Principal Consultant, Project Manager

ERM•Walnut Creek, CA

5h•$121,274 - $152,491

About The Position

If you're a seasoned program leader who thrives at the intersection of strategy, operations, and environmental stewardship, this is your opportunity to shape high‑impact work across Northern California’s power sector. At ERM , you’ll guide complex permitting programs that influence regional infrastructure, environmental compliance, and long‑term client success. Why This Role Matters Our utility clients face increasing pressure to maintain safe, resilient infrastructure while meeting evolving environmental and regulatory standards. ERM’s vegetation management permitting programs play a critical role in supporting wildfire mitigation, grid reliability, and streamlined operational decision‑making. As Principal Consultant, Program Manager in Northern California , you’ll ensure alignment across teams, elevate program performance, and strengthen ERM’s strategic partnership with a major power sector client. What Your Impact Is In this role, you will: Lead a high‑performing regional program team responsible for delivering a portfolio of permitting activities. Drive strategic cohesion across multiple projects, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and regulatory compliance. Serve as the primary client liaison, steering program objectives and performance metrics. Guide and mentor Program Managers and Project Managers, strengthening ERM’s leadership presence. Enhance operational effectiveness by implementing tools, processes, and workflow improvements that accelerate permitting outcomes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Business, Project Management, or related field.
Minimum 5 years of experience leading cross‑functional teams in consulting, utilities, or environmental services.
Proven ability to manage multi‑project programs and oversee multidisciplinary teams.
Strong organizational, analytical, and strategic planning skills with the ability to balance competing priorities.
Excellent communication skills and demonstrated success building and maintaining strong client relationships.
Proficiency with program management tools (MS Project, Smartsheet, Excel), GIS platforms, and Microsoft Office Suite.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a related discipline.
Leadership certifications such as PMP, Lean Six Sigma, or similar.
10+ years of program/project management experience within comparable sectors.

Responsibilities

Lead a regional program team and manage Project Managers, ensuring alignment with client objectives and contractual deliverables.
Own program strategy, performance, and delivery of all commitments under the contract.
Drive staff planning, resource allocation, and organizational structure to support program success.
Serve as the primary liaison with client leadership, maintaining proactive communication and strategic alignment.
Facilitate close collaboration across environmental, operational, and permitting teams to resolve constraints and maintain compliance.
Manage budgets, forecasting, and financial performance; ensure accurate reporting and cost control.
Support development of tools and dashboards that improve program visibility, tracking, and reporting.
Establish QA/QC standards for permit packages and documentation; ensure compliance with municipal and environmental regulations.
Identify opportunities to streamline workflows and enhance permitting turnaround times.
Utilize MS Project and Excel for scheduling, tracking, and reporting; maintain familiarity with GIS and data workflows.