Program Manager

Hill International is seeking a Program Manager in San Diego, California 

Hill International is seeking a dynamic Program Manager with extensive experience in the regulated utility industry, particularly in operations and maintenance (O&M) environments. The ideal candidate brings strong capabilities in technical documentation, such as project plans, job aids, and standard operating procedures (SOPs), and excels in collaborating with frontline personnel to capture day-to-day workflows and translate them into formalized processes. This role requires leadership across diverse capital projects and contract portfolios, ensuring technical accuracy, cost efficiency, and stakeholder alignment throughout utility-based infrastructure programs.

• Lead a portfolio of utility-related programs and projects, including electrical substations, gas transmission/distribution, compressor stations, and related O&M initiatives.
• Engage with technical personnel and field staff to understand real-world operations, translate workflows into process flow diagrams, and author SOPs and job aids tailored to functional teams.
• Develop and manage comprehensive project plans, technical reports, and lifecycle documentation that support program delivery and compliance.
• Supervise and support contractor personnel, enforce work standards, review deliverables, and align execution with contract requirements.
• Direct and coordinate all aspects of program execution including cost controls, scheduling, stakeholder communication, and performance tracking.
• Assess constructability, scope alignment, and technical feasibility of design and construction documents.
• Develop interface management strategies across multiple concurrent utility projects.
• Provide strategic input on procurement methods, contractor selection, scope optimization, and risk mitigation.
• Ensure continuous communication with senior management regarding program status and issue resolution.
• Implement governance frameworks for performance reporting and control systems.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Business Management, or a related technical field (equivalent experience with customer approval).
• 8–10+ years of program and project management experience in utility sectors (Electrical, Gas, Transmission, Distribution, IT, or Civil).
• Strong background in utility O&M with a demonstrated ability to develop SOPs and technical guides through SME interviews.
• Certifications: PMP required; Agile or similar methodologies preferred.
• Familiarity with standards such as IEEE, IEC is advantageous.
• Proven leadership in managing complex, multi-site utility programs involving multiple contractors and stakeholders.
• Advanced skills in cost control, budget management, and financial modeling; proficiency with SAP, Excel, and GAACP tools.
• Proficiency in developing clear technical diagrams and process flows using Microsoft Visio, and in creating compelling executive presentations and training materials using Microsoft PowerPoint.
• Exceptional communication skills—verbal, written, and visual—with experience presenting to both executive stakeholders and operational teams.

The salary range for this position is $140,000-$160,000. The offered salary will be based on the applicants qualifications, education, experience and work location.

Depending upon your employment status, Hill’s comprehensive benefits may include, Medical, Dental, Vision, Employer Paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurances, Business Travel Accident Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account, Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, Commuter Benefits, Legal Assistance, Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, Auto & Home Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Voluntary Life & Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance. Paid Time Off (PTO), Holidays, 401(K) Retirement Savings Plan, Employee Referral Program, Professional Certification Incentive Program, Hill University Learning and Development, Tuition Reimbursement, EAP, Years of Service Awards Program.