Jobs › Alliant Energy

Lead Project Manager - Construction

Alliant Energy · Madison, WI · $145,000–$160,000 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 22, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a combustion turbine or similar power project you managed. What was your role and what went wrong?

What they are checking: Direct experience with the kind of project the posting prefers, and honesty about problems they faced.

Tell me about a time you had to report bad news on cost or schedule to senior leadership.

What they are checking: Whether they escalate early and clearly with options rather than hiding problems until they grow.

How have you used a formal program and project management methodology, and when did you adapt it?

What they are checking: Whether they can follow a company methodology while knowing when judgment is needed.

What would you do

How do you manage an EPC contractor that is behind schedule but insists it will recover?

What they are checking: Whether they verify recovery plans with data and use contract levers rather than trusting promises.

Explain how you keep the Owner's Engineer and the Engineer of Record aligned when their views on a design issue differ.

What they are checking: Ability to manage technical disagreements between parties with different responsibilities and liabilities.

How do you keep safety the top priority on a site with multiple contractors and tight deadlines?

What they are checking: Whether they treat safety as non-negotiable, which matches the posting's emphasis on it.

About the work

Walk me through the phases of a gas generation project from development through commissioning, and where the biggest risks sit in each.

What they are checking: Whether they understand the full life cycle of a generation project, not just the construction phase.

How do you build and maintain a project risk register that people actually use?

What they are checking: Whether risk management is a living tool in their projects or a document created once for approval.

Describe how you handle a change order request that adds significant cost late in construction.

What they are checking: Commercial discipline in evaluating, negotiating and documenting changes on large capital projects.

What does a good handoff from construction to plant operations look like during commissioning?

What they are checking: Whether they plan for turnover packages, training and punch lists so operations inherits a working plant.

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The full job description

As published by Alliant Energy.

Bring YOUR energy to Alliant Energy! At Alliant Energy, our purpose is to serve customers and build stronger communities. We are passionate about powering beyond the market challenges of today, while powering what's next in energy. When our employees say "I am energy", it means they take pride in the work we do when disaster strikes, as well as all the days in between. We want you to be safe, happy and healthy. That's why we prioritize safety, offer volunteer opportunities and provide competitive pay, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, tuition reimbursement and paid time off. Come join our Strategic Projects team and take the next step in your career! We are looking for a Lead Project Manager to support new Gas Generation Projects and upgrades. As a Lead Project Manager, you will be responsible for managing the development, construction and commissioning of Gas Generation Projects utilizing the Alliant Energy Program and Project Management methodology and processes. This position will be responsible for leading the project team, managing project risks, and coordinating with Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractors, Owner’s Engineer (OE), the Engineer of Record (EOR), and other key project stakeholders. Experience with Gas Combustion Turbine (CT) generation projects preferred. Job Summary Lead Project Manager is responsible for managing large programs and leading the development, implementation, and improvement of the Alliant Energy Program and Project Management methodology and processes. Provides business consulting and program and project management consulting and mentoring support as needed for business unit leadership for achievement of strategic objectives. What you will do • Conducts project stage gate and periodic quality reviews for high risk, costly, value-added, or large, complex projects. • Supports program and project governance responsibilities. • Actively works to promote the value and improve effectiveness of program and project management methodology processes and tools through development and delivery of updated processes and training materials to ensure stakeholder and corporate requirements are met. • Provides a thorough understanding of program and project management and execution to sponsors, customers, and other key stakeholders, and guides project managers successfully through the project lifecycle. • Has a solid understanding of the overall project portfolio and communicates to sponsors, customers, and other key stakeholders. • Ensures portfolio risks and issues are escalated appropriately and conducts triage as needed to lead troubled initiatives back on course for a successful completion. • Has a thorough understanding of program management methodology including how it supports strategic alignment, benefits management, stakeholder engagement, integration management, and program risk management. • Provides support and mentors others in the use of organizational change management methodology within the context of program and project management. • Provides direct program management services for large strategic programs. • Engages in other duties as needed that support Alliant Energy’s Values and helps deliver on our Purpose to serve customers and build stronger communities. Education Requirements • Bachelor's Degree Project Management, Information Technology, Engineering, or related area. Preferred • Certification Project Management Professional (PMP) certification Required Required Experience • 8 years professional experience in program or project management managing multiple large projects. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities • Ability to analyze and solve problems of a complex nature and implement an effective solution. • Ability to organize large program and project plans and effectively document accordingly. • Demonstrated understanding of project management methodology and the ability to promote and improve program and project management practices. • Demonstrated ability to plan and carry out responsibilities with a minimum of direction. • Demonstrated effective leadership and team skills. • Ability to develop and apply performance measures. • Demonstrated effective interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. • Demonstrated ability to use computer software programs (e.g., e-mail, word processing, spreadsheet, and project management). • Ability to work effectively in a collaborative and inclusive work environment. Key Skills • • Change Management • Construction Management • Contract Management • Cost Management • Project and Program Management • Project Controls • Project Management Governance • Quality Management • Risk Management • Schedule Management • Stakeholder Management Our people are passionate about what they do, the product they sell, and the customers they serve. If you're looking for an opportunity to be a part of a work family that values collaboration, innovation and dedication, we're the right company for you. Alliant Energy offers a comprehensive total rewards package including competitive compensation and benefit programs. Information on these benefit programs is available on our Careers site. Pay Range: $145,000-$160,000 This position is eligible to participate in the annual incentive program. The final salary offered will generally fall within this range and is dependent on various factors including but not limited to the responsibilities of the position, experience, skill set, internal pay equity and other relevant qualifications of the applicant. It's not just what we do; it's how we do it. Live Safety. Everyone. Always | Make Things Better | Care For Others | Do The Right Thing | Act For Tomorrow | Think Beyond. Be Bold Alliant Energy and its subsidiaries are committed to creating a culture of belonging and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by law. All candidates selected for employment with Alliant Energy will be required to successfully complete a background check, and a drug screen where applicable. Visa sponsorship not supported. Disclaimer: The above information on this description has been crafted to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not crafted to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Applicants in need of a reasonable accommodation for any part of the hiring process, please email talent@alliantenergy.com .

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