.skip-nav {position:absolute;left:-10000px;top:auto;width:1px;height:1px;overflow:hidden;} Skip to main content
Skip to main content

Project Manager

Corporate Career

Project Manager Justin McBath at a job site

Looking Forward

Building a new power plant is a big job.

There are construction workers, contractors, equipment manufacturers and more on a job site.

Justin McBath, TVA’s Sr. Project Manager for Major Projects, helps everyone work together.

“I keep everyone playing in the sandbox nicely,” he laughed.

A Day in the Life

McBath managed the design and construction of TVA’s Johnsonville Aeroderivative project in New Johnsonville, TN. The natural gas plant will add 500 megawatts to TVA’s power generation system. Gas turbines help meet demand during extreme weather because they can start up quickly.

McBath helps keep all the construction tasks moving forward. His work includes:

  • Scheduling the project
  • Tracking the project budget
  • Developing a strategy to complete the project

When something happens that’s not in the plan, McBath works to find a solution.

But his job is really about people, he says.

“I’ve always been called on for projects that are unusual, difficult or the first of their kind. I’d like to think that’s on purpose. I like being the person that people can depend on.”

As a project manager, McBath looks at the big picture for every project.

“I want to be known for showing people the possibilities – what can happen when we work together,” he said.

Becoming a Project Manager

McBath studied mechanical engineering before coming to TVA.

But other fields can also prepare people for jobs in project management. Examples include business, computer science and information technology. Some people become project managers after working in a specific field, like construction.

Project managers help keep everyone on a project working together. They do this through:

  • Communication
  • Planning
  • Budgeting
  • Problem solving

When a project is underway, the project manager tracks progress and helps resolve any problems, like delays in receiving supplies or any changes that are needed in the plan. They also review contracts and organize financial statements.

How much a project manager makes depends on industry, experience and qualifications.