting LLC is an equal opportunity employer and recruiter. We review candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic.