What are the responsibilities and job description for the Project Director - Contract position at Freeport LNG?
Job Summary
The Project Director is fully accountable for the safe, on-time, and on-budget delivery of large LNG and gas processing projects, including megaprojects exceeding $1B in total installed cost.
This executive leadership role oversees the complete project lifecycle—from early development and FEED through EPC execution, commissioning, start-up, and operational handover.
The Project Director establishes project execution strategy, leads the Owner’s Project Management Team (PMT), manages EPC contractors, interfaces with executive leadership and regulatory agencies, and ensures the project meets all commercial, safety, technical, and financial objectives.
Work Location: Houston, TX and Quintana, TX during Construction of the Project
Contract Role
Primary Duties and Responsibilities / Essential Functions
- Provide overall leadership and direction for the project organization, including Owner’s PMT and EPC contractors.
- Define and implement project execution strategy, contracting strategy, and governance framework.
- Champion a strong HSE and process safety culture throughout all phases of the project.
- Ensure compliance with OSHA PSM, FERC, PHMSA, NFPA, environmental regulations, and applicable codes.
- Ensure robust project controls systems including cost management, schedule control, risk management, and change management.
- Lead EPC contracting strategy and oversee contract negotiations and claims management.
- Identify and mitigate strategic, commercial, technical, and regulatory risks.
- Maintain executive relationships with joint venture partners, regulators, lenders, and key stakeholders.
- Build and lead a high-performing, multi-disciplinary PMT.
- Ensure early integration of Operations and Maintenance into project design and execution.
- Oversee commissioning, start-up, and achievement of nameplate capacity and performance guarantees.
Education, Certification, and Experience
Minimum Education: Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Civil, Electrical), Construction Management, Project Controls, or related technical discipline.
Preferred Education: MBA, M.Sc., or other advanced business or technical degree.
- Minimum 20 years of experience in large project ($1B ) execution
- Preferred: 30 years of experience in similar role
- Minimum 15 years in senior leadership roles managing large capital projects.
- Direct experience leading LNG or gas processing megaprojects.
- Proven experience delivering projects exceeding $1B total installed cost.
- Experience with brownfield and greenfield LNG developments.
- Experience with FERC and PHMSA regulatory frameworks.
- Professional certifications such as PMP, PgMP, or PE license (preferred).
Core Competencies
- Executive Leadership and Strategic Alignment
- Megaproject Governance and Stage-Gate Management
- Advanced Project Controls and Capital Stewardship
- LNG Process Technology and Gas Processing Knowledge
- Contract Strategy and Claims Management
- Risk and Crisis Management
- Financial Acumen and Capital Allocation Discipline
- Organizational Development and Talent Leadership
- Executive-Level Communication and Negotiation Skills
Work Environment and Physical Demands
Combination of executive office setting and active industrial construction environments.
Domestic and international travel may be required.
Must be able to wear required PPE and access all areas of industrial facilities including elevated structures and confined spaces.
Work Authorization/Security Clearance (if applicable)
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship.
- Valid Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC) required.