Project Director
Houston, TX, US, TX, US
Hanwha Ocean is undergoing a transformative journey, evolving from a traditional shipbuilder into a comprehensive Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Installation, and Operation (EPCI(O)) solutions provider, offering products such as FPSO, FLNG, Offshore Renewables and other Floating Production Units.
The Offshore Business Division is proud to announce the establishment of new Global Business Centers marking a significant milestone in our journey toward becoming a project-centric and client-driven organization. This strategic expansion enhances our ability to deliver exceptional project execution and knowledge-driven operational models by seamlessly integrating the upstream cultures of Asia, Europe, and America.
Explore opportunities to be part of our dynamic team and contribute to groundbreaking projects that redefine the offshore industry
Position Overview
The Project Director holds full strategic and operational accountability for the successful delivery of large-scale offshore FPSO EPCIO projects, ensuring alignment with both contractual obligations and Hanwha Ocean’s internal governance standards. As the senior-most leader on the project, you will be responsible for driving performance across all phases of the project lifecycle, from concept through commissioning, while fostering a culture of excellence in safety, quality, and execution.
You will serve as the primary interface to the client, external stakeholders, and executive leadership, ensuring that all aspects of the project are executed to the highest standards in alignment with business objectives, safety commitments, and commercial expectations.
Key Responsibilities
1. Project Leadership & Governance
- Provide visionary and strategic leadership across complex, multidisciplinary project teams for FPSO project delivery.
- Establish and maintain a high-performance project organization with clearly defined roles, responsibilities, and accountabilities.
- Lead cross-functional alignment among Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Installation, and Commissioning disciplines.
- Serve as the ultimate authority for decision-making on project matters, with escalation to executive sponsors only as necessary.
- Ensure robust project governance through adherence to HO’s internal management systems, policies, and stage-gate review processes.
2. Execution Strategy & Performance Management
- Own and continuously refine the Project Execution Strategy, Project Execution Plan (PEP), and Business Plan, aligned with client objectives and commercial drivers.
- Drive excellence in HSSE culture, embedding safety leadership as a core project value.
- Monitor and report on project performance KPIs, ensuring that cost, schedule, quality, and safety targets are met or exceeded.
- Lead risk and opportunity management, change management processes, and ensure full alignment with contractual terms and client obligations.
- Champion digital project execution tools, data-driven decision-making, and best-in-class project controls.
3. Client & Stakeholder Relationship Management
- Act as the primary point of contact with the client and key external stakeholders, ensuring transparent, proactive communication and relationship management.
- Represent HO in high-level negotiations, client presentations, steering committees, and regulatory interfaces.
- Ensure that client requirements, expectations, and feedback are fully captured and integrated into the execution approach.
- Lead contract compliance, claims strategy, and commercial resolution efforts in collaboration with Legal and Commercial functions.
4. Organizational Development & Talent Leadership
- Build and mentor a high-performing project leadership team, with a focus on succession planning and cross-functional capability development.
- Drive functional excellence across HO departments by ensuring appropriate development plans, technical mentoring, and leadership coaching.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement within the project and broader organization.
- Champion the strategic development of HO’s project management and offshore execution competencies through hands-on leadership and mentoring.
Qualifications
- Proven track record (15+ years) in senior project leadership roles delivering large-scale offshore FPSO EPCIO projects globally.
- Deep understanding of offshore oil & gas project lifecycle, regulatory environments, and marine systems integration.
- Strong commercial acumen with experience managing project values > USD $1B.
- Demonstrated ability to lead multicultural, cross-disciplinary teams in remote offshore and global engineering environments.
- Effective communicator, negotiator, and client relationship builder at executive levels.
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field required; advanced degree (MBA or MSc) preferred.
- PMP or equivalent certification is a plus.
Success Metrics / Measures of Effectiveness
- Project KPIs: Financial performance (budget adherence, margