Substation Lead Electrical Engineer, Department Manager - Remote

Job Description

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Substation Department Manager in our South‑Central region. A hybrid workstyle is preferred; a remote workstyle may be considered for highly qualified candidates.

The Department Manager is responsible for managing the day‑to‑day activities of the substation department to produce a product consistent with WSP’s mission and culture. The DM is expected to achieve the goals of the department business plan, maintain high‑quality standards, promote teamwork, and support client needs. The role includes assisting with developing, maintaining, and strengthening client relationships, as well as supporting corporate initiatives that align with the department business plan.

The DM manages a team of administrative staff, drafters, designers, and engineers and acts as a technical lead for the civil and structural members of the department. The DM works closely with the Vice President, Region Manager and other DMs to accomplish regional strategy goals and balance direct‑award client backlog while pursuing competitive bid local work.

• Act as trusted advisor to the VPRM, communicating regularly via weekly touchpoints, bi‑weekly region teleconferences, monthly reporting, bi‑annual region meetings (travel may be required), quarterly business plan audits, bi‑annual Department Manager meetings (travel may be required).
• Manage all financial, technical, and staffing aspects of performance for the Substation Department, including time‑card approvals, monthly financial reporting, weekly and monthly resource planning, annual business plans, bi‑annual appraisals, salary/promotion/bonus recommendations, shareholder write‑ups, participation in the Knowledge Management Program, proposals, project design book audits, monthly lunch & learns, mentorship, QA/QC.
• Apply high‑level substation engineering techniques and processes to identify improvements for various infrastructure project phases including concept development, preliminary design, final design, procurement, construction, and operation.
• Develop construction plans, specifications, and cost estimates; prepare construction safety and phasing plans, and update infrastructure layout plans requiring coordination with owners, other disciplines, sub‑consultants, and clients.
• Develop and incorporate advanced technologies, monitoring devices, building materials, modeling techniques, and design requirements.
• Oversee and monitor cross‑functional teams of engineers, architects, planners, and scientific professionals to execute project work on mid‑level and/or multiple concurrent projects, managing budgets, tracking hours and expenses, task completion, cost and quantities of materials/equipment/labor, technical calculations, permit applications, construction, compliance documentation, and regulatory and technical analysis memos.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports and presentations that explain research, concepts, and recommendations to prevent, control, restore, or address structural, environmental, design, and/or construction issues or opportunities.
• Proactively collaborate with other engineers, professionals, and leaders on proposal and business development opportunities.
• Remain current in latest substation engineering techniques and practices.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision‑making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, or closely related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• 12+ years of relevant post‑education experience in engineering discipline and prior substation design experience.
• Demonstrable experience as a leader of project or client teams.
• Demonstrated competence in client team development and growing/maintaining client relationships.
• Proficiency with electrical engineering principles, practices, processes, design/build, and the application to project work‑related issues.
• Specific knowledge of relevant electrical codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record‑keeping…