Project Manager

At Cleco, we're not just powering lives—we're powering a cleaner, smarter future for Louisiana. With bold investments in innovative energy solutions, we’re transforming how we power our communities: smarter, cleaner, and more sustainable. This is a long-term commitment to our people and our communities because our future—and the future of generations to come—depends on it. If you're ready to make an impact where it matters most, join us at Cleco—where we're Energizing Your Tomorrow.

The Project Manager provides project oversight and management services for assigned projects. Serves as single point of contact for projects. Directs activities throughout the life cycle of a project, which may include project justification and business case development. Develops project plan (resources and timeline) with project team. Keeps project sponsors and appropriate executive management informed of project costs and progress. Leads project team activities in order to complete project goals and timelines. Manages internal and external engineering resources, scheduling resources, costing resources, and construction resources as necessary. Coordinates with vendors, consultants, and other Cleco departments to achieve desired project outcomes. Coordinates issues and seeks timely resolutions. The Project Manager applies a combination of knowledge skills, techniques and tools to project activities to meet objectives and support the business case. Operating under the Project Execution Plan, the Project Manager manages the project team to meet project objectives, implementing processes to keep change managed and controlled while still monitoring and controlling the work produced, and effectively communicating actions, risks and results appropriately. Communicates applicable project information across multiple lines of business to keep all project stakeholders informed.

Key Responsibilities

• Champions a corporate culture that emphasizes transparency, integrity, safety, environmental responsibility, employee development, diversity and inclusion, customer service, and operational excellence.
• Acts as the single source of contact for assigned capital projects.
• Runs small to mid-size capital projects.
• Fills in for and provides field support to construction managers as needed.
• Contributes value (insight based) deliverables and executes departmental strategies.
• Plan, schedule and monitor the project-related tasks and ensure the completion of milestones.
• Has a strong understanding of a project’s impact to the company, and the business drivers supporting the project.
• Works and coordinates activities across multiple business lines (tax, procurement, analytics, legal, operations, etc.) to ensure a successful project deliverable.
• Lead the project teams (typically 5-15 members) and coordinate the dedicated organizational resources (Accounting, Analytics, other divisions)
• Relationship management with the Business or functional owner, regular and structured reporting to EPCM and Executive Management
• Design and implementation of detailed project execution plan and budget, lead initiatives in the project (potentially multiple parallel initiatives at the same time) which can include communications, stakeholder engagement and operational initiatives
• Develop professional, methodological proposals and opinions jointly with the project members
• Evaluate ideas evolving during the project, test those and make decision about implementation
• Identify critical decision points, make decisions and escalate issues to EPCM Management when needed
• Capable of completing specialized or highly complex processes or activities, requiring some interpretation of practices, and an understanding of policies and programs.
• Leads the project team through the discussion, evaluation, recommendation and resolution of project issues.
• Leads and facilitates project team meetings on monthly or weekly basis depending on the phase of the project.
• Conducts project accountability meetings with management utilizing P6 to update/explain project status.
• Leads customer meetings with project sponsors/asset owners to update them on the status of the project and inform them of any project changes or issues.
• Provides oversight/guidance to team members who perform single or multiple tasks,
• Possesses social and communication skills necessary to lead a team, as well as effectively communicate with peers, customers, and upper management.

• Considers future implications beyond the immediate problem.
• Works under moderate supervision and oversight from upline management.

Qualifications

Required Education, Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from an ABET approved curriculum or Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering with certification by the NCEES to sit for the FE exam or
• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Technology, Construction Management, or other accepted 4 year STEM degree
• 6+ years of related experience
• Demonstrated proficiency in each of the following project management roles:
• Cost Controls
• Scheduling
• Construction Management
• Strong knowledge of project management principles including project scope development, contingency management, risk assessment, execution planning, and schedule development and adherence.
• Strong Planning Skills
• Some people manager experience (preferred)
• Ability to negotiate and influence with a consultative approach
• Strong knowledge of leading practices for their practice area
• Willingness and ability to learn new technologies on the job
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex results to technical and non-technical audiences
• Proficient at functioning effectively within a team environment, present ideas and opinions in a respective and collegial manner
• Progression to this level is strictly restricted based on critical individual capabilities and business requirements; must be supported by market survey data.

Licenses and Certifications

• PE Licensure preferred (engineering degrees)

• PMP Certification required

Key Competencies

BEHAVIORAL

• Building Partnerships
• Leading Teams
• Business Acumen
• Communication
• Courage
• Building Self-Insight
• Driving for Results
• Energizing the Organization
• Driving Execution
• Building Trusting Relationships
• Driving Innovation
• Planning and Organizing
• Safety
• Establishing Strategic Direction

TECHNICAL

• Analytical skills
• Compliance
• Critical Thinking Skills

May perform other duties as assigned.

Salary dependent on experience, skills, education, and training.