Workforce Development Manager Jobs in Ridgeland, MS

Irby Construction Company has been building infrastructure for the power industry for more than 75 years. Our business values and performance-driven mindset guide our actions. Our approach to work starts with safety, puts people first, seeks to innovate, and promises to perform.

Irby is proud of its inclusive work environment, family-oriented culture, excellent benefits, and clear pathways for career growth. We strive to provide every employee with clear expectations and opportunities for advancement. What’s more, Irby has long long-valued tenure. In fact, many of our executive leaders started with Irby early in their careers and in the field.

When you join our team, you join an established firm, with a culture centered around its people. Teamwork is how we work. There is no other way. Pride is ever-present inside our offices and the bond of brotherhood runs strong among our crews. 

Irby Construction is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Quanta Services. That means team Irby gets the benefits of the company culture we’re known for along with the stability and resources of a Fortune 500 organization. (NYSE: PWR). 

Build your career at Irby Construction.

The Director of Substations at Irby Construction Company provides strategic, operational, and financial leadership for Irby’s substation business, overseeing the performance and results of all substation engineering, construction, commissioning, and maintenance activities. This role is accountable for safety, quality, schedule, cost performance, workforce development, and client satisfaction across multiple projects and programs. 

The Director leads through Project Managers and Substation Superintendents, establishes standardized execution practices, and ensures alignment with Irby and Quanta objectives while driving growth, operational excellence, and regulatory compliance across the substation portfolio.

• Provide overall leadership and direction for the substation organization, including engineering, project management, field operations, testing, and commissioning.
• Develop and execute strategic plans to support growth, operational efficiency, and margin improvement within the substation service line.
• Build, mentor, and retain high-performing management and field leadership teams.
• Establish succession plans and leadership pipelines for key substation management and craft roles.
• Foster a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with all company safety policies and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee the execution of multiple substation projects and programs simultaneously, ensuring adherence to scope, schedule, budget, and quality expectations.
• Provide leadership and performance accountability for Substation Superintendents and field leadership through Project Managers and Operations leadership.
• Establish and enforce standardized construction methodologies, safety practices, quality controls, and risk management processes across all substation projects.
• Resolve complex technical, contractual, and operational issues that impact project or portfolio performance.
• Ensure compliance with client specifications, utility standards, NERC, OSHA, and other applicable regulatory requirements.
• Develop and manage annual operating budgets, forecasts, and resource plans for the substation organization.
• Oversee consolidated forecasting, cost controls, productivity metrics, and financial performance across all substation projects.
• Review project financials, cost trends, and profitability, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Support estimating, bid reviews, and pursuit strategies for substation EPC and construction projects.
• Drive cost control initiatives and continuous improvement efforts to improve operational and financial performance.
• Serve as a senior leadership point of contact for key utility, industrial, and EPC clients.
• Support business development activities, including proposal reviews, client presentations, and strategic pursuits.
• Strengthen long-term client relationships and ensure high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Coordinate with Quanta Service Line Groups and sister OpCos to support resource sharing, pursuit strategies, and execution alignment.
• Lead and enforce company safety programs and incident prevention initiatives across the substation organization.
• Ensure quality standards are implemented consistently and effectively across all projects.
• Promote compliance with environmental, regulatory, and corporate governance requirements.
• Monitor safety and quality performance trends and drive corrective actions where needed.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field preferred
• 8+ years of experience in substation engineering, construction, or power delivery.
• 5+ years of experience in senior management or leadership roles overseeing large-scale substation programs or portfolios.
• Extensive knowledge of high-voltage substations (distribution through EHV).
• Strong understanding of EPC project delivery, estimating, and project controls.
• Proven experience managing large teams, budgets, and multiple concurrent projects. 

Preferred

• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Experience working with utility clients, EPC contractors, or large infrastructure providers.
• Familiarity with NERC, IEEE, NEC, and utility-specific standards.
• Demonstrated success in business development, organizational growth, and service line leadership. 

Physical Qualifications

• Ability to safely access and navigate active construction sites, including uneven terrain and outdoor environments.
• Ability to climb stairs, ladders, and access elevated work areas for observational and oversight purposes.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during site visits and field reviews.
• Ability to sit for extended periods while performing office-based work, including meetings, computer use, and document review.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry materials or equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to work in varying weather conditions during site visits, including heat, cold, rain, and wind.
• Ability to comply with all site safety requirements, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Visual and auditory ability sufficient to observe work conditions, review plans and documentation, and communicate effectively with field personnel and clients.

• Paid Vacation
• Paid Holidays
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401K

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and/or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.
We prohibit all types of discrimination and are committed to providing access and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. For additional information or if reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application, interview, or hiring processes or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact us the Company’s Human Resources department.