Senior Project Manager, NGIA & Decarbonization Projects

CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years.

Our Vision: Our vision is to become the most admired utility in the United States through the execution of our long-term growth strategy. We have an unwavering commitment to safely and reliably deliver electricity and natural gas to millions of people.

Our Commitment: CenterPoint Energy is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where business results are achieved through the skills, abilities and talents of our diverse workforce.

At CenterPoint Energy, individuals are respected for their contributions toward our company objectives. We strive for an inclusive work environment across all levels that is reflective of the available workforce in the communities we serve.

Job summary:

As a Senior Project Manager, Decarbonization Projects, you'll play a key role in supporting CenterPoint Energy's industry-leading natural gas decarbonization efforts under NGIA. The Senior Project Manager is responsible for leading the implementation of pilot projects included in the company's NGIA Innovation Plan, as well as related activities to support successful implementation of the overall Innovation Plan portfolio. The project manager leads the execution of assigned pilot projects through all stages of project implementation including: sourcing of required external services; developing and managing vendor contracts and performance; gathering all data and information required for internal and regulatory reporting; managing pilot project budgets; managing internal and external stakeholder engagement; and ensuring all regulatory requirements are satisfied. They will work with key stakeholders across the business to ensure successful execution of pilot project, build awareness of initiatives, ensure modifications to pilot project plans are made, where appropriate, and manage risk. They will also contribute to related activities supporting the overall delivery of the Innovation Plan and achievement of its regulatory objectives. This position is expected to be responsible for implementation of multiple pilots, with a focus on NGIA's research and development initiatives. Additionally, the position may support other projects in the Innovation Plan portfolio, or other strategic company initiatives related to assigned pilot projects and natural gas decarbonization.

Essential Functions:

Lead the work of contracted vendors and cross-functional internal teams to achieve specific pilot project goals within project constraints established in the Innovation Plan, including initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing the project.
Assist the business with development of future pilot project development, including scope, budget, deliverables and milestones, roles and responsibilities and value proposition. Assist the business with development of pilot project launch and implementation plans.
Work collaboratively with business partners, executive sponsors, and other project leads to manage and oversee all phases throughout the project lifecycle.
Rigorously manage scope to ensure commitments are achieved within the parameters set by the project plan. Propose recommendations and adjustments when required.
Where needed, proactively manage changes in scope. Identify potential risks with corresponding contingencies and mitigations.
Develop and manage project budget, projected benefit and financial impact forecasts, and provide ongoing reconciliation of resources and other project expenditures to projections.
Develop communication plan to meet project objectives and ensure stakeholder awareness at all appropriate gates and critical decision points, in addition to regular updates.
Publish and/or contribute to periodic project status and progress reports, proposals, requirements documentation and presentations.
Leverage cross-functional relationships with the business and strategic partners for successful completion of project objectives.
Maintain awareness of greenhouse gas reduction technologies and resources, including biogas, renewable natural gas, networked geothermal systems/thermal energy networks, green hydrogen and ammonia, strategic electrification, energy efficiency and other innovative technologies related to natural gas decarbonization.
Leverage standards and best practices for expert project management and execution.
Optimize time to manage multiple initiatives with varying requirements simultaneously.

Basic Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor's degree in relevant field such as business, engineering, environmental studies or public policy.

Experience: 3-5 years of project management experience in utility, energy, or related industry.

A bonus to have: Direct experience working with relevant greenhouse gas reduction technologies including renewable natural gas, networked geothermal systems/thermal energy networks, green hydrogen and ammonia, strategic electrification, energy efficiency and other innovative technologies related to natural gas decarbonization; Direct experience working with large commercial and industrial businesses and facilities.

We want you to know
Being a part of the CenterPoint Energy team is more than a career alone. It's an opportunity to make a positive impact. You will be an integral part of enabling everyday life and the pursuit of possibilities for the customers we serve and the communities we share. The vital services we provide are at the core of making our world work, and by sharing your energy with us, we'll create a better tomorrow together.

What we bring to you

• Competitive pay
• Paid training
• Benefits eligibility begins on your first day
• Transit subsidies
• Flexible work schedule, paid holidays and paid time off
• Access to discounts at fitness clubs and an on-site wellness center at our headquarters in Houston
• Professional growth and development programs including tuition reimbursement
• 401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match dollar-for-dollar up to 6% and a company contribution of 3% regardless of your contribution

Job Type:Full Time
Posting Start Date: 12/15/2025
Posting End Date: 12/31/2025

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR * 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a), and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.

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