Sr. Corporate Project Manager

VCNA•Detroit, MI

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a highly experienced and results-driven Senior Corporate Project Manager to lead and manage large-scale capital projects within our cement operations. The successful candidate will be responsible for the full project lifecycle, from conceptual development and engineering through procurement, construction, commissioning, startup, and final turnover to Operations. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical foundation, preferably in mechanical engineering, combined with significant experience in project and construction management within an industrial environment. The role requires the ability to translate operational and business needs into practical project solutions and to effectively manage engineering partners, equipment suppliers, contractors, and internal stakeholders. This position requires strong leadership, sound technical judgment, construction management experience, and the ability to work with a high degree of autonomy. The successful candidate must be comfortable making timely decisions, taking ownership of project outcomes, and maintaining a strong focus on safety, quality, schedule, and cost. The CapEx team supports the operating businesses by delivering projects safely, efficiently, and with minimal disruption to ongoing operations.

Requirements

Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, Construction Management, or a related technical discipline preferred.
Significant experience managing capital projects in heavy industrial, manufacturing, cement, mining, aggregates, materials handling, or similar environments.
Demonstrated experience managing projects from initial concept through engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and turnover.
Strong experience with industrial construction, contractor management, equipment procurement, cost control, scheduling, and project execution.
Strong understanding of industrial project development and construction practices.
Knowledge of mechanical and process equipment, industrial facilities, and general construction methods.
Strong understanding of project controls, including budgeting, forecasting, scheduling, change management, and risk management.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, technical documentation, contracts, and construction documents.
Strong understanding of contractor and equipment procurement processes.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical procedures, specifications, contracts, and governmental regulations.
Ability to prepare clear reports, business correspondence, scopes of work, and project documentation, and to communicate effectively with employees, contractors, suppliers, consultants, and management.
Proficiency with standard Microsoft Office applications and project management/scheduling tools such as Microsoft Project.
Experience with project controls, document management, and construction management systems.
Strong leadership and communication skills.
High degree of initiative, ownership, and accountability.
Ability to work independently and make sound decisions with limited day-to-day supervision.
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced project environment.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with Operations, contractors, consultants, suppliers, and senior management.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Procore is considered an asset.

Responsibilities

Lead capital projects through the full project lifecycle, from initial concept and feasibility through engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, startup, and turnover to Operations.
Work with Operations and other stakeholders to define project requirements, evaluate alternatives, develop practical solutions, and establish project scope, budget, schedule, and execution strategy.
Manage internal and external engineering resources through conceptual, preliminary, and final engineering, including layouts, technical specifications, equipment requirements, constructability reviews, and design coordination.
Develop and manage project execution plans, schedules, budgets, cost controls, forecasts, contingencies, change management, contracting strategy, construction sequencing, and project risk.
Develop and maintain project schedules, monitor key milestones and critical path activities, and implement mitigation or recovery plans when required.
Develop technical documentation for equipment and construction procurement, including equipment data sheets, technical specifications, scopes of work, RFPs, and tender packages.
Lead technical evaluations and support the selection and procurement of major mechanical and process equipment, contractors, consultants, and other project services.
Manage tendering and contract award activities in collaboration with Procurement, including bidder clarifications, scope alignment, technical evaluations, and recommendations for award.
Provide overall construction management and project leadership following contract award, coordinating contractors, consultants, suppliers, and internal teams to ensure safe and effective project execution.
Champion a strong safety culture throughout project development and execution, ensuring safety is incorporated into design, planning, contractor selection, construction, commissioning, and turnover.
Ensure compliance with applicable health and safety, environmental, regulatory, permitting, engineering, and company requirements.
Exercise a high degree of independent judgment and decision-making, taking ownership of project issues, evaluating alternatives, making timely decisions within established authority, and escalating matters when appropriate.
Proactively manage project performance and risks related to safety, cost, schedule, quality, constructability, procurement, and operational integration, and provide clear reporting to management on project status and key decisions.
Coordinate commissioning, startup, training, documentation, and turnover to ensure projects are successfully transitioned to Operations, and maintain complete and accurate project documentation throughout the project lifecycle.