Job Description

The VP, Capital Projects is an excellent opportunity for someone having experience from the owner’s side of managing large industrial plants ranging from US $300 million to $3 billion.  The VP of Capital Projects will have direct experience working with local and federal permitting authorities, communities, EPCM firms, utility suppliers, etc. to establish and execute a robust Project Execution Plan for the company’s greenfield projects.  A strong background in project management and previous experience managing senior PMs/Project Directors will provide the backbone to success of this role.   Experience in South America and Spanish language skills will be advantageous though not necessary if the candidate has other significant international experience.

The successful candidate will be familiar with best practices in capital management and able to recognize and institutionalize improvements. The individual will be adept at managing and delivering a portfolio of projects through a team of project managers, controllers, schedulers, project engineers, and permitting professionals that together are able to meet Company expectations for cost, scope, schedule, and internal reporting requirements. The individual will use their strong organizational savvy and relationship building skills to collaborate and influence both internal and external resources, producing alignment and tangible results.

The VP of Capital Projects will have the responsibility, accountability and authority to manage portfolio priorities, and execute the engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning as needed to meet project objectives.  The individual will ensure that a seamless Turnover of the project to Operations occurs and resolve any scenarios where the plant performance or operability does not align with applicable specifications and standards.  The individual will report directly to the Executive Vice President of the Brine Division.

This is an excellent opportunity to truly make an impact on the current and future success of the organization and grow with the company into a world class Lithium supplier.  We value our strong culture of engagement, commitment, collaboration, trust, and delivering results.  The successful candidate that shares these values will thrive both from a personally and professional perspective.  

Responsibilities

• Lead the Capital Projects team in staffing, procurement, contract management, progress reporting, risk management, and people management
• Create and implement comprehensive capital project portfolio execution strategy to include stake holder management and permits, schedules, budgets, procurement, resources, quality control, risks, construction, commissioning, change control, and communications
• Collaborate with a variety of internal and external stakeholders to vet projects, schedules, project financials, environmental/health/safety impacts, permitting, project feasibility, etc.
• Identify systematic opportunities and drive improvements in portfolio management as well as project execution
• Ensure compliance with corporate project governance requirements
• Provide direction and oversight throughout the project lifecycle
• Responsible for identification and management of Risk throughout the project
• Collaborate with the team on project administration (scheduling, estimating, cost management, schedule management, document control etc.) so that project resources are optimized to achieve objectives
• Lead the development of major projects through the definition phase, assembling development teams and securing through the company any funds needed for development
• Validate the project scope and execution plan of projects prior to approval for funding (AFE) and identify value engineering opportunities
• Cascades knowledge and best practices to all capital projects team members
• Communicates and resolves technical and commercial issues with Executive Leadership

Candidate Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in project management in either the Chemical and/or Mining industry.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (preferable Chemical) or equivalent from accredited university or institution
• Experience managing other PM and/or project directors on industrial projects
• Experience with managing projects utilizing a rigorous project stage gate process
• Experience working with and management of EPCM firms
• Self-starter that knows how to effectively manage multiple projects and competing priorities
• Understands and adheres to all policies, procedures, and guidelines pertaining to safety, health, environmental and quality assurance emphasizing this perspective in their own work and in the work of others
• Knows how to effectively exchange information, instructions and ideas within own work group and with other cross-functional groups
• Has advanced verbal and written communication skills and can adapt communication style to suit different audiences
• Must be eligible to work in the United States for any company in an ongoing capacity without company sponsorship
• Must be able to perform the physical requirements of the position

 Other

• Computer proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, and general database management skills
• PMP or other certifications in Project Management
• General experience using ERP systems.
• Hands on experience with scheduling software including P6 and MS Project
• Spanish speaking skills desired though not specifically required.

Compensation

• Salary range: $200K-$300K annually (commensurate with experience)
• Stock options
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• 401k with pre- and post-tax investing options
• Flexible Paid Time Off Policy
• Eight weeks of Paid Parental Leave
• Onsite Gym and Catered Lunch for Oakland Employees
• Monthly phone stipend

EEO Statement

Lilac Solutions is committed to providing a professional work environment free from discrimination and harassment, including discrimination and harassment based on a protected category, and an environment free from retaliation for participating in any protected activity.  Lilac Solutions is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment.