Lead Project Manager - Chemical Plant Capital Projects

Ambs Chemical Search LLC; Mississippi; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job description

Location: Mississippi (Relocation Available) | Industry: Chemical Manufacturing / Refining / Industrial Processing

Position Overview

A leading industrial manufacturer is seeking a Lead Project Manager to lead the execution of capital projects supporting plant operations, reliability improvements, process optimization, and growth initiatives. This individual will be responsible for managing projects from concept development through engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and startup.

The ideal candidate will have experience leading multidisciplinary teams in a chemical manufacturing, refining, petrochemical, energy, or other process manufacturing environment. This role offers the opportunity to drive high-impact projects while partnering closely with operations, maintenance, engineering, and leadership teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead capital projects ranging from equipment replacements and reliability improvements to major facility expansions.
• Manage all phases of project execution including scope development, budgeting, scheduling, procurement, construction, and startup.
• Coordinate internal stakeholders, engineering firms, contractors, and equipment vendors.
• Ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with company standards.
• Develop project cost estimates, authorization packages, and capital expenditure requests.
• Manage project risks, change management activities, and project reporting.
• Support turnaround, shutdown, and outage planning activities as required.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to project execution and plant performance.
• Provide leadership during commissioning and startup activities.
• Mentor junior engineers and project team members.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering required (Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, or related discipline).
• 10+ years of engineering and project management experience within chemical manufacturing, refining, petrochemical, energy, or other industrial process environments.
• Proven experience managing capital projects from concept through startup.
• Strong understanding of project management principles, cost control, scheduling, and contractor management.
• Experience working within operating industrial facilities.
• Familiarity with process safety management (PSM) environments is highly preferred.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred Experience

• Chemical manufacturing
• Refining or petrochemical operations
• Industrial gas or energy facilities
• Specialty chemicals
• Power generation or utility infrastructure
• EPC project execution and contractor management

What You'll Bring

• Strong technical and business judgment
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders
• Strategic mindset with hands-on project execution capability
• Commitment to safety, reliability, and operational excellence