Project Director

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Mission

The Project Director will manage the feasibility study and preliminary engineering for a large-scale EAF steelmaking facility project in La Louvière, Belgium. This role requires a highly experienced individual with a strong background in the integrated design and development of steelmaking facilities. The Project Director will oversee both process scope (inside battery limits) and balance of plant (outside of battery limits), ensuring seamless integration between the two areas, from concept through to preliminary design.

The successful candidate will be responsible for defining the project’s technical scope, managing cross-functional teams, and ensuring that the project meets key objectives in terms of cost, schedule, quality, and sustainability. This role also requires significant experience in driving the development of an integrated steelmaking facility design, which includes both the steelmaking process (scope of an OEM) and the necessary Balance of Plant scope and project infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

1. Feasibility Study Management:
   1. Lead Feasibility Study: Manage all aspects of the feasibility study, including assessing the technical, financial, environmental, and regulatory viability of the new steelmaking facility.
   2. Process and Plant Integration: Manage development and evaluation of multiple design alternatives for both process scope (inside battery limits) and balance of plant (outside battery limits) to optimize efficiency, cost, and operational flexibility.
   3. Stakeholder Engagement: Work closely with key stakeholders, including internal business units, authorities, and environmental agencies, to gather input, address concerns, and ensure alignment with long-term business objectives.
   4. Risk Management: Identify potential risks and challenges related to technical, operational, and environmental factors. Develop strategies to mitigate risks and provide a robust risk assessment framework.
2. Preliminary Engineering Management:
   1. Integrated Design Leadership: Oversee the preliminary engineering for both the steelmaking process (blast furnace, electric arc furnace, steelmaking equipment) and balance of plant (utilities, infrastructure, logistics, waste treatment, and site preparation).
   2. Design Optimization: Ensure the design integrates the steelmaking process with the necessary auxiliary systems, including material handling, energy supply, water treatment, and waste management systems.
   3. Define Engineering Scope: Lead the detailed development of the project’s scope for the preliminary engineering phase, including the establishment of clear deliverables, design milestones, and timeline for each area (process scope and balance of plant).
   4. Coordination with Engineering Teams: Collaborate with in-house engineers, third-OEM contractors, and consultants to deliver preliminary designs that meet operational needs while optimizing cost, safety, and performance.
3. Project Scope & Budget Management:
   1. Scope Definition and Control: Ensure the full project scope, including both process scope and balance of plant, is well defined, documented, and aligned with the business requirements. Establish detailed technical specifications and design requirements for all key systems.
   2. Budget Management: Develop and manage the overall project budget, including cost estimates for both process and infrastructure components. Monitor ongoing costs and implement corrective actions when necessary to stay on budget.
   3. Schedule Control: Develop a detailed project schedule for the feasibility and preliminary engineering phases. Ensure timely delivery of design milestones, and monitor progress to ensure alignment with the overall project timeline.
   4. Lead Multidisciplinary Team: Manage and lead a diverse team of engineers, project managers, analysts, and support staff across various disciplines (civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, process, environmental, etc.).
   5. Foster Team Collaboration: Promote a collaborative, high-performance team culture, ensuring open communication across all levels of the project team and external partners.
   6. Mentorship: Provide guidance, mentorship, and support to engineers, and other staff involved in the project. Ensure knowledge transfer and professional development within the team.
4. Stakeholder Management & Communication:
   1. Engage with Stakeholders: Maintain close communication with internal stakeholders, including executive leadership, finance, and operations teams, to ensure the project aligns with overall corporate goals and strategy.
   2. External Relations: Build and maintain relationships with key external stakeholders, including contractors, regulators, local government agencies, and suppliers, to ensure alignment and address concerns.
   3. Reporting: Provide regular project updates, presentations, and reports to senior management and external stakeholders. Ensure that all parties are informed about project status, key decisions, and potential risks.
5. Risk, Quality, and Safety Management:
   1. Risk Identification and Mitigation: Identify potential technical, operational, financial, and regulatory risks early in the project. Develop comprehensive mitigation strategies and ensure that risk management practices are embedded in every stage of the project.
   2. Quality Control: Ensure that the project adheres to the highest quality standards in both process design and infrastructure development. Oversee the establishment of quality assurance protocols and ensure that engineering deliverables meet or exceed expectations.
   3. Health, Safety & Environment (HSE): Promote a strong safety culture and ensure the project complies with all local and international HSE standards and regulations. Lead safety reviews and audits and ensure safety considerations are integrated into design and operational planning.
   4. Contractor Selection and Oversight: Oversee the selection and management of external engineering contractors, design firms, and suppliers for the feasibility and preliminary engineering phases. Ensure alignment with project objectives, budget, and quality standards.
   5. Contract Negotiations: Support contract negotiations, ensuring favourable terms and clear deliverables. Monitor contractor performance and ensure compliance with timelines, budget, and project specifications.
   6. Procurement Oversight: Collaborate with the procurement team to ensure the timely and cost-effective acquisition of materials, equipment, and services required for the project.

Education

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, Metallurgical, or related discipline).
• PMP (Project Management Professional) certification or equivalent would be a strong advantage.

Experience

• Steelmaking Facility Expertise: At least 15 years of experience in large-scale industrial projects, specifically within steelmaking or heavy industry, with a strong emphasis on integrated facility design and construction.
• Project Management: Proven track record in managing feasibility studies, early engineering phases and execution of complex industrial projects, with a deep understanding of both process design (inside battery limits) and balance of plant (outside battery limits).
• Design Integration: Extensive experience in managing integrated design development, ensuring seamless coordination between core process design and supporting infrastructure.
• Leadership: Experience leading large, multidisciplinary teams in the execution of major capital projects, including managing contractors, engineers, and external consultants.

Skills

• Technical Knowledge: In-depth understanding of steelmaking technologies (electric arc furnace) and infrastructure (utilities, material handling, waste management, logistics).
• Project Management Skills: Strong project management skills, including budgeting, scheduling, risk management, scope definition, and change management.
• Leadership & Communication: Strong leadership, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage teams effectively and communicate with stakeholders at all levels.
• Risk Management: Expertise in identifying and mitigating technical, financial, and operational risks in large-scale projects.
• Software Proficiency: Familiarity with project management tools (MS Project, Primavera), engineering software (AutoCAD, Revit), and other relevant tools.

Desired Attributes

• Strategic Vision: Ability to think strategically and translate high-level business objectives into actionable project plans and designs.
• Problem Solving: Strong analytical skills and the ability to solve complex engineering and project management problems with creative solutions.
• Sustainability Focus: A deep commitment to sustainability and environmental considerations in the design and operation of industrial facilities.

Working Conditions

• Location: Based in La Louvière, Belgium, with occasional travel to other project sites, contractor offices, and external meetings.
• Hours: Full-time, with flexibility required to meet project deadlines. Occasional extended hours may be necessary.
• Travel: Some domestic and international travel may be required during key project phases.

Why choosing NLMK?

This detailed job description outlines the responsibilities, qualifications, and skills required for the Project Director role, focusing on managing the feasibility study and preliminary engineering phases of an integrated EAF steelmaking facility in Europe. The Project Director will play a critical leadership role in driving the successful development of the project from concept through to preliminary design.

Are you interested? Send us your application