X

Xcel Energy

Utility delivering electricity and natural gas

Generation Development Project Manager - I, II or III

Full-TimePosted on 10/15/2026Deadline 11/9/26
$84.9k - $159.4k/yr+ Annual incentive program
Senior, Expert
Bachelor's
Minneapolis, MN, USA+2 moreMore locations: Denver, CO, USA | Amarillo, TX, USA
HybridMany roles are expected to work on-site three days per week, Tuesday–Thursday; expectations vary by role and business needs.
Project & Program ManagementProject Management

About the job

Requirements
  • Project Manager I requires a minimum of 5 years of work experience in operations, technology, finance, or a comparable function; utility experience is preferred.
  • Project Manager I requires a BS in Engineering, Construction, Business, Information Technology, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Project Manager I requires 3–5 years of experience in project management and process improvement; some formal project management training is preferred.
  • Project Manager I requires demonstrated ability to lead and influence others.
  • Project Manager I requires strong presentation and facilitation skills and excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Project Manager I requires understanding of core business processes and industry trends, with ability to understand and apply ongoing changes.
  • Project Manager I requires knowledge of project planning and business-need justification processes and methodology.
  • Project Manager I requires ability to adapt quickly to change and work within a diverse, cross-functional team environment.
  • Project Manager II requires a minimum of 8 years of work experience in operations, technology, finance, or a comparable function; utility experience is preferred.
  • Project Manager II requires a BS in Engineering, Construction, Business, Information Technology, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Project Manager II requires 5–7 years of experience in project management and process improvement; some formal project management training is preferred.
  • Project Manager II requires strong presentation and facilitation skills and excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Project Manager II requires understanding of core business processes and industry trends, with ability to interpret and apply ongoing changes.
  • Project Manager II requires knowledge of project planning and business-need justification processes and methodology.
  • Project Manager II requires ability to adapt quickly to change and work within a diverse, cross-functional team environment.
  • Project Manager III requires a minimum of 10 years of work experience in operations, technology, finance, or a comparable function.
  • Project Manager III requires a BS in Engineering, Construction, Business, Information Technology, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Project Manager III requires 10 years of experience in project management and process improvement.
  • Project Manager III requires ability to facilitate, train, lead, and influence others, and adapt quickly to change.
  • Project Manager III requires experience providing work direction to diverse and distributed work teams.
  • Project Manager III requires understanding of core business processes and industry trends, with ability to interpret and apply ongoing changes.
  • Project Manager III requires knowledge of project planning and business-need justification processes and methodology.
Responsibilities
  • Provide end-to-end project management, leadership, and coordination for multiple large, complex new thermal power generation projects from origination through regulatory approval.
  • Manage project initiation, approval, scope, schedule, cost, resource planning, and risk management.
  • Align financial, compliance, safety, customer, and operational goals among projects and the business unit or corporation.
  • Lead the project team to achieve financial, timing, operational, and change-management metrics, and ensure effective sourcing, management, and engagement of resources.
  • Identify quality project options, develop business cases, and secure required approvals.
  • Lead requirements gathering and planning while engaging key stakeholders.
  • Develop solution designs that define project scope, align with corporate strategies, coordinate with key initiatives, and address dependencies.
  • Define deliverables, success metrics, and key milestone schedules; develop work plans, budgets, and cost-benefit analyses.
  • Ensure delivery of committed project benefits and operational metrics in a dynamic, complex environment.
  • Independently manage detailed project plans to approved scope and schedule, and provide cross-functional tracking as needed.
  • Define and manage regular status reporting to monitor progress and resolve risks to goals.
  • Identify opportunities for innovation and improvement.
  • Manage project financials, including budgeting, forecasting, and tracking actuals.
  • Facilitate request-for-proposal and contract-management processes.
  • Review actuals against planned budgets throughout the project life cycle, identify variances, and recommend corrective action.
  • Forecast, schedule, and manage internal and external resources.
  • Manage assigned contracts and associated payment and performance requirements.
  • Develop and adapt resource plans for matrixed teams to maximize skills and minimize cost.
  • Provide training and coaching to less experienced project team members.
  • Manage scope-change processes for large transformational projects or business-area best practices, in addition to the role's own projects.
  • Identify project risks and issues and create mitigation strategies and contingency plans.
  • Communicate project status to all organizational levels.
  • Establish collaborative working relationships up to senior-leader level to maximize project efficiency, responsiveness, and resource allocation.
Desired Qualifications
  • Utility experience for Project Manager I and II; utility or heavy-industrial experience for Project Manager II; utility or heavy-industrial experience for Project Manager III.
  • Some formal project-management training for Project Manager I and II.
  • Vendor or contract-management experience for Project Manager I and II; vendor or contract-management experience for Project Manager III.
  • Informal leadership experience and training skills for Project Manager II.
  • Project-management certification for Project Manager III.

