Lead Project Manager EPC

Pepper Construction•Barrington, IL

46d

About The Position

Pepper Energy, part of Pepper Construction, is seeking a Lead Project Manager to manage the engineering, procurement, and construction of organics recycling infrastructure, including composting facilities, anaerobic digesters, and material recovery systems for organic waste streams. The role oversees projects from permitting through construction and commissioning, coordinating engineering, regulatory, and operations teams to deliver facilities that convert organic waste into compost, biogas, or recovered materials. The position leads full-cycle project delivery from design through startup and operational turnover; coordinates environmental permitting with state and local agencies; directs process, civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering teams; manages budgets, cash flow forecasts, and critical-path schedules; and oversees capital equipment purchasing, vendor bidding, and subcontract negotiations for specialized plant machinery.

Requirements

At least 7 years of industrial project management experience, including at least 3–5 years specifically leading EPC delivery for process plants, biogas, or waste-to-energy facilities.
Working knowledge of state solid waste permitting and siting requirements, including siting on inactive landfills or other constrained sites.
Familiarity with odor control, leachate management, and stormwater considerations specific to organics processing.
Project management skills across budget, schedule, and multi-stakeholder coordination.
Bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, civil engineering, environmental science, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

Nice To Haves

Experience working on facilities on closed or inactive landfills, including cap integrity and post-closure care requirements.
Knowledge of anaerobic digestion biogas upgrading and pipeline or vehicle-fuel interconnection.
Familiarity with local zoning and community engagement processes for waste-adjacent land uses.

Responsibilities

Lead full-cycle delivery of organic waste, composting, or anaerobic digestion facilities from design through startup and operational turnover.
Coordinate environmental permitting with state and local agencies, including solid waste permits, air quality, stormwater, and odor management plans.
Direct process, civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering teams to finalize construction-ready drawing packages and technical specifications.
Track project budgets, cash flow forecasts, and critical-path schedules using internal cost controls.
Manage capital equipment purchasing, vendor bidding, and subcontract negotiations for specialized plant machinery.
Coordinate across engineering, regulatory, and operations teams to deliver projects through permitting, construction, commissioning, and turnover.