Terminal Automation Project Manager

Vopak; Plaquemine (LA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical / Dental / Vision Insurance

401(k) Incentive Savings Plan

Tuition Reimbursement

Paid Holidays

Paid Time Off and Sick Days

Job summary

Vopak is seeking a Terminal Automation Project Manager to oversee the planning and execution of automation projects at terminals. This role requires strong project management skills along with expertise in industrial automation frameworks.

The ideal candidate will have over 5 years in project management, proficiency with budgeting, and knowledge of systems like PLCs and DCS. The position includes competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career growth.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years of project management experience.
• Strong domain expertise in automation and control systems.
• PMP or PRINCE2 certification highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead project planning and execution for terminal automation.
• Manage budgets, timelines, and stakeholder communications.
• Ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards.

Skills

Project management in automated industrial settings

Understanding of industrial automation frameworks

Technical vendor negotiation

Ability to manage diverse teams

Adaptability to flexible shifts

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

MS Project

CAD or SolidWorks

Job description

Start your career as a Terminal Automation Project Manager at Vopak and contribute to social themes such as energy security and energy transition. We offer you a working environment that is safe and pleasant and where equality, diversity and satisfaction are of paramount importance.

Ready to develop yourself and make a positive impact? Improve the world and start as a Terminal Automation Project Manager at Vopak.

What will you do as a Terminal Automation Project Manager?

The Terminal Automation Project Manager is responsible for leading the end‑to‑end planning, execution, and delivery of terminal automation and process control solutions. Acting as the primary bridge between engineering, IT, vendor partners, and operations, you will oversee three separate terminal automation upgrades, migrating from the existing end‑of‑life DCS systems to one of the market‑leading DCS products that is the right for each respective terminal. Your ultimate goal is to deliver projects safely, on time, and within budget to drive terminal efficiency, throughput, and safety in a brownfield terminal environment.

What do we offer you?

• Competitive, market‑based compensation package depending on your experience and knowledge.
• Career development and growth opportunities.
• Medical / Dental / Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account Options
• Short Term/Long Term Disability Insurance
• Basic and Supplemental Life/AD&D Insurance
• 401(k) Incentive Savings Plan
• Paid Holidays (Fixed and floating)
• Paid Time Off and Sick Days
• Additional Benefits:
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Accident Insurance
  • Legal Plan
  • Critical Illness Insurance
  • Hospital Indemnity Insurance
  • Legal Plan
  • ID Theft Insurance
  • Universal Life

What do we expect from you as a Terminal Automation Project Manager?

• Experience: Minimum 5+ years of project management experience within a heavily automated industrial setting—ideally marine ports, bulk liquid terminals, logistics hubs, or heavy manufacturing.
• Technical Domain Expertise: Strong understanding of industrial automation frameworks, including:
  • Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Distributed Control Systems (DCS), or SCADA.
  • Terminal Management Software (e.g., Toptech TMS, Honeywell Terminal Manager) or Terminal Operating Systems (TOS).
  • Basic networking infrastructure, field instrumentation, and electrical schematics (P&ID drawings).
• Soft Skills: Proven ability to manage cross‑functional, multicultural teams and negotiate effectively with high‑stakes external vendors and stakeholders.
• Adaptability: Willingness to work flexible shifts during critical system testing windows and travel between Louisiana and Texas - with the lead office based in Texas project sites as needed (typically up to 20-30%).
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science, or a closely related technical field.
• Project Management Certification: PMP (Project Management Professional) or PRINCE2 certification is highly desirable.
• Tools: Proficiency with advanced project scheduling tools (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet) and basic exposure to CAD or SolidWorks software.

All Company Core Competencies

• Eagerness to Learn
• Problem Analysis & Judgment
• Communication & Listening
• Planning & Organizing
• Discipline
• Teamwork

What does your day look like?

Your Core Responsibilities Are

Project Leadership & Delivery

• A-to-Z Execution: Define project scope, milestones, and deliverables from initial concept and business case through implementation and final commissioning/handover.
• Budget & Timeline Management: Track project hours, resource allocations, and financial forecasts while proactively managing critical paths and mitigating project risks.
• Site Handover: Coordinate Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), Installation Qualification (IQ), and final deployment protocols. astell.sk

System Integration & Vendor Management

• Vendor Coordination: Act as the primary technical point of contact for external automation software developers, equipment manufacturers, and local sub‑contractors.
• Contract Lifecycle: Draft and evaluate User Requirement Specifications (URS), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and change control documentations.
• Tech Alignment: Collaborate with IT/OT teams to integrate automated hardware with existing core systems (such as Terminal Operating Systems [TOS], ERP/SAP, or gate access controls).

Operations, Safety & Quality Assurance

• Safety Compliance: Ensure all projects are implemented in accordance with industrial safety codes, site‑specific safety regulations, and environmental standards.
• Change Management: Work closely with change management and union labor representatives to facilitate smooth process transitions, workforce training, and operational turnovers.
• Continuous Improvement: Document post‑project evaluations and lessons learned to optimize future technological rollouts across terminal assets.

Work Environment

Office AND Terminal Employee

This position requires an employee to be in an office environment as well as exposed to outside elements. Most extreme elements are heat in the summer months of up to 104°F (40°C) and some exposure to cold of generally no less than 15°F (-10°C) in the winter months. There will be exposure to various chemicals and compounds, including fumes and smells, some of them hazardous. The employee may enter confined spaces and work in elevated environments. Employees must be able to wear PPE required by the location. General office noise may be experienced and louder sounds and vibrations when outside. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. All environments are safe with appropriate PPE.

Physical Demands

Office AND Terminal Employee

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, sit, speak and hear. The employee is required to stand, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; the employee may be required, on occasion, to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee may be required to climb ladders/storage tanks up to 50' in height. The employee may be required to enter confined spaces. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Employees may be required to travel by air, rail, bus, or car.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States. The Company will not sponsor immigration or work visas.

Inclusion & Diversity

Vopak stores vital products with care. Our commitment to care extends to all our stakeholders, including our own employees, new talents and people in our local communities around the globe. We believe that each individual has the right to be treated with respect and dignity, and to work in a professional atmosphere that promotes equal opportunities and prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, political orientation or trade union membership, allowing everyone at Vopak to develop their full potential.

It is Vopak’s policy to employ and administer employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, citizenship status, or status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam Era and in accordance with federal and state civil rights laws.

Accommodations

If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre‑employment testing, or a job interview, or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

Want to start as a Terminal Automation Project Manager at Vopak?

Are you ready to share your vision and contribute to Vopak's projects? Then start as a Terminal Automation Project Manager and apply now!