Director of Projects

Director of ProjectsLocation: Houston, TX (Hybrid – 4 Days/Week) | Reports To: VP, Projects & Engineering | Contract-to-HireOverviewOur client is seeking an experienced Director of Projects to play a leadership role in the development and execution of a large-scale critical minerals refining and advanced materials manufacturing facility. The Director will serve as the principal owner-side representative responsible for overseeing technical project delivery, EPC contractor execution, construction performance, and related development activities.ResponsibilitiesProject Development & Owner-Side CoordinationCoordinate development-related activities and owner obligations necessary to advance the project through successive phases.Work collaboratively with the internal Project Manager to align owner-side development requirements with EPC execution plans.Identify, coordinate, and resolve development-related dependencies involving contractors, consultants, suppliers, service providers, and external stakeholders.Support planning and readiness activities for future phases of the facility.Maintain visibility into critical development commitments, outstanding issues, and decisions requiring management attention.Help establish practical coordination processes, procedures, and reporting practices appropriate for a growing Projects organization.EPC & Contractor InterfacesServe as a key owner-side interface with the EPC contractor on development, commercial, logistical, and nontechnical matters.Coordinate owner responsibilities and third-party requirements that affect EPC execution.Support resolution of contractual, procurement, logistical, and organizational interface issues.Participate in EPC meetings and commercial discussions as appropriate, working in coordination with the internal Project Manager.Support the evaluation and resolution of scope, contracting, and commercial matters in collaboration with legal, finance, engineering, and project management personnel.Maintain productive relationships with EPC representatives and other major project partners.Project Logistics & Infrastructure CoordinationCoordinate owner-side development logistics, including transportation, equipment deliveries, warehousing, material handling, and site access requirements.Interface with transportation providers, freight forwarders, logistics contractors, and other service providers.Support coordination of external infrastructure, utilities, and site services required for project development and execution.Identify potential logistical constraints and coordinate solutions with appropriate internal and external parties.Ensure alignment between owner-managed logistical activities and EPC construction requirements.Support logistics planning for subsequent development phases and future international facilities.Procurement & Commercial CoordinationSupport procurement planning and execution for selected owner-managed equipment, materials, and services.Assist with vendor identification, qualification, commercial evaluations, negotiations, and supplier coordination.Coordinate interfaces between owner-direct procurement activities and EPC-managed procurement.Support contract administration and resolution of commercial issues involving suppliers, contractors, and service providers.Monitor critical vendor commitments and delivery obligations within assigned areas of responsibility.Help establish procurement and commercial coordination practices that can be applied across future projects.External Stakeholder & Development InterfacesCoordinate with external consultants, infrastructure providers, service organizations, and other third parties involved in project development.Support permitting and regulatory coordination in collaboration with designated internal personnel and external specialists.Facilitate resolution of development-related issues involving external organizations.Support coordination of owner responsibilities related to site readiness, utilities, transportation access, and other third-party dependencies.Provide timely communication to company leadership regarding critical issues, risks, and required decisions.Organizational Development & Future ProjectsHelp establish owner-side project development, logistics, and procurement capabilities required to support the company's growth.Develop practical processes and working relationships that can be replicated across future projects.Contribute to planning and evaluation of subsequent domestic and international industrial developments.Apply experience with overseas projects to support future international contracting, logistics, infrastructure, and project development strategies.Support the evolution of the Projects organization as additional personnel and leadership positions are established.Required QualificationsBachelor's degree in business, supply chain management, construction management, engineering, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.Approximately 12–15+ years of relevant experience in major industrial project development, owner-side project coordination, EPC interfaces, procurement, logistics, or related functions.Demonstrated experience supporting complex, capital-intensive industrial projects.Strong familiarity with EPC contracting structures, industrial development processes, procurement practices, and project logistics.Experience working with major contractors, equipment suppliers, consultants, and external project stakeholders.Strong commercial judgment, contract awareness, negotiation capabilities, and problem-solving skills.Ability to manage complex interfaces and drive results across organizations without direct reporting authority.Excellent communication, organizational, and relationship management skills.Ability to work independently and effectively in a developing, entrepreneurial organization.Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.Preferred QualificationsInternational industrial project development or execution experience.Experience with major capital projects at significant scale.Background in refining, minerals processing, petrochemicals, specialty chemicals, metals, or advanced materials manufacturing.Experience working for a project owner, developer, or industrial operating company.Familiarity with international procurement, customs, heavy equipment transportation, and cross-border supply chains.Experience with greenfield industrial facilities and phased capital developments.Experience helping establish project development processes or owner-side project organizations.Commercially oriented with strong understanding of financial, contractual, and organizational implications of development decisions.Execution-focused with ability to take ownership and proactively resolve obstacles.Resourceful and adaptable in a growing organization where priorities evolve.Pay rate: $118/hr. This is a 3-month contract-to-hire position, Hybrid (4 Days/Week) in Houston, TX. Candidates must be authorized to work in the US (Green Card, TN Visa, US Citizen, or Citizen/Permanent Resident).