Manager, Pre-Construction

OPAL Fuels (Nasdaq: OPAL) is a leader in the capture and conversion of biogas into low carbon intensity RNG and renewable electricity. OPAL Fuels is also a leader in the marketing and distribution of RNG to heavy duty trucking and other hard-to-decarbonize industrial sectors.

About the role

The Manager, Preconstruction is responsible for leading the development of Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) and other capital projects from concept through Final Investment Decision (FID). This role drives early project planning activities, including FEL/FEED development, permitting, interconnections, estimating, scheduling, risk management, and execution planning to ensure projects are fully defined and ready for construction. Working closely with Business Development, Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Operations, the Manager, Preconstruction ensures a seamless transition from project development to execution while minimizing risk and maximizing project value.

Candidates must have at least 10 years of experience in industrial capital projects, preferably within RNG, biogas, oil and gas, refining, chemical processing, or related process industries. The position may be based anywhere in the continental United States during the first year of employment, with relocation to the Charlotte, NC area expected thereafter. A reasonable commute to a major commercial airport and the ability to travel are required.

Responsibilities

• Lead all preconstruction activities from project origination through Final Investment Decision (FID)
• Develop preliminary scope, schedule, budget, cash flow, and execution strategies
• Coordinate FEL studies, engineering, permitting, interconnection, survey, geotechnical, and environmental activities
• Manage engineering and equipment RFP processes and support vendor selection
• Drive early engagement with utilities, pipeline operators, regulators, and local authorities
• Identify and mitigate project risks, scope gaps, and development constraints
• Coordinate cross-functional alignment between Business Development, Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Operations
• Prepare project financing and approval packages for investment decisions
• Ensure project readiness and successful handoff to the execution team

Requirements

• BS in Electrical, Mechanical or Chemical Engineering from an ABET-accredited university. Advanced degree (MS or MBA) preferred
• PMP certification preferred but not required
• 10+ years of industrial scale project management experience
• Experience working on gas processing projects such as RNG, gas transmission and compression, gas treating, air separation, LNG, CNG, hydrogen, or related
• Demonstrable experience & understanding of Business Development activities and commercial relationship management
• Must be able to adapt and pivot in response to changes on a day-to-day basis
• Demonstrable skills and experience with Autodesk Construction Cloud, Procore, Primavera, or MS Project
• Strong understanding of project controls and contract management. Experience managing projects with CAPEX greater than $50M
• Ability to manage concurrent projects in multiple states
• Approximately 30% travel overnight normally, but during plant commissioning your presence may be required on-site daily
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills
• A strong candidate will have an existing network of vendors, consultants, and contractors throughout the US and be able to deploy those resources to support the overall goals of the Upstream Construction group
• Must have appropriate experience within the United States

Schedule

Standard Monday - Friday, 1st shift (exempt position); must be available for after-hours/weekend calls as business needs demand.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This position requires the ability to perform both office-based and field/site work.
• Office responsibilities include extended periods of sitting and working at a computer, with frequent use of hands and fingers for typing and operating standard office equipment. The individual must be able to read and interpret reports, schedules, drawings, and digital displays.
• Periodic standing, walking, reaching, bending, kneeling, crouching, and stooping are required.
• Field responsibilities include performing walk downs at active construction, industrial, or operational sites; walking on uneven or unimproved surfaces such as gravel, dirt, concrete, steel grating, and scaffolding; climbing stairs, ladders (including vertical ladders), and scaffolding; working at heights and in confined or congested spaces.
• Must safely wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), which may include hard hats, safety glasses, steel toe boots, gloves, hearing protection, fall protection equipment, and respirators as dictated by site conditions.
• The position requires the ability to work in outdoor and industrial environments with potential exposure to varying weather conditions, noise, dust, lighting, and nearby moving equipment, while maintaining situational awareness and adherence to safety protocols.
• Travel and extended work hours may be required to support project needs.

Pay

The range for this role is anticipated to be $180,000 - $200,000 annually with bonus for eligible positions. Where a specific pay range is noted, it is a good faith estimate at the time of this posting. The actual salary offered will be based on experience, skills, qualifications, market/business considerations, and geographic location.

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short & Long Term Disability
• 401(k) plus Matching Contributions
• Tuition Assistance
• Referral Bonus
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Ten Paid Holidays