Project Director - CCS

Tallgrass•Lakewood, CO

2d•$220,000 - $240,000

About The Position

The Project Director provides leadership, technical oversight, and project governance for Tallgrass’s Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) well and subsurface execution organization. The role leads the full lifecycle of the CCS well delivery team and projects, from concept development and business case formation through engineering and execution to transition to operations. The director leads well delivery professionals and is accountable for project performance across safety, schedule, budget, quality, and regulatory compliance. The position establishes and executes the strategic vision, roadmap, governance, and execution framework for the CCS subsurface project, aligned with Tallgrass’s corporate and commercial objectives. It oversees technical delivery across geological evaluation, drilling engineering, completion design, surface equipment, and commissioning; manages the project portfolio’s scopes, schedules, estimates, procurement, contractors, and real-time drilling oversight; and owns project financial planning and controls. The Project Director represents Tallgrass in engagements with customers, regulatory agencies, government bodies, and the public. The role also leads stakeholder engagement related to permitting and EPA UIC Class VI wells, maintains strategic external relationships, and ensures compliance with applicable regulations and company policies. The work is primarily office-based, with field activities and travel anticipated across a broad geographic region. Non-traditional and extended hours may be required, including availability during non-working hours.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Engineering, Project Management, or Construction Management.
At least 10 years of progressive experience in capital project and project management in the midstream or upstream energy sector.
Demonstrated experience leading and managing multidisciplinary engineering and project management teams.
Extensive process and petroleum engineering background with direct CCS/CCUS project experience.
Exposure to geological and petrophysical analysis related to CCUS, including sequestration formation evaluation and reservoir characterization.
Drilling engineering expertise, including casing design, downhole and surface equipment, and formation-specific considerations related to UGS and CCUS.
In-depth knowledge of PHMSA 1170/1171, EPA UIC Class VI disposal wells, and EPA Subpart RR, with ability to lead compliance projects under current and emerging CO2 regulatory frameworks.
Track record managing large, complex capital projects, including multiple concurrent projects across broad geographic regions.
Advanced knowledge of project management methods, including work breakdown structures, integrated master scheduling, cost and schedule control, earned value management, risk management, design and construction management, resource planning, procurement, and permitting.
Experience leading drilling optimization projects and overseeing real-time drilling operations monitoring at scale.
Understanding of corporate financial systems, capital budgeting, and economic analysis for project investment justification.
Ability to build and maintain strategic relationships with regulators, customers, contractors, and executive stakeholders.
Working knowledge of applicable regulations and agencies, including DOT, OSHA, EPA, and state counterparts.
Familiarity with DOT, NEC, ASME, API, ASTM, and other specifications, standards, and recommended practices used in the natural gas or hazardous liquid transportation industry.
Proficiency with MS Office applications, including Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint, Project, and Outlook.
Valid driver’s license and driving record satisfactory to the company and its insurers.
Visionary leadership and ability to set strategic direction and inspire a high-performing team.
Strong executive presence and ability to communicate complex technical and business information to C-suite audiences, regulators, customers, and other stakeholders.
Exceptional organizational, analytical, and critical-thinking skills, including management of competing priorities across a complex portfolio.
Strong financial acumen, including management of large capital budgets and development of business cases.
Expert problem-solving and decision-making skills in ambiguous or rapidly evolving environments.
Collaborative interpersonal skills and ability to lead through influence across organizational boundaries.
Self-motivation, independence at a senior level, and effective upward and lateral communication.
Commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and regulatory compliance.
Flexibility and ability to work effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced team environment while maintaining a professional and respectful demeanor.
Ability to perform the essential and marginal functions of the job, with reasonable accommodations where applicable.
Ability to travel, work in all weather conditions, work in confined spaces, and perform the stated physical demands, including lifting up to 50 pounds.
Ability to clear a post-offer drug screen and background check; a credit report may be included for certain positions.

Nice To Haves

Ten years of specific experience leading drilling and completion programs in conjunction with subsurface and regulatory teams.
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent project management credential.
Knowledge of natural gas and oil pipeline, plant, and pump station operations.
Experience leading organizational change and building new project capabilities in a growth environment.
Experience with carbon markets, carbon accounting, or CO2 transportation and injection infrastructure development.

Responsibilities

Manage a group of well delivery professionals and foster teamwork, collaboration, and accountability.
Execute the strategic vision, roadmap, and execution framework for the CCS subsurface project in alignment with corporate and commercial objectives.
Establish and maintain project governance, including stage-gate reviews, risk management frameworks, and executive performance reporting.
Drive continuous improvement across project processes, tools, and methodologies.
Provide on-site representation and expert judgment regarding CCS projects and oil and gas well implementation.
Provide technical oversight across CCS well delivery, including geological evaluation, drilling engineering, completion design, surface equipment, and commissioning.
Manage performance against safety, schedule, budget, quality, and regulatory compliance metrics, and develop corrective action plans as needed.
Direct development of scopes of work, integrated master schedules, cost estimates, and execution plans for the CCS well delivery portfolio.
Oversee contractor and vendor selection to secure competitive, technically sound, and commercially favorable outcomes.
Review and approve major bid packages, contract terms, and change orders with Supply Chain and Legal.
Direct real-time monitoring of drilling operations, drilling optimization, and data-driven project decisions.
Represent Tallgrass in engagements with customers, regulatory agencies, government bodies, and the public on CCS matters.
Present project strategy, status, risks, and recommendations to senior leadership, boards, and external stakeholders.
Build and maintain strategic relationships with industry partners, regulators, and customers.
Lead or direct stakeholder engagement for permitting, public comment, and agency coordination related to EPA UIC Class VI wells and associated infrastructure.
Own the CCS project budget, including capital expenditure planning, cost control, variance analysis, and cash flow forecasting.
Organize and manage projects in the company’s financial control system; review and approve expenditures, commitments, and monthly project cost control reports.
Ensure project activities comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including PHMSA 1170/1171, EPA UIC Class VI, EPA Subpart RR, and Tallgrass policies and procedures.
Monitor changes in CCS regulations and integrate them into project planning and execution.
Direct preparation and maintenance of project documentation required by corporate, governmental, and other governing bodies.
Promote and model safety standards and ensure environmental and human impacts are identified, assessed, and mitigated.
Maintain dependable attendance and high performance; perform other assigned duties and maintain regard for personal, employee, asset, and public safety.
Provide technical work direction and oversight of staff and contractors.
Travel approximately 10–20% across a broad geographic region and work non-traditional or extended hours as needed, including responding during non-working hours.

Benefits

Industry-competitive pay.
Health insurance package options, including Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts.
Infertility coverage.
Parental leave.
401(k) with up to a 6% match that vests immediately and an employer discretionary contribution of up to 4%.
Wellness programs and mental health resources.
Employer-paid life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage.
Critical illness and accident insurance.
Vacation, sick days, paid caregiver leave, volunteer time off, and bereavement paid time off.
Identity theft protection.
Annual discretionary bonus.
Tuition reimbursement program.
Company-paid holidays and floating holidays.
Company vehicle, if applicable.
Employee discounts on vehicles, tires, cellular plans, and more.
Networking and employee engagement events.
Personal development opportunities based on employee strengths and interests.