Project Management Lead

Axens North America; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Axens North America in Houston is looking for a Project/Program Management Manager to strengthen project execution, standardize practices, and drive operational excellence across the organization.

You will lead Project Managers, coach teams, manage complex contracts, and ensure safety, schedule, budget, and quality objectives across global projects. The role requires strong leadership and collaboration with engineering, procurement, legal, and finance teams.

Qualifications

• B.S. in an Engineering discipline (Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical) or higher.
• Active PMP Certification is a plus.
• Minimum 15 years of experience in Project/Contract Management.
• Work experience in EPC or Engineering Companies.
• Knowledge in contracting terms and conditions, policies, and Industry standards for Global Projects.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert support to project teams on complex challenges and high-risk initiatives.
• Review contracts at project onset to identify risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Lead senior interactions with customers, suppliers, and subcontractors.
• Manage schedule recovery, change orders, and risk/claims processes.
• Mentor Project Managers and coordinate across Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Legal, and Finance.
• Communicate needs to secure resources and support project execution.
• Participate in continuous improvement, risk management, and lessons-learned workshops.

Skills

Financial acumen

Communication

Planning

Analytical thinking

Self-motivated

Cross-functional

Leadership

Adaptable

Education

B.S. in Engineering

PMP Certification

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Regular Full-Time PROJECT/PROG MG Houston, TX, US

Job Summary

The Project Management Manager partners closely with the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Director of Projects to strengthen project execution, standardize project management practices, and drive operational excellence across the organization. This role provides leadership, coaching, and guidance to Project Managers, facilitates collaboration among cross-functional teams and stakeholders, and helps ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in alignment with company objectives and quality standards.

JOB DUTIES/Responsibilities

• Provide expert support to project teams and Project Managers on complex project challenges, high-risk initiatives, and projects requiring specialized guidance.
• At the outset of designated projects, review and consolidate contract requirements to identify contractual risks and opportunities. Partner with the assigned Project Manager to develop mitigation strategies for issues such as aggressive schedules, complex designs, new suppliers or fabricators, and changing market conditions.
• Serve as a senior resource in interactions with customers, suppliers, and subcontractors when required, while supporting and reinforcing the Project Manager's leadership and customer relationship.
• Lead or support resolution of complex project issues, including:
  • Schedule recovery planning and critical path impact analysis
  • Contract claims management and defense strategies
  • Negotiation of change orders and time extensions
  • Assessment and mitigation of liquidated damages related to schedule delays or performance issues
  • Preparation and support of insurance claims by coordinating technical and commercial documentation
  • Evaluation and recovery of supplier back charges, while minimizing customer back-charge exposure
  • Documentation of project communications with customers and suppliers to establish and maintain contractual records
  • Resolution of technical and commercial issues affecting project execution
• Supervise Project Control/Contract Manager and collaborate with Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Legal, Finance, and other project stakeholders to ensure contractual compliance and proactively identify potential claims, scope changes, and commercial risks.
• Mentor and coach Project Managers and project team members by sharing expertise, lessons learned, and industry best practices.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders across Project Operations, Business Units, and functional departments to communicate project needs, secure resources, and support successful project execution.
• Develop and deliver training materials and facilitate knowledge-sharing sessions focused on project management best practices, contract administration, and risk management.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives, including risk management, lessons learned, project execution excellence, and process improvement workshops.
• Coordinate communication among Proposal Teams, Project Operations, and Corporate Procurement to improve purchasing strategies, support Category Managers, leverage enterprise-wide sourcing opportunities, and drive project cost savings.
• Participate in project review meetings to evaluate project status, schedule, scope, budget, risks, and overall performance.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Education

• B.S. in an Engineering discipline (Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical) or higher.
• Active PMP Certification is a plus

Work Experience

• Minimum 15 years of experience in Project/Contract Management
• Knowledge in contracting terms and conditions, policies, and Industry standards for Global Projects
• Work experience in similar roles for EPC or Engineering Companies

Required SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Strong financial acumen with experience in project budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with executives, customers, and cross-functional teams.
• Strong organizational, planning, and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a strategic perspective.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, with exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality work.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and results-oriented, with the ability to anticipate challenges and implement effective solutions.
• Proven ability to build collaborative relationships and work effectively across all organizational levels, functions, and diverse teams.
• Demonstrated leadership, coaching, and mentoring skills, with a commitment to developing others and sharing best practices.
• Adaptable, resourceful, and quick to learn, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, changing environment.