Senior Project Manager, NGIA & Decarbonization Projects

Job summary:

As a Senior Project Manager, Decarbonization Projects, you’ll play a key role in supporting CenterPoint Energy’s industry-leading natural gas decarbonization efforts under NGIA. The Senior Project Manager is responsible for leading the implementation of pilot projects included in the company’s NGIA Innovation Plan, as well as related activities to support successful implementation of the overall Innovation Plan portfolio. The project manager leads the execution of assigned pilot projects through all stages of project implementation including: sourcing of required external services; developing and managing vendor contracts and performance; gathering all data and information required for internal and regulatory reporting; managing pilot project budgets; managing internal and external stakeholder engagement; and ensuring all regulatory requirements are satisfied. They will work with key stakeholders across the business to ensure successful execution of pilot project, build awareness of initiatives, ensure modifications to pilot project plans are made, where appropriate, and manage risk. They will also contribute to related activities supporting the overall delivery of the Innovation Plan and achievement of its regulatory objectives. This position is expected to be responsible for implementation of multiple pilots, with a focus on NGIA’s research and development initiatives. Additionally, the position may support other projects in the Innovation Plan portfolio, or other strategic company initiatives related to assigned pilot projects and natural gas decarbonization.

Essential Functions: 

Lead the work of contracted vendors and cross-functional internal teams to achieve specific pilot project goals within project constraints established in the Innovation Plan, including initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing the project.
Assist the business with development of future pilot project development, including scope, budget, deliverables and milestones, roles and responsibilities and value proposition. Assist the business with development of pilot project launch and implementation plans.
Work collaboratively with business partners, executive sponsors, and other project leads to manage and oversee all phases throughout the project lifecycle.
Rigorously manage scope to ensure commitments are achieved within the parameters set by the project plan. Propose recommendations and adjustments when required.
Where needed, proactively manage changes in scope. Identify potential risks with corresponding contingencies and mitigations.
Develop and manage project budget, projected benefit and financial impact forecasts, and provide ongoing reconciliation of resources and other project expenditures to projections. 
Develop communication plan to meet project objectives and ensure stakeholder awareness at all appropriate gates and critical decision points, in addition to regular updates.
Publish and/or contribute to periodic project status and progress reports, proposals, requirements documentation and presentations.
Leverage cross-functional relationships with the business and strategic partners for successful completion of project objectives.
Maintain awareness of greenhouse gas reduction technologies and resources, including biogas, renewable natural gas, networked geothermal systems/thermal energy networks, green hydrogen and ammonia, strategic electrification, energy efficiency and other innovative technologies related to natural gas decarbonization. 
Leverage standards and best practices for expert project management and execution.
Optimize time to manage multiple initiatives with varying requirements simultaneously.