Project Management Officer

Dagen; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Dagen in Houston seeks a Project Management Lead to partner with the COO and Director of Projects to elevate project execution, standardize PM practices, and drive operational excellence. You will coach Project Managers, coordinate across Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Legal, and Finance, and ensure projects meet safety, schedule, and budget targets while upholding quality standards.

Responsibilities include leading complex risk reviews, contract administration, and continuous

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of experience in project/contract management for EPC or engineering companies.
• Strong knowledge of contracting terms and industry standards for global projects.
• Experience leading project teams and coordinating with multiple disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert support to project teams on high-risk initiatives.
• Review contracts to identify risks and develop mitigation strategies with the PM.
• Lead interactions with customers, suppliers, and subcontractors as needed.
• Mentor Project Managers and drive knowledge sharing across teams.
• Coordinate with cross-functional stakeholders to ensure compliance and claims prevention.

Skills

Project Leadership

Cross-functional Collaboration

Budget & Cost Control

Risk Management

Stakeholder Management

Coaching/Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

PMP Certification

Job description

Project Management Lead 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

• 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.

QHSE REQUIREMENTS

Quality

• Take responsibility for the sustainability of company and ensuring quality performance
• Report any and all quality related issues or non-conformities to your manager
• Maintain awareness, proactively participate and support all company policies for quality management
• Assist in the continual improvement of an effective Integrated Management System complying with the requirements of ISO 9001:2015
• Assist in achieving Site, Department, Regional and Global Quality Management Program goals and objectives.

Health and Safety

• Take responsibility for the health and safety of self and others
• Report any and all health and safety incidents to your manager
• Maintain awareness, proactively participate and support all company policies and objectives regarding health and safety
• Assist in the continual improvement of an effective Integrated Management System complying with the requirements of ISO 45001 to latest revision
• Assist in achieving Site, Departmental, Regional and Global Health and Safety goals and objectives
• Take responsibility for the sustainability of company and protecting the environment
• Report any and all environmental concerns or incidents to your manager
• Maintain awareness, proactively participate and support all company policies regarding environmental protection
• Assist in the continual improvement of an effective Integrated Management System complying with the requirements of ISO 14001 to latest revision
• Assist in achieving Site, Departmental, Regional and Global Environmental Management Program goals and objectives