Lead Program Manager Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Alabama

Overview:

Kinder Morgan is one of the largest energy infrastructure companies in North America. We own an interest in or operate approximately 78,000 miles of pipelines and 130 terminals. Our pipelines transport natural gas, gasoline, crude oil, carbon dioxide (CO2), and other energy products.

We are seeking an experienced Right of Way Project Manager to join a growing team responsible for supporting Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) major expansion projects throughout the United States. This position will report to a manager based in Birmingham, Alabama and will lead the planning, estimating, contracting, execution, and delivery of right of way services across the full project lifecycle.

The successful candidate will serve as the primary right of way lead for assigned capital projects and will work closely with project management, engineering, environmental, legal, regulatory, construction, operations, and third-party contractors to ensure successful project execution.

Birmingham, Alabama is the preferred reporting location; however, other Kinder Morgan locations may be considered for highly qualified candidates.

Responsibilities:

Lead all right of way activities associated with FERC-regulated major expansion projects from project initiation through construction closeout and project completion.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop project-specific right of way execution strategies, acquisition plans, schedules, and budgets.
• Prepare and manage right of way cost estimates for project development, authorization, construction, and closeout phases.
• Lead procurement efforts for contract land, title, permitting, records management, and related right of way support services.
• Manage and direct contract right of way personnel and consultants to ensure compliance with project objectives, schedules, budgets, and company requirements.
• Coordinate FERC landowner notification programs and stakeholder outreach efforts.
• Ensure all required ministerial permits and project access authorizations are identified, tracked, acquired, and maintained to support project schedules, including county and state road crossing permits, driveway permits, access permits, building permits, and other local, state, and agency approvals required for project construction and operation.
• Oversee acquisition of easements, fee interests, temporary workspaces, access agreements, permits, and related property rights required for project construction and operation.
• Monitor acquisition progress and develop mitigation strategies to address schedule risks and project constraints.
• Collaborate with engineering, environmental, regulatory, legal, and construction teams throughout project development and execution.
• Provide forecasting, budgeting, and reporting updates to project leadership and senior management.
• Support certificate applications, due diligence activities, route evaluations, and regulatory filings as required.
• Manage landowner relations and resolve complex right of way issues, claims, encroachments, and property disputes.
• Review and analyze deeds, easements, title commitments, survey plats, legal descriptions, and other land documents.
• Ensure compliance with company procedures and applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
• Support project transition into operations and maintain complete project land records.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Bachelor's degree preferred in Business, Real Estate, Land Management, Engineering, Environmental Studies, Project Management, or related field.
• Equivalent industry experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.

EXPERIENCE / SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE:

• Minimum 10 years of right of way experience within the pipeline, energy, utility, or linear infrastructure industry.
• Demonstrated experience managing right of way execution for major capital projects.
• Direct experience supporting FERC-regulated natural gas pipeline projects is strongly preferred.
• Proven experience developing right of way estimates, budgets, schedules, and resource plans.
• Experience selecting, contracting, and managing third-party right of way service providers.
• Strong understanding of land acquisition, title review, permitting, stakeholder engagement, and property rights management.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary project teams through the complete project lifecycle.
• Knowledge of regulatory, legal, and operational considerations associated with pipeline project development.

CERTIFICATIONS, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
• SR/WA designation, PMP certification, or similar industry credentials preferred.
• Strong leadership and project management capabilities.
• Excellent written, verbal, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong budgeting, forecasting, and analytical abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to lead geographically dispersed teams and contractors.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and project reporting tools.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced project environment.

COMPETENCIES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Strategic planning and execution
• Contract management and vendor oversight
• Financial management and forecasting
• Stakeholder and landowner relations
• Risk identification and mitigation
• Schedule management and execution
• Team leadership and collaboration
• Decision-making and problem-solving
• Regulatory and compliance awareness

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Frequent interaction with landowners, contractors, government agencies, and project stakeholders.
• Periodic field visits to project areas and construction sites.
• Ability to travel as needed to support nationwide project assignments.
• Availability to support project-critical activities outside normal business hours when necessary.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Above the minimum requirements; not required but advantageous in this position:

• Experience leading right of way efforts for large-scale interstate natural gas pipeline expansion projects.
• Experience supporting FERC pre-filing, certificate, and post-certificate activities.
• Knowledge of right of way data management systems and project controls processes.
• Experience managing multi-state acquisition programs.
• Demonstrated success delivering right of way scopes safely, on schedule, and within budget.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed. The successful candidate will be required to successfully complete all pre-employment screening requirements, including background and drug testing, as applicable.

WHY JOIN KINDER MORGAN:

Kinder Morgan is a large energy infrastructure company operating in North America. Access to reliable, affordable energy is a critical component for improving lives around the world. We are committed to providing energy transportation and storage services in a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible manner for the benefit of the people, communities, and businesses we serve.

Kinder Morgan provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, family status, status as an individual authorized to work in the U.S., or any other status protected by law.