Manager - Planning & Cost Control

The Manager - Planning & Cost Control at Central Maine Power Co is tasked with overseeing the cost and schedule control for the Substations portfolio within the Projects department. Key responsibilities include generating periodic cost and schedule reports, working with Project Managers to analyze portfolio performance, maintaining current project schedules, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. This role involves supervising team members and managing risks to drive successful project outcomes.

For the Manager - Planning & Cost Control role at Central Maine Power Co, candidates should have experience in cost and schedule management, a solid understanding of project structure compliance, and ability to analyze performance proactively. Leadership skills are also crucial for supervising Cost Controllers and Schedulers. Familiarity with regulatory compliance, especially regarding FERC standards, will be highly valued.

The Manager - Planning & Cost Control is pivotal in ensuring project success at Central Maine Power Co. By providing leadership, generating critical cost and schedule reports, and identifying risks early, this manager keeps projects on track and within budget. Their oversight allows project teams to leverage detailed analyses and adapt strategies proactively, ensuring smooth execution and compliance throughout all phases.

For a Manager - Planning & Cost Control in the energy sector, essential skills include excellent analytical capabilities, strong leadership qualities, and effective communication. The ability to collaborate with diverse teams and navigate complex regulatory environments is also vital. Apart from technical skills in cost analysis and schedule management, being customer-centric and focused on continuous improvement will greatly enhance one's effectiveness in this role.

Central Maine Power Co is committed to the professional growth of its employees, including those in the Manager - Planning & Cost Control role. Opportunities may include access to training programs, leadership development initiatives, and the chance to participate in high-impact projects that enhance skills and visibility within the organization. The collaborative environment encourages innovation and continuous improvement, fostering career advancement.

When answering this question, focus on specific projects where you successfully managed budgets and costs. Share the methodologies you used, such as Earned Value Management, and highlight how your efforts led to project savings or enhanced efficiency.

Discuss your approach to prioritization, perhaps using tools like Gantt charts or project management software. Emphasize how you assess project deadlines and resources to allocate time effectively, ensuring that critical tasks align with project goals.

Share specific risk management techniques you’ve used, such as creating risk matrices or conducting regular team assessments. Provide examples of how these strategies helped prevent issues and kept projects on track.

Highlight your communication strategies, such as holding regular meetings or using collaborative tools that keep everyone informed. Mention the importance of fostering a team culture where input is welcomed and valued to enhance collective performance.

Discuss your experience with common project management and cost control software, such as Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project. Detail how these tools have enhanced your ability to monitor costs and schedules effectively.

Describe a challenging project, focusing on specific hurdles you faced, how you addressed them, and the successful outcomes achieved. Highlight any teamwork and leadership skills that were essential to navigate through the difficulties.

Explain your understanding of relevant regulations, such as FERC, and how you incorporate them into your project planning processes. Give examples of how you’ve ensured compliance throughout past projects.

Emphasize the importance of data and metrics in your role, illustrating how you leverage data to make informed decisions about project performance and resource allocation. Share specific examples where data analysis led to positive project adjustments.

Explain your conflict resolution techniques, such as mediation or open dialogue. Provide an example of a conflict that you resolved and how your approach led to a more cohesive team environment.

Articulate your leadership philosophy, possibly focusing on collaboration, empowerment, and accountability. Discuss how this philosophy influences your approach to leading teams and driving project success.