About the company

Xcel Energy provides electricity and natural gas services through four subsidiaries across eight states. It generates power from nuclear, coal, natural gas, hydro, solar, and wind, then transmits and distributes it to homes and businesses. The company aims to deliver 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050, while maintaining reliable energy delivery. It differentiates itself with multi-state scale, a diverse generation mix, and a clear transition timeline.

Company Size

10,001+

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Founded

1909

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • DOE awarded $250 million September 24, 2026 for the Colorado-Texas tie line.
  • Jeffco launched six electric buses September 30, 2026, validating Xcel's grid-edge strategy.
  • 2026 Q2 showed $0.93 ongoing EPS and continued guidance despite litigation charges.

What critics are saying

  • Marshall Fire settlements hit $640 million; Colorado wildfire rules tightened September 2026.
  • Smokehouse Creek losses reached $460 million; insurance covers only part of remaining exposure.
  • A $60 billion capital plan demands heavy equity issuance, diluting shareholders through 2026-2028.

What makes Xcel Energy unique

  • Xcel Energy serves eight states, combining regulated electric, gas, and transmission monopolies.
  • Its Colorado Power Pathway and Minnesota Energy Connection build rare regional transmission scale.
  • Xcel monetizes clean-transition expertise through bidirectional school buses and grid-flexibility programs.

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Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Disability Insurance
  • Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Sick Leave
  • Paid Holidays
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • 401(k) Company Match
  • Employee Assistance Program

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

0%

1 year growth

0%

2 year growth

0%
CNBC
Oct 19th, 2026
Google's 780MW Minnesota data center pledges cleaner grid, but experts doubt it

Google and Xcel Energy have proposed a 780-megawatt data center in Pine Island, Minnesota, which they say will add cleaner power to the grid without raising costs for existing customers. The deal awaits approval from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. Google would help finance 1,400 megawatts of wind, 200 megawatts of solar, and 300 megawatts of battery storage, more than the site itself needs. It would pay for at least 75% of its contracted capacity, and owe up to eight years of minimum demand charges if it exits early. Experts are sceptical. Jigar Shah of Multiplier says smaller data centers could use spare grid capacity and lower rates. David Pomerantz of the Energy and Policy Institute says utilities earn returns of around 10% on new infrastructure, giving them reason to keep building.

Macallan Communications
Oct 8th, 2026
Xcel Energy sells electric and gas operations in Upper Peninsula Michigan.

Xcel Energy sells electric and gas operations in Upper Peninsula Michigan. Xcel Energy is selling off two of its properties in Upper Michigan in two separate transactions. Specifically, Xcel is selling its natural gas operations in Michigan to SEMCO and selling its electric operations in Michigan to UPPCO. Xcel serves 6,000 natural gas customers and 9,000 electric customers in Gogebic and Ontonagon counties in the Upper Peninsula. "We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition for our customers and employees," Karl Hoesly, president of Xcel Energy-Wisconsin and Michigan, said. "Xcel Energy continues to invest heavily in Wisconsin and across its other territories, so this transaction will ensure the customers of the Upper Peninsula will also benefit from focused investments by SEMCO and UPPCO, as both bring deep regional experience providing safe and reliable service and are well equipped to meet customers' long-term energy needs." The transition will happen gradually over time and only after required state and federal regulatory approvals are received. "This transaction represents a meaningful opportunity to strengthen energy service for communities across the Upper Peninsula," said Marc Simone, president of SEMCO ENERGY Gas Company. "By welcoming new natural gas customers into the SEMCO system, we are reinforcing our commitment to safe, reliable and affordable service, while continuing to invest in the long-term resilience of Michigan's energy infrastructure." The companies expect the transaction to close in 2027. "As a neighboring utility with deep roots in the Upper Peninsula, UPPCO is proud to expand our service to Xcel Energy's electric customers in Gogebic and Ontonagon counties," Gradon Haehnel, president and CEO of Upper Peninsula Power Company, said. "We understand this region, and we are committed to delivering safe, dependable service backed by local experience." For customers, service will continue without interruption during the transition. There will be no immediate changes to billing, rates or customer service processes and customers will be notified well in advance of any future changes taking place. Xcel Energy is headquartered in Minneapolis. It provides electricity and gas to customers across eight states: Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico and Texas.

