Project Director - Capital Project Execution

Tallgrass•Houston, TX

About The Position

The Project Director provides leadership, direction, and effective project management to ensure projects are completed in accordance with contractual obligations, company policies, procedures, systems, and requirements, while adhering to federal regulations and company standards. The role defines project goals and methods for achieving them and develops an in-depth understanding of customer objectives, contract terms, and corporate policies. The position typically manages a single large or mega project, or multiple complex projects or programs that may include high-risk elements. It requires the ability to develop new concepts for technical and functional projects, apply broad business operations knowledge, and implement or lead organizational change within project scope. The Project Director typically manages work through project leads or other project managers and may serve as proposal manager for large and mega projects. The role oversees major capital and EPC projects in the natural gas, hazardous liquid pipeline, and related midstream and downstream sectors. It provides technical work direction and oversight to staff and contractors and may involve office and field work, travel, work in varying weather conditions, and availability outside normal working hours. Overtime may be required, including extended hours during emergencies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction, or project management, or equivalent, from an accredited institution, plus 15 years of relevant job experience.
At least 10 years of experience in a major projects environment, with direct engineering or project management experience on natural gas or hazardous liquid pipeline or facility projects.
Led at least three complete EPC projects, including one with TIC greater than $1 billion and at least one involving innovative or complex execution strategies.
Executed at least one major capital project with TIC of USD 200 million or more.
Extensive experience developing major projects with a development portfolio of USD 1 billion.
Proven experience managing basic and detailed engineering for very large process plants.
Experience executing large midstream pipelines, compressor and pump stations, and marine export terminal projects; basic understanding of midstream and downstream projects.
Full complement of project management skills, including scoping and estimating using work breakdown structures, cost and schedule control, design and construction management, team building, resource planning, procurement, and permitting.
Prior experience leading Project Controls and implementing cost and schedule management tools; experience leading cost control and reporting to upper management.
Advanced experience using Primavera for schedule development, tracking, and control.
Strong analytical, troubleshooting, organizational, communication, facilitation, leadership, interpersonal, motivation, and team-building skills.
Commercial awareness and ability to manage change, develop project concepts with Commercial, and analyze financial and cost data.
Ability to resolve conflicts and problems, work independently and cooperatively, prioritize work, manage multiple tasks and deadlines, and maintain a professional and respectful demeanor.
General understanding of corporate policies, procedures, practices, and processes as they relate to the Pipeline business segment and its stakeholders.
Working knowledge of applicable regulations and agencies, including DOT, OSHA, and state counterparts; familiarity with DOT, NEC, ASME, API, ASTM, and other relevant industry specifications and standards.
Proficiency in MS Office applications, which may include Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint, Project, and Outlook.
Valid driver’s license and a driving record satisfactory to the company and its insurers for travel.
Ability to perform the essential and marginal functions of the job, follow work schedules and rules, and work in confined spaces and field or construction-site conditions.
Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, stand and walk for extended periods, and perform the listed physical activities.
Ability to work in all weather conditions, communicate effectively, and adhere to established safety policies and procedures.
Must clear a drug screen and background check after an offer and before employment; credit reports may be included for certain positions.

Nice To Haves

Registered professional engineer.
Training in project management software and techniques, including project scoping and estimating, work breakdown structures, cost and schedule control, design and construction management, team building, resource planning, procurement, and permitting.
Knowledge of natural gas and oil pipeline, plant, and pump station operations.
Experience with FERC pipeline projects.

Responsibilities

Lead project planning, organization, management, and control to deliver work in accordance with contractual obligations, project goals, company policies, procedures, and applicable regulations.
Manage a large or mega project, or multiple complex projects and programs, including projects with high-risk elements.
Develop project goals and methods, understand customer objectives and contract terms, and apply corporate policies and standards.
Lead engineering and execution activities for major projects, including scope definition, estimating, cost and schedule control, design and construction management, resource planning, procurement, and permitting.
Manage project controls, including cost and schedule tools, cost-control management, and reporting to upper management.
Build and lead project teams, coordinate staff and contractors, and provide technical work direction and oversight.
Mentor junior Project Engineering Managers and engineering and design team members.
Develop concepts in partnership with Commercial and contribute to project justification using basic economic analysis.
Manage change and communicate project proposals, ideas, and results to business leaders, customers, and other stakeholders.
Organize and prioritize work, manage multiple tasks and strict deadlines, and maintain confidentiality as necessary.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Industry-competitive pay.
Health insurance options, including Flexible Spending Accounts 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, including vehicles, tires, and cellular plans.
Networking and employee engagement events.
Personal development opportunities.