Director of Projects (with Fabrication focus)

The Director of Projects (Fabrication Focus) is responsible for leading and managing all fabrication-centric projects from initiation through execution and delivery. This role ensures projects meet performance, cost, quality, and schedule objectives, with a strong emphasis on aligning fabrication operations with client specifications and international standards.

Key Responsibilities

1. Project Leadership & Execution

• Lead end-to-end execution of fabrication-intensive projects, including pressure vessels, skids, modules, structural systems, and process equipment.

• Ensure all project deliverables are completed on time, within budget, and according to quality and safety standards.

• Review and approve project schedules, fabrication plans, and resource allocations.

2. Client & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients regarding project execution.

• Participate in project kickoff meetings, technical clarifications, and progress reviews.

• Ensure customer requirements are understood and translated into actionable plans.

3. Fabrication Oversight & Integration

• Coordinate closely with fabrication, welding, QA/QC, procurement, and engineering teams.

• Monitor shop progress, address bottlenecks, and ensure fabrication sequences are optimized.

• Oversee NDT, hydrotesting, surface treatment, and packaging stages to ensure compliance.

4. Cost Control & Risk Management

• Manage project budgets, track expenditures, and lead cost-control initiatives.

• Identify and mitigate risks across project lifecycle.

• Ensure change management protocols are followed with clients and internal teams.

5. Team Leadership & Development

• Lead a team of project managers, planners, fabrication coordinators, and site engineers.

• Establish KPIs, track performance, and promote a proactive project execution culture.

• Support training and development for project and fabrication management professionals.

Key Focus Areas

• Project Types:

  • Oil & Gas skids, turbine packages, compressor modules, heat exchangers, process skids, piping spools

  • Fabrication of ASME/API-compliant vessels, structures, and mechanical assemblies

• Fabrication Domains:

  • Heavy steel fabrication, welding (GTAW, FCAW, SMAW), machining, NDT, blasting/painting, modular assembly

• Tools & Software:

  • Primavera P6 / MS Project

  • ERP/MRP Systems (SAP, Oracle)

  • AutoCAD / SolidWorks (for drawing reviews)

  • Document Control: Aconex, SharePoint

• Compliance & Standards:

  • ASME Sec VIII / IX, API 650/660/676, ISO 9001, ISO 3834

  • OSHA / ISO 45001 / local safety regulations

• Performance Metrics:

  • Schedule adherence

  • Cost performance index (CPI), earned value management (EVM)

  • NCR & rework rate

  • Client satisfaction score / punch closure

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Education:

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Project Engineering

• Certifications (Preferred):

  • PMP or equivalent project management certification

  • Lean Six Sigma or Operational Excellence credentials

  • Welding Inspection or ASME code familiarity (CWI, CSWIP a plus)

• Experience:

  • 15+ years in project execution, with 5+ years in fabrication-focused projects

  • Proven leadership in managing large fabrication contracts for oil & gas or industrial EPC clients

• Core Skills:

  • Strong understanding of fabrication workflows and sequencing

  • Leadership and communication across multidisciplinary teams

  • Client-facing experience with strong negotiation and contract management skills

  • Analytical thinking with ability to make informed decisions under pressure