APG Wisconsin
Oct 6th, 2026
Xcel, SEMCO sell Michigan electric and gas operations to Upper Peninsula Power Company.

Xcel, SEMCO sell Michigan electric and gas operations to Upper Peninsula Power Company. * 10 hrs ago * 0 Xcel Energy, SEMCO ENERGY Gas Company and Upper Peninsula Power Company announced Oct. 6 the sale of Xcel Energy's Michigan natural gas operations to SEMCO and electric operations to UPPCO. If approved by regulators, Xcel Energy's 6,000 natural gas customers will be served by SEMCO, and 9,000 electric customers will be served by UPPCO. Together, these customers in Gogebic and Ontonagon counties will transition to providers with deep local roots in the Upper Peninsula. All three companies are working closely with regulators, community stakeholders and employees to ensure customers are handled with care during the transition. The goal is simple: keep service reliable, make the transition smooth, and continue investing in the infrastructure that serves Upper Peninsula communities. For customers, service will continue without interruption during the transition. There will be no immediate changes to billing, rates or customer service processes and customers will be notified well in advance of any future changes taking place. SEMCO, UPPCO and Xcel Energy will work together on a detailed transition plan designed to make the change as seamless and transparent as possible. Communication will be timely and clear. Xcel Energy said the transaction is intended to place customers with utilities that are focused specifically on serving Michigan and the Upper Peninsula over the long term. "We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition for our customers and employees," said Karl Hoesly, president of Xcel Energy-Wisconsin and Michigan. "Xcel Energy continues to invest heavily in Wisconsin and across its other territories, so this transaction will ensure the customers of the Upper Peninsula will also benefit from focused investments by SEMCO and UPPCO, as both bring deep regional experience providing safe and reliable service and are well equipped to meet customers' long-term energy needs." "This transaction represents a meaningful opportunity to strengthen energy service for communities across the Upper Peninsula," said Marc Simone, president of SEMCO ENERGY Gas Company. "By welcoming new natural gas customers into the SEMCO system, we are reinforcing our commitment to safe, reliable and affordable service, while continuing to invest in the long-term resilience of Michigan's energy infrastructure." UPPCO said its long history in the region positions the company well to serve customers in the western Upper Peninsula. "As a neighboring utility with deep roots in the Upper Peninsula, UPPCO is proud to expand our service to Xcel Energy's electric customers in Gogebic and Ontonagon counties," said Gradon Haehnel, president and CEO of Upper Peninsula Power Company. "We understand this region, and we are committed to delivering safe, dependable service backed by local experience." The transition will happen gradually over time and only after required state and federal regulatory approvals are received. Customers do not need to take any action now and the companies will share updates as the regulatory process moves forward. The companies expect the transaction to close in 2027. Until then, customers should continue working with their current energy provider as they do today. Additional updates will be shared throughout the process. (0 Ratings)

PR Newswire
Sep 30th, 2026
Jeffco Public Schools launches six Electric School buses with Xcel Energy and Highland Electric Fleets.

