Senior Project Manager

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. Pr