Welcome to the Post Pollution Future with LanzaTech

A post-pollution world is inevitable, and people will either be part of it, or the planet will go on without us. At LanzaTech, our technology platform is transforming waste carbon into everyday products, to meet the needs of this moment. Our science is state-of-the-art, but the idea is simple. We use nature to heal nature. We capture carbon emissions which are then fed into bioreactors where trillions of carbon-hungry microbes go to work. These tiny dynamos consume the waste gases and produce valuable raw material commodities. Pure enough to be resold, repurposed, and recycled again — from sustainable jet fuel to beverage bottles, to yoga pants.

Founded in New Zealand, we are a global women-led company with an international footprint and a diverse employee population. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion are a key part of our mission and core values which we show through our hiring, our leadership, our efforts to educate internally and willingness to learn.

In addition, we have announced our plan to merge with AMCI Acquisition Corp. II and expect to become a publicly traded company on Nasdaq. Come join the team as we strive to make a Post Pollution Future!

Exciting collaborations with LanzaTech (LT) CarbonSmartTM Products:

• 2022 – Coty, Inc. – LT recycled carbon ethanol to be used in majority of fragrance portfolio by 2023
• 2021 – ZARA – cutting edge, high fashion black dresses made from LT recycled carbon
• 2021 – lululemon – sports apparel made from LT Recycled carbon
• 2021 – L’Oréal – partnership to make packaging with LT recycled carbon

Notable acknowledgments

• 2021 – Biofuels Digest #1 Hottest Company in Renewable Fuels, Chemicals & Biomaterials
• 2020 – Biofuels Digest #3 Best Company to work for in the Advanced Bioeconomy
• 2020 – Fast Company World Changing Company
• 2020 – CNBC #43 on Top 50 Disrupter Companies list

Interested in learning more? Visit us at www.LanzaTech.com and download/stream our latest CarbonSmartTM Podcast on Apple, Google, Spotify or wherever you receive your podcasts!

This position is open to candidates authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis for any employer. LanzaTech is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.

Position Summary:

• Total project accountability for the successful execution of build, own, & operate projects with a "safety first" culture throughout the entire scope of the project.
• Develops project execution concept & subcontracting strategy.
• Directs complex engineering projects requiring global resources and multiple partners.
• Takes an active role in the development of contracts necessary for the project.
• Complete responsibility for project performance to meet schedule and budget.
• Direct management of project team and corporate functions (including engineering, procurement, legal, services, vendors, subcontractors, and owner’s engineer).
• Direct interface with client and / or project sponsors
• Communicate project status to senior management and stakeholders with regular project updates, identify issues that could impact project performance, and lead the corrective action effort to put solutions and resolutions into place.

Specific Job Function & Major Activities:

• Leadership role for developing and implementing project execution and quality plans
• Develop organizational structure, staffing requirements, and deployment of personnel
• Work with the business and sales support to develop proposal and project charter.
• Develop project schedule with critical milestones and track against actual progress and recommend changes required to keep project on target
• Set-up project goals and maintain project controls utilizing established internal reporting procedures in order to keep project on budget.
• Manage project staff, schedule and conduct status meetings and document action items
• Manage project scope changes and required change orders with vendors and subcontractors
• Directly interface with contractors including EPC and owner’s engineer
• Directly interface with local officials and other government agencies to obtain necessary permits
• Conducts risk assessment to identify potential major project pitfalls
• Assist business leadership with negotiating and closing contracts with key customers and partners for items such as site purchase or lease, feedstock supply, product offtake, and required utilities.
• Continuously develop, improve, and maintain engineering tools and project templates
• Lead efforts to improve the company’s global work processes, costs, and execution schedules
• Develop and retain internal talent through coaching, mentorship, and performance development plans
• Maintain a continuous improvement mindset, looking for productivity gains through project closeout meetings and document lessons learned for future projects.
• Leads on resolution of warranty claims and performance shortfalls
• Leads in documenting project reports including lessons learnt as necessary
• Travels internationally to support execution of customer projects and start-up services

Basic Qualifications:

• 4 yr. Engineering degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or related Engineering (MBA is a plus)
• Minimum 20 years of professional experience comprised of project execution and supporting plant operations in addition to capital project development and management
• Proven experience as a project manager or project director for large capital projects (>$200MM)
  • Experience of leading projects through all stages from initial conception through to final commissioning, start-up and handover.
  • Experience of managing globally dispersed project teams
  • Experience managing the award and execution of large EPC and construction contracts
• Strong leadership, organizational, and multi-tasking skills
• Aggressive risk management approach; ability to anticipate problems before they impact project schedule and budget
• Ability to build and lead a diverse team and operate in a fast paced, global, entrepreneurial environment is key
• Ability to gather data, set priorities, and meet deadlines / project goals
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and team player mentality
• Self-motivated with the ability to take initiative and intelligent risks
• A valid passport is required

What will put you ahead:

• Experience with the design and build of a “grass roots” greenfield or brownfield plant in the refinery, chemical, or renewable energy industry (site selection and permitting through start up and operation)

Work Conditions:

• The role will be based at the Skokie IL, USA office. 
• The Project Director will be expected to travel frequently to the offices of engineering contractors and key project stake holders
• During the construction and commissioning phases of the project the Project Director shall have a significant presence at the Job site.