Utilities Sector Project Manager – Associate Director / Director

Job Description & Summary

We are seeking an experienced senior project leader (Associate Director / Director level) to join our Consulting practice, with a focus on the utilities sector. The role offers the opportunity to lead large-scale project delivery and transformation initiatives, supporting utility organisations in delivering strategic transformation, operational improvement and realising innovation-led business outcomes.

We are particularly interested in candidates with extensive experience leading major programmes, projects and transformation initiatives within the utilities sector, including water, electricity and gas. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting clients to address emerging challenges, realise strategic objectives and deliver lasting business value.

Embrace the possibility to apply – at Grant Thornton we are constantly upskilling our staff. If you do not meet all of the listed requirements, please do not be discouraged from applying. We value a growth-oriented mindset and are dedicated to supporting you in reaching your full potential. 

Roles & Responsibilities

Collaborate within a multi-disciplinary team to successfully deliver and manage projects across a range of key utilities sector initiatives, including:

Project Management Delivery

• Overseeing and providing strategic leadership in the delivery of complex utilities sector projects and programmes, ensuring high-quality outputs and meeting tight deadlines.

• Defining and driving projects across all stages of the project life cycle, from initiation to implementation and evaluation.

• Leading and mentoring multidisciplinary teams, fostering collaboration across client organisations, delivery partners, regulators and other key stakeholders.

• Developing and maintaining robust project governance frameworks, delivery plans, risk management approaches and stakeholder engagement strategies to support successful programme outcomes.

• Providing strategic advice to utilities clients on major transformation initiatives, including digital transformation, infrastructure modernisation, operational excellence and organisational change.

• Leading the assessment of procurement and delivery models, supporting clients in identifying appropriate approaches for the delivery of complex capital, operational and transformation programmes.

• Combining data-driven analysis and industry insight to address critical challenges and opportunities across the utilities sector, translating findings into practical and actionable recommendations.

Business Development

• Building and maintaining trusted relationships with senior client stakeholders across the utilities sector, positioning Grant Thornton as a strategic advisor and partner of choice.

• Leading client engagement activities, facilitating discussions, workshops and strategic planning sessions to identify business needs, shape solutions and develop opportunities for future collaboration.

• Engaging senior executives, industry bodies, regulators and delivery partners to drive project momentum and success.

• Developing and expanding key client accounts across the water, electricity and gas sectors, identifying opportunities to support clients in addressing strategic, operational and transformation challenges.

• Leading and directing business development initiatives, including the preparation of proposals and tenders for new utilities sector opportunities.

• Collaborating with colleagues across Advisory and the wider firm to develop integrated solutions that address complex client challenges across the utilities value chain.

Skills and Experience

Education and Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering or a related field; Master’s degree or relevant professional certification (e.g. PMP, PRINCE2, APM) strongly preferred.

• 8+ years' experience for Associate Director level, or 10+ years' experience for Director level, leading large-scale projects and programmes within the utilities sector, with a proven track record of leading complex, enterprise-scale initiatives and multidisciplinary teams.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong project and programme management experience leading and managing large multi-disciplinary teams comprised of clients, consultants, contractors and third-party delivery partners.

• Demonstrated experience leading large-scale transformation programmes and change initiatives within the utilities sector, including the establishment and operation of delivery and financial governance frameworks, project quality assurance processes and risk and dependency management approaches.

• Extensive experience working in the utilities sector, with knowledge of its regulatory, operational and commercial landscape. 

• Proven ability to direct and deliver complex, multi-stakeholder programmes across the full project lifecycle, including strategic transformation, operational improvement, and capital investment initiatives within utility organisations.

• Experience in process analysis and design, including as-is and to-be process mapping, process performance design, implementation, optimisation and continuous improvement.

• Demonstrated ability to influence and advise senior executives and strategic stakeholders, shaping strategy as well as delivering operational outcomes.
• Strong organisational and multi-tasking abilities, with experience managing multiple priorities and delivering in complex, fast-paced environments.
• Significant experience in originating, leading and closing business development opportunities, including utilities sector tenders and complex multi-stakeholder bids.
• Expertise in senior stakeholder engagement, including government departments, regulators, industry bodies and C-Suite / Senior Management. 
• An ability to balance big-picture thinking with acute attention to detail, translating long-term objectives into practical and deliverable solutions.
• A strong interest in the future of the utilities sector and in helping clients navigate emerging challenges and opportunities through innovation and transformation.
• Experience developing and growing client accounts within the utilities sector, with an established professional network and a strong understanding of market trends, client priorities and emerging opportunities.
• A creative, problem-solving mindset and initiative-driven approach.

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