Project Manager - CapEx Engineering

AkzoNobel•Waukegan, IL

11h•$105,000 - $115,000

About The Position

The Project Manager leads and delivers capital engineering projects from concept development and business case through design, execution, commissioning, and handover. The role ensures projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and in compliance with engineering standards, regulatory requirements, and business objectives. It coordinates cross-functional teams, engineering resources, contractors, and stakeholders to provide reliable, cost-effective solutions that improve site performance, capacity, efficiency, and sustainability while minimizing operational risks and production disruption. The position delivers projects within the site capital investment plan, supports business case development, evaluates engineering and operational improvements, manages Management of Change (MOC), and facilitates Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs). It oversees project, construction, and contractor management; addresses risks and execution issues; and engages site functions and end users to ensure operational readiness, training, documentation, and safe handover. The role requires a bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline and 5–7 years of relevant project or process engineering experience in manufacturing. Candidates should have capital-project leadership experience, contractor and budget management skills, and knowledge of hazardous-area equipment, MOC, PTW, PSM, HSE requirements, engineering standards, and regulatory codes. The work takes place in a heavy manufacturing environment and includes navigating industrial facilities, climbing stairs while wearing PPE, and working indoors and outdoors in varying conditions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
5–7 years of relevant project or process engineering experience in manufacturing.
Ability to manage multiple capital projects from definition and business case through execution, commissioning, and handover.
Experience managing contractors, suppliers, budgets, schedules, scope, and quality.
Strong planning, problem-solving, risk management, and prioritization skills.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills across organizational levels.
Experience specifying and selecting equipment for hazardous classified areas, particularly Class I, Division 1.
Working knowledge of MOC, PTW, PSM, applicable HSE requirements, engineering standards, and regulatory codes.
Ability to navigate industrial facilities and climb stairs while wearing required PPE, including steel-toed footwear.
Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying temperatures and weather conditions.
Ability to work safely in a heavy manufacturing environment with potential incidental chemical exposure, following established safety procedures and PPE requirements.

Nice To Haves

Chemical, coatings, or paint industry experience.

Responsibilities

Lead capital engineering projects from concept and business case through design, execution, commissioning, and handover, meeting approved scope, schedule, budget, quality standards, and stakeholder expectations.
Deliver assigned projects within the site capital investment plan, align execution with business priorities, allocate resources effectively, and escalate deviations and risks in a timely manner.
Support business case development and evaluate process modifications, equipment upgrades, and operational improvements for safe, reliable, and cost-effective solutions.
Manage the site Management of Change (MOC) process and facilitate Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs), ensuring risks and actions are assessed, documented, and addressed.
Ensure projects comply with AkzoNobel HSE requirements, engineering standards, and applicable local, state, and federal regulations, including OSHA PSM and NFPA standards.
Manage projects, construction, and contractors using appropriate practices for safe execution, risk control, and required technical and quality standards.
Collaborate with site management, operations, maintenance, engineering, HSE, and other stakeholders throughout project development and execution.
Involve operators and end users in design and implementation to support operational buy-in, training, documentation, and safe transition to routine operations.
Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks; resolve execution issues; and escalate significant deviations or risks to site management.
Apply applicable AkzoNobel policies, procedures, guidelines, methodologies, and systems, and drive continuous improvement in project delivery and engineering practices.