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Project Development Manager Jobs in Columbus, OH

ATS Automation

Project Manager

Lewis Center, OH

About the Role The role of the Project Manager is to plan, monitor, control, and be held ... Coordinate and track the development of design and build through manpower schedules and ...

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Project Development Manager information

See Columbus, OH salary details

$41.5K

$91.3K

$137.2K

How much do project development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for project development manager in Columbus, OH is $91,317.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,900.00 and $104,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Project Development Manager?

A Project Development Manager is a professional responsible for overseeing and coordinating the planning, execution, and completion of projects within an organization. They manage project teams, set timelines, allocate resources, and ensure that project objectives are met on time and within budget. Project Development Managers often serve as the main point of contact between stakeholders, clients, and team members, ensuring clear communication and alignment throughout the project lifecycle.

How does a Project Development Manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project's lifecycle?

A Project Development Manager regularly works with cross-functional teams, including engineering, finance, marketing, and operations, to ensure project objectives are met. They facilitate communication between departments, align goals, and address any conflicts or dependencies that arise. Effective collaboration often involves leading meetings, tracking progress, and ensuring all stakeholders are informed of updates or changes. This collaborative approach is essential for maintaining project momentum and achieving successful outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Project Development Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Project Development Manager, you need expertise in project planning, budgeting, and risk management, often supported by a degree in business, engineering, or construction management. Familiarity with project management software such as MS Project, Primavera, or Asana, and certifications like PMP or PRINCE2, are highly beneficial. Exceptional leadership, negotiation, and communication skills help foster effective teamwork and client relationships. These skills and qualifications are essential to deliver projects on time, within budget, and to the desired quality standards.

What is the difference between Project Development Manager vs Project Coordinator?

AspectProject Development ManagerProject Coordinator
ResponsibilitiesOversees project planning, execution, and delivery; manages teams and budgetsSupports project tasks, schedules meetings, and tracks progress
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in relevant field; PMP or similar certifications often preferredTypically requires a bachelor's degree; certifications are optional
Work EnvironmentLeads teams in office or on-site; interacts with clients and stakeholdersWorks closely with project teams; often in an office setting
Industry UsageCommonly used in construction, engineering, and IT projectsUsed across various industries for project support roles

The Project Development Manager focuses on leading and managing entire projects, ensuring successful completion, while the Project Coordinator provides support and assists with day-to-day project tasks. Both roles are essential but differ in scope, responsibility, and level of leadership.

What cities near Columbus, OH are hiring for Project Development Manager jobs? Cities near Columbus, OH with the most Project Development Manager job openings:
Project Development Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Project Development Manager job openings in Columbus, OH as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,317 per year, or $43.9 per hour.
Lead Project Estimator-Power Generation & Energy Infrastructure

Lead Project Estimator-Power Generation & Energy Infrastructure

NiSource

Columbus, OH • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

NiSource rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 52 rated energy and utility

Job description

Lead Project Cost Estimator - Power Generation & Energy Infrastructure

Location:Columbus, OH/Valparaiso, IN/Project Sites /Hybrid

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Summary

At NiSource, we are committed to deliveringsafe, reliable, and sustainable energyto the communities we serve. We are seeking aLead Project Estimatorto support the development and execution ofmajor capital power and energy infrastructure projects.

This role plays a critical part in ensuring that cost estimates areaccurate, transparent, and aligned with regulatory expectations, supporting sound investment decisions and long-term planning. The Senior Project Estimator partners across engineering, project development, supply chain, and construction teams to develop estimates that reflecttechnical scope, market conditions, and execution strategy.

Projects may include:

  • Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) generation

  • Simple cycle / peaking generation

  • Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

  • Renewable energy (solar, wind)

  • Transmission interconnections and substations

  • Gridimprovement technologies

Key Responsibilities

Cost Estimating & Analysis

  • Lead development ofClass 5 through Class 1 estimatesin alignment with AACE principles

  • Preparetotal installed cost (TIC)estimates including EPC, owner's costs, contingency, and escalation

  • Perform quantity takeoffs from engineering drawings, specifications, and conceptual designs

  • Develop detailed cost estimates for labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and indirect costs

  • Clearly define estimate bases, assumptions, exclusions, and methodologies

  • Prepare estimate packages that are suitable for governance reviews and investment decisions, including basis of estimate documentation, assumptions, exclusions, key risks, and confidence ranges

Capital Planning & Regulatory Support

  • Supportcapital planning, integrated resource planning (IRP), and long-term investment strategies

  • Provide cost inputs to supportregulatory filings, rate cases, and investment approvals

  • Develop estimate ranges and confidence levels aligned to project stage and governance requirements

  • Evaluate alternative project configurations and execution strategies to supportleast-cost, best-fit solutions

Technical Integration & Project Development

  • Translate engineering scope into cost drivers across major systems, including:

  • Gas turbines, HRSGs, steam turbines, and balance of plant

  • Electrical systems, substations, and grid interconnection

  • Energy storage systems (BESS, inverters, controls)

