Senior Project Manager

About the role

Backed by an over 130-year history, Ecovyst has evolved into a platform of leading sulfur solutions united by a shared commitment to reliability, innovation, and performance. We have carefully cultivated our reputation as a premier provider of virgin sulfuric acid, sulfuric acid regeneration services, and sulfuric acid derivatives. We provide specialty grade high-purity virgin sulfuric acid for a number of diverse and growing end uses. Among them are mining, particularly copper for electronics applications, production of electric vehicles and the ongoing expansion of data centers across the globe, and industrial applications including our customers’ production of nylon precursors, production of lead acid batteries for all types of vehicles, industrial and municipal water treatment, and refining and petrochemical processes. Ecoservices provides sulfuric acid regeneration, produces virgin sulfuric acid, and offers chemical waste handling and treatment services. Calabrian produces high-value sulfur dioxide and derivative solutions, enabling us to serve a broader set of essential industries. Chem32 sulfides and activates catalysts for refining and renewable fuel processes.

The Eco-Services Houston site requires a Senior Project Manager to lead capital projects for its Sulfuric Acid Regeneration Units from front-end definition through start-up and closeout. Project total installed costs range from $1.0MM to $25.0MM with project drivers that include process safety, reliability, environmental compliance, increased efficiency, and strategic growth. The Senior Project Manager carries end-to-end accountability for safety, scope, cost, schedule, and quality, and leads cross-functional and contractor teams in an operating plant. The Senior Project Manager must develop and defend sound project alternatives, present stage-gate funding packages to capital leadership, and coach project engineers. The Senior Project Manager will serve as the project lead on PHA, MOC, and PSSR reviews.

Responsibilities

• Lead capital projects through the FEL 1 to FEL 3 stage-gate process, including business case, alternatives selection, basis of design, and FEL 3 funding packages.
• Develop and submit capital project appropriation requests, supplemental funding requests, and MOCs for scope changes.
• Build AACE Class 3 and Class 2 cost estimates with engineering contractors, and set risk-based contingency.
• Run PDRI assessments and present gate packages to capital leadership.
• Own the project execution plan, contracting and procurement strategy, and long-lead equipment plan.
• Manage EPC, engineering, fabrication, and construction contractors, including scope, change orders, and claims.
• Build and maintain Level 3 critical-path schedules; coordinate tie-ins and outages with Operations and Turnaround Planning.
• Track actuals, commitments, estimate to complete, and forecast at completion monthly, and report variances early.
• Drive process safety deliverables: PHA/HAZOP participation, MOC, relief and SIS design basis, PSI updates, and PSSR.
• Ensure air, water, and boiler and pressure vessel permits are identified early and in place before construction or start-up.
• Enforce site safety requirements for contractors, including permits to work, LOTO, confined space, and hot work.
• Lead constructability reviews, SIMOPS planning, mechanical completion, commissioning, and start-up.
• Manage projects in the field during construction, including during unit turnarounds.
• Close out projects with as-builts, turnover packages, and lessons learned.
• Coach and develop project engineers and junior project managers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Chemical, Mechanical, Civil, or Electrical Engineering.
• At least 10 years of capital project experience, including at least 5 years as a project manager in chemical, petrochemical, refining, or similar process industries.
• Proven delivery of brownfield projects in operating plants, including tie-ins during outages or turnarounds.
• Working knowledge of OSHA PSM (29 CFR 1910.119), MOC, and PSSR.
• Knowledge of applicable codes, including ASME B31.1/B31.3, ASME Section I/VIII, API, and NFPA.
• Experience with stage-gate (FEL) project development and AACE estimate classes.
• Strong cost and schedule control skills and proficiency in MS Project or Primavera P6 and Excel.
• Experience managing contractors under lump-sum, unit-rate, and T&M contracts.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills, including presentations to senior leadership.
• Ability to travel up to 25% and work extended hours during turnarounds and start-ups.
• Must be able to obtain a TWIC card.

• PMP certification preferred; PE license a plus.
• Sulfuric acid, acid regeneration, boiler and steam system, or corrosive-service experience preferred.
• SAP experience for purchasing, WBS cost tracking, and capital closeout preferred.
• Knowledge of BMS/DCS/SIS projects and environmental compliance projects preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Full benefit package
• 401k matching
• Tuition Reimbursement