Lead Project Manager - Transformation
Date: Jul 29, 2026
Location: Houston, TX, US, 77002
Company: CenterPoint Energy
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
The Lead Project Manager plays a critical leadership role within the Transformation Office by leading enterprise-wide strategic initiatives that drive business performance, operational excellence, and value realization. This position partners closely with executive sponsors, functional leaders, and initiative owners to define, govern, and execute complex cross-functional programs that enable strategic priorities across the organization.
Operating as both a strategic advisor and hands-on delivery leader, the Lead Project Manager provides project leadership, drives accountability, manages enterprise interdependencies, and ensures measurable outcomes are achieved.
Essential Functions
Strategic Project Delivery & Execution
- Lead complex, cross-functional strategic initiatives from planning through implementation.
- Develop project plans, schedules, milestones, and governance structures to ensure successful delivery.
- Manage project risks, issues, dependencies, and decision-making processes.
- Drive accountability across workstreams and stakeholder groups to achieve project objectives.
- Ensure initiatives remain aligned with business priorities and expected value realization.
Enterprise Project & Program Management
- Develop and maintain integrated project plans, schedules, budgets, and resource requirements.
- Coordinate activities across multiple business units, departments, and external partners.
- Facilitate decision-making discussions.
- Track progress against business objectives and communicate issues, risks, and accomplishments to leadership.
- Establish project controls and ensure adherence to project management standards and methodologies.
Stakeholder Management & Executive Engagement
- Serve as a trusted advisor to business leaders and project sponsors.
- Influence stakeholders at all organizational levels without direct authority.
- Facilitate alignment across competing priorities and organizations.
- Prepare executive-level communications, presentations, and status reporting.
- Build strong partnerships that support successful implementation and sustained results.
Continued Essential Functions
Continuous Improvement & Capability Building
- Identify opportunities to improve project delivery effectiveness and organizational execution.
- Share best practices and lessons learned across projects and teams.
- Mentor and coach project managers, analysts, and transformation team members.
- Contribute to development of standards, templates, governance processes, and project management disciplines.
- Support adoption of performance management and continuous improvement practices.
Data & Performance Management
- Leverage data and analytics to assess project health, identify trends, and inform decision-making.
- Define success metrics and monitor achievement of expected business outcomes.
- Support development of dashboards, reporting tools, and performance reviews.
- Ensure project benefits are quantified, validated, and sustained.
Key Stakeholder Interactions
- Workstream Leads and Initiative Owners
- Manager, Transformation Office
- Functional and Business Unit Leaders
- Project and Program Managers within the Transformation Office
Education Description
- Bachelor’s degree required; preferred fields include Engineering, Environmental Science, Regulatory Affairs, Business, or related technical discipline.
- MBA, PMP, and/or Lean Six Sigma certification preferred.
Experience
- 8+ years of experience in project management, business operations, strategic initiatives, transformation, or related disciplines
- Demonstrated success leading complex, cross-functional initiatives with multiple stakeholders.
- Experience managing executive reporting, governance forums, and strategic project delivery.
- Strong facilitation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience within utility operations, corporate functions, enterprise transformation, or consulting environments preferred.
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: 07/29/2026
Posting End Date: 08/12/2026
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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Nearest Major Market: Houston