Senior Project Manager

Description

Senior Project Manager

Location: Fergus Falls

Salary grade 15

Otter Tail Power Company is seeking an experienced and results-driven Senior Project Manager to lead large-scale transmission projects from development through construction and project closeout. This role is responsible for managing all aspects of project execution, including scope, schedule, budget, risk, permitting, stakeholder engagement, procurement, construction oversight, commissioning, and turnover to operations.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader with strong technical and project management expertise who can effectively coordinate cross-functional teams, consultants, contractors, regulatory agencies, landowners, and project co-owners. This position plays a critical role in ensuring projects are completed safely, on time, within budget, and in compliance with all applicable standards and regulations

This position reports to Senior Manager Project Management.

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership & Execution

• Lead large transmission and infrastructure projects through development, permitting, engineering, construction, commissioning, and closeout.

• Develop and manage comprehensive project plans, schedules, budgets, forecasts, and risk mitigation strategies.

• Coordinate internal teams and external consultants, contractors, and stakeholders to successfully execute projects.

• Oversee project quality assurance and quality control processes.

• Ensure successful project commissioning and seamless transition to operations.

Safety & Compliance

• Promote and maintain a strong culture of safety throughout all project phases.

• Ensure safety plans, procedures, and standards are developed, communicated, and followed.

• Conduct and support regular safety meetings and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Ensure all project activities comply with company, regulatory, and construction standards.

Permitting & Stakeholder Engagement

• Secure and manage federal, state, and local permits for transmission projects.

• Coordinate public outreach efforts and engagement with landowners, agencies, and community stakeholders.

• Represent company interests in permitting activities and public hearings.

• Serve as a project advocate and subject matter expert during regulatory proceedings when required.

Financial & Risk Management

• Develop, monitor, and forecast project budgets while identifying and managing cost variances.

• Partner with accounting, procurement, and regulatory teams to support project financing and cost recovery.

• Maintain project dashboards, risk registers, and performance metrics.

• Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks related to safety, schedule, cost, and execution.

Communication & Collaboration

• Develop and execute project communication plans.

• Provide accurate and timely progress reports to management, project owners, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders.

• Facilitate collaboration across engineering, land rights and permitting, sourcing, legal, regulatory, customer service, and operations teams.

• Lead conflict resolution efforts and foster positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field required.

• Master’s degree preferred.

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive project management experience.

• At least 5 years of experience overseeing electric utility projects and leading complex, multi-year initiatives.

• Proven experience managing transmission line and substation construction projects.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of project management principles, methodologies, and best practices.

• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, cost control, resource planning, and contract management.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously across various stages of the project lifecycle.

• Knowledge of risk management, schedule management, procurement, and project controls.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and project management software.

• Working knowledge of utility safety practices and standards.

Leadership Competencies

• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive successful project outcomes.

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with both internal and external stakeholders.

• Excellent analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.

• Ability to present complex information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.

• Positive, collaborative leadership style with a commitment to team development and continuous improvement.

• Strong sense of ownership, accountability, and results orientation.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to travel as needed.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in delivering major transmission projects that support reliable energy service for our customers and communities. You'll work alongside talented professionals, build strategic partnerships, and help shape critical infrastructure projects from concept through completion.

What We Offer

We believe employment is a partnership and we expect excellence from our talented employees. To support our employees and help drive their career experience and goals.

• Competitive wage & benefit package.

• The expected offer for base compensation for this role is $117,000 - $162,000 annually. The actual compensation within the compensation range will vary based on factors relevant to the position.

• Incentive plans

• Employee Stock Ownership options

• Retirement Savings Fund with employer match

• Health, disability and life insurance plan options

• Our employees are provided training and development opportunities each year, including education reimbursement. This includes safety – one of our values and key to our success – technical, compliance and developmental training.

• Career development is critical to our long-term success. Otter Tail Power employees have opportunities to participate in various leadership development programs, gain access to an a la carte online leadership course catalog, receive mentorship from current leaders and more!

• Mental health support from the experts at SupportLinc as well as competitive vacation and sick leave to ensure employees are at their best when they’re working.

To apply, visit our careers page at www.otpco.com. Applications accepted through September 25, 2026.

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship at this time.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.