Jeffco Public Schools launches six Electric School buses with Xcel Energy and Highland Electric Fleets. Sep 30, 2026, 09:00 ET New fleet includes bidirectional charging technology designed to explore additional benefits for the district, community, and electric grid LAKEWOOD, Colo., Sept. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Jefferson County Public Schools, Xcel Energy, and Highland Electric Fleets will celebrate the launch of six new electric school buses and six bidirectional chargers today with a ribbon-cutting event at the district's transportation facility in Lakewood. The six IC electric school buses will begin serving Jeffco students during the current school year, advancing the district's broader efforts to make student transportation more efficient, improve air quality around schools, and reduce emissions. Xcel Energy provided $3.4 million in funding through its Electric School Bus (ESB) Program to support the school district's transition to electric transportation. Through the program, the company is supporting the launch of 38 electric school buses and 30 bidirectional charging systems statewide. Highland is supporting the project through its Electrification-as-a-Service (EaaS) model, providing the electric buses, charging infrastructure and long-term services needed to operate the fleet. "Our partnership with Highland Electric Fleets and Xcel Energy marks an exciting milestone in our commitment to modern, sustainable student transportation," said Jeff Gatlin, Chief Operating Officer at Jeffco Public Schools. "These new electric buses will deliver cleaner air for our students and schools while giving us a hands-on look at how innovative energy solutions can benefit our entire Lakewood community." In addition to transporting students, the buses and charging infrastructure will serve as a demonstration of bidirectional charging technology. When connected and available, bidirectional-capable electric school buses have the potential to function as mobile energy assets, storing electricity in their batteries and returning it to the grid when needed. The project will provide real-world insights into how this technology can be integrated with fleet operations and the electric grid. "Electric school buses are creating new opportunities for schools to modernize their fleets while supporting Colorado's broader energy future," said Robert Kenney, president, Xcel Energy - Colorado. "Through our Electric School Bus Program, we're helping school districts like Jefferson County Public Schools invest in cleaner transportation today while gaining valuable experience with technologies that can strengthen and add flexibility to the grid in the years ahead." "Electric school buses can deliver meaningful benefits for students and the communities they serve," said Brian Buccella, Chief Commercial Officer, Highland Electric Fleets. "Replacing just five diesel buses with electric school buses can reduce pediatric asthma risk for 1,500 students, while bidirectional technology creates the potential for those same buses to serve as mobile energy assets when they aren't on the road. We're proud to work with Jeffco and Xcel Energy to bring these buses to the community and demonstrate the value they can provide on and off the road." The new fleet will be celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony today, Sept. 30, at 10 a.m. at the district's transportation office, 809 Quail St. in Lakewood. Following the ceremony, attendees will have the opportunity to ride one of the district's new electric school buses. About Jeffco Public Schools Jeffco Public Schools (Jeffco) is a diverse and high-performing school district located in Jefferson County, Colorado. It is the state's second-largest school district, serving 75,000 students across 145 schools, and its 14,000 employees make it the largest employer in the county. The district's strategic plan, Jeffco Thrives, focuses on providing a world-class education that prepares all Jeffco students for bright and successful futures as local and global citizens. About Xcel Energy Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) is a leading energy provider, dedicated to serving millions of customers with excellence. We make energy work better for customers, helping them thrive every day. That means always raising the bar - delivering better service and providing more reliable, resilient and sustainable energy. We are committed to leading the clean energy transition, meeting our customers' need for more, cleaner power, while keeping bills as low as possible. Because the people we serve depend on us to power their lives. Headquartered in Minneapolis, we work every day to generate and distribute electricity and gas to customers across eight states: Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico and Texas. For more information, visit xcelenergy.com or follow us on X and Facebook. About Highland Electric Fleets Highland Electric Fleets is North America's leading provider of Electrification-as-a-Service. Founded in 2019, Highland partners with school districts, municipalities, and fleet operators to make the transition to electric fleets simple and affordable. Highland proudly serves as the Official Electric School Bus Provider of the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games and Team USA. From pioneering vehicle-to-grid technology to managing some of the nation's largest electric school bus fleets, Highland delivers reliable, cost-effective solutions that support local communities and drive the future of transportation. Learn more at www.highlandfleets.com. Media Contact SOURCE Highland Electric Fleets

OCH Magazine
Sep 29th, 2026
Olsen Chain & Cable supplies bridge cranes for Xcel Energy facility.

Olsen Chain & Cable supplies bridge cranes for Xcel Energy facility. The delivery forms part of a larger project involving four R&M bridge cranes for the construction site. US-based overhead lifting manufacturer Olsen Chain & Cable has supplied a set of bridge cranes for Xcel Energy's new facility in Onalaska, Wisconsin. The delivery forms part of a larger project that includes four R&M Materials Handling bridge cranes for a construction site managed by Knutson Construction. Of the cranes supplied, two were custom-designed by Olsen Chain & Cable for material-handling applications and feature a two-person fall-arrest system. This includes a powered tagline winch that lowers the self-retracting lifelines (SRLs) to floor level, which is intended to help operators attach their harnesses before working at height. Olsen Chain & Cable described the integration of material handling and fall protection functions as "designed together into one purpose-built system." R&M Materials Handling said: "Great example of how a crane system can be designed around the needs of the application. Thanks for sharing this project and for the great work bringing these custom solutions together!" Founded in 1950, Olsen Chain & Cable provides overhead lifting equipment and related services for construction and manufacturing industries. Its operations include equipment rental, refurbishment, as well as OSHA inspection and consulting services. The company's product portfolio includes several industrial supplies, such as abrasives, chain and cable, fasteners, hand tools, and safety equipment. R&M Materials Handling, which supplied the core bridge crane components, has more than 85 years of experience in the hoist industry. Its distribution network covers a region ranging from Canada to Chile, and its products serve industries including automotive and mining. In October 2025, Olsen Chain & Cable completed the installation of a 5t overhead crane at a facility in Chanhassen, Minnesota, working alongside Knutson Construction on the project. The company designed, fabricated and installed an SGUR crane supplied by R&M Materials Handling. Give your business an edge with its Overhead Crane and Hoist