Contract Senior Project Manager Jobs in Appleton, WI

Location: Project Based
Employment Type: Full-Time
Travel: Required

Strengthening our nation's power grid isn't easy, but it's essential. Every time someone charges a phone, runs the A/C, or powers a business, Michels Power, Inc. is behind the scenes delivering safe, reliable electrical infrastructure.

Michels Power, Inc. is one of the nation's premier power delivery contractors, executing the full lifecycle of electrical infrastructure projects, including:

• High-voltage transmission line construction (overhead & underground)
• Substation construction, expansion, and upgrades
• Distribution system modernization (overhead and underground)
• Renewable energy interconnections and grid integration
• Emergency storm response and power restoration

Our work keeps communities connected, resilient, and growing.

Join us and build a career that truly makes a difference.

As a Senior Project Manager – Transmission & Distribution, you will lead a phase of a major utility infrastructure program or oversee multiple large-scale power delivery projects valued at $10 million or greater. You will be accountable for every aspect of project execution, from pursuit, estimating, and contract negotiations through construction, client management, and final closeout.

This role serves as a critical leader within Michels Power, providing strategic direction to project teams while ensuring exceptional safety performance, operational excellence, client satisfaction, and financial success.

The ideal candidate is a proven construction leader with deep experience in transmission, substation, and distribution infrastructure, strong commercial acumen, and the ability to develop teams while delivering complex projects in dynamic field environments.

• Lead large-scale transmission, distribution, and substation projects from pursuit through final completion
• Manage project scope, schedule, budget, quality, safety performance, and profitability
• Directly supervise and mentor Associate Project Managers, Project Managers, and assigned project staff
• Review contracts, project plans, specifications, and bid documents to fully understand project requirements and risks
• Coordinate and lead estimating efforts, proposal development, RFP responses, and competitive bid submissions
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, utility owners, subcontractors, and key project stakeholders
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships while ensuring proactive communication throughout project execution
• Coordinate field operations with construction management and field leadership to ensure safe, efficient project delivery
• Manage contract administration, change orders, claims, variations, and project closeout activities
• Review project performance metrics, forecasts, schedules, and cost reports while implementing corrective actions as needed
• Conduct project meetings, lead presentations, facilitate problem-solving discussions, and support executive reporting requirements
• Ensure compliance with utility standards, environmental requirements, permitting obligations, and governmental regulations
• Promote Michels' safety-first culture and ensure adherence to all company safety policies and procedures
• Drive continuous improvement through lessons learned, operational feedback, and best-practice implementation

As a senior leader within the organization, you will:

• Develop and mentor project management talent
• Direct work activities and establish accountability across project teams
• Build effective, high-performing teams that support operational success
• Foster collaboration between internal departments, field operations, clients, and external partners
• Make sound decisions in complex project environments while balancing schedule, cost, quality, and safety considerations
• Support employee engagement, professional development, and succession planning initiatives

• Ranked No. 1 Electrical Transmission & Distribution Contractor by Engineering News-Record
• National leader in transmission, distribution, and substation construction
• Family-owned and operated with long-term stability
• Average of $5,000 per employee annually invested in training and development
• High-impact work supporting critical infrastructure and communities
• Strong safety culture where everyone is responsible regardless of title
• Part of the Michels family of companies, one of North America's largest infrastructure contractors

• Health, Dental, and Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) & Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Legal Assistance & Identity Theft Protection

Benefits may vary by position and location.

• You're a dedicated, value-driven professional who wants to work alongside people who take pride in their work.
• You relish solving complex challenges, embracing evolving technology, and finding better ways to build critical infrastructure.
• You don't believe in "that's how we've always done it" and continuously seek opportunities to improve performance and outcomes.
• You want your contributions recognized and your leadership trusted.
• You value having the autonomy to make decisions while knowing the support of an industry-leading organization is behind you.
• You want to make a meaningful difference by helping deliver infrastructure that powers communities and drives progress.

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Project Management, or a related field, and 7-10+ years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Demonstrated success managing large-scale utility, transmission, distribution, substation, or power delivery construction projects
• Experience leading projects valued at $10 million or greater
• Proven ability to manage project scope, schedule, budget, procurement, risk, and field execution
• Experience supervising project management personnel and leading multidisciplinary project teams
• Strong understanding of contract administration, change management, estimating, and project controls
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Experience with project management and scheduling software such as Primavera P6, HCSS, Microsoft Project, or similar platforms
• Strong communication, leadership, negotiation, and organizational skills
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record
• Willingness to travel and support long-term onsite project assignments as required

• PMP, PE, or other advanced professional certifications
• Experience with utility owners, cooperatives, municipalities, and investor-owned utilities
• Background in overhead transmission, underground distribution, and/or substation construction
• Experience managing complex, multi-discipline power delivery programs
• Familiarity with MISO, SPP, ERCOT, PJM, or other regional transmission environments
• Advanced contract negotiation, estimating, and business development experience

At Michels Power, you don't just manage projects. You lead teams, develop talent, strengthen client partnerships, and deliver the critical infrastructure that powers communities across the country.

Join a company that powers progress. Be a part of Michels Power, Inc—where you don't just build projects, you build a career.

AA/EOE/M/W/Vet/Disability

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