  • Participate intechnologyselection, site evaluations, and constructability reviews

  • Support project development activities from early-stage screening through execution readiness

Risk, Market Awareness & Benchmarking

  • Perform cost validation, benchmarking, and estimate reconciliation

  • Leadrisk assessment and contingency development, incorporating uncertainty and market variability

  • Monitor and incorporate:

  • Labor availability and productivity trends

  • Commodity pricing and escalation

  • Equipment and supply chain constraints

  • Maintain and enhancehistorical cost databases and estimating benchmarks

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

  • Work closely with engineering, project management, supply chain, finance, and regulatory teams

  • Present estimates, assumptions, and key cost drivers to leadership and governance teams

  • Develop Independent Cost Estimates (ICEs) and supportcontractor bid evaluations and negotiations

  • Support review ofcontractorchangenoticesand validation of change orders for approval

  • Interface with EPC contractors, vendors, and consulting partners

  • Support estimate refinement through project development, contract award, and execution byvalidatingcommercial changes, reconciling contractor pricing, and informing forecast updates

Continuous Improvement

  • Strengthen estimating tools, processes, and data governance

  • Promote consistency and best practices across the capital portfolio

  • Mentor and support development of junior estimators and staffas necessary

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, or related field (or equivalent experience)

  • 10+ years of experiencein cost estimating

  • Minimum5+ years supporting power generation, transmission, or energy infrastructure projects

  • Proven ability to develop estimates forlarge-scale capital projects ($100M+)

  • Strong understanding of:

  • Engineering design development

  • Construction practices and execution strategies

  • Procurement and contracting approaches

  • Proficiencywith estimating tools such as:

  • Aspen Capital Cost Estimator

  • InEightEstimate

  • Cleopatra, Sage, or similar

  • Advanced Excel modeling

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience within aregulated utility environment

  • Experience estimating:

  • CCGT or simple cycle generation

  • Battery energy storage systems (BESS)

  • Renewable energy and grid infrastructure

  • Professional certifications such asAACE CCP, PMP, or equivalent

  • Experience supportingIRP, rate cases, or regulatory filings

  • Experience inEPC, EPCM, or owner's project delivery models

Key Competencies

  • Commitment tosafety and operational excellence

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

  • Clear and effective communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders

  • Ability to balancedetail-oriented analysis with strategic decision-making

  • Collaboration and stakeholder alignment

  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment

Why Join NiSource

  • Contribute tocritical infrastructure investmentsthat power and connect communities

  • Support the transition to amore sustainable and resilient energy future

  • Work onlarge, impactful capital projectsacross a diverse portfolio

  • Collaborate with experienced professionals in asafety-first, values-driven organization

Success in This Role

In the first 12 months, you will:

  • Establishconsistent estimating practicesacross assigned projects

  • Improve estimate accuracy, transparency, and confidence levels

  • Support successfulregulatory and investment approvals

  • Build and enhancecost benchmarking tools and data

  • Strengthen collaboration across development, engineering, and construction teams

As a public utility, NiSource is required to provide continuous service to customers at all times. To ensure we fulfill that obligation, employees may be required to work outside their normal work hours and perform tasks outside of their normal responsibilities in support of emergency operations.

Work Authorization

Authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.

Workplace Connection
Value inclusion within your day to day responsibilities by respecting others perspectives/convictions, engaging others opinions, creating a safe environment where people, ideas, and opinions are valued within your Team/Customers and external partners.

Respect the unique lived experiences within your Team/Customers and external work partners by valuing different world views, challenges, and cultures that represents all walks of life and all backgrounds.

Treat others with respect and consideration. Actively participate in creating and contributing to a positive work environment.

Equal Employment Opportunity
NiSource is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in each of its companies to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, disability, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions), genetic information, citizenship status, or any protected group status as defined by law. Each employee is expected to abide by this principle.

By applying, you may be considered for other job opportunities.

ADA Accommodations

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process or to perform the essential functions of the position, please contact OneHR at OneHR@nisource.comor 1-888-640-3320

Safety Statement
Promote a safe work environment by actively participating in all aspects of our employee safety program. Report any unsafe conditions and take actions to prevent personal injuries. Support our interdependent safety culture by ensuring the safety of your co-workers. Stay focused on the task at hand and promote productivity through good work habits.

E-Verify

NiSourceparticipates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's E-Verify program. As part of this process, we provide the following notices to all job applicants: These documents inform you of your rights and responsibilities under U.S. law. You can view or download them using the links below:

  • E-Verify Poster(English and Spanish) E-Verify Participation Poster English and Spanish
  • Right to Work Poster(English and Spanish) If you have the right to work, don't let anyone take it away

Salary Range*:

$113,500.00 - $170,300.00

*The salary offered to a candidate is based on several factors including but not limited to the candidate's skills, job-related knowledge, and relevant experience, as well as internal pay equity.

Posting Start Date:

2026-07-08

Posting End Date (if applicable):

2026-07-22Please note that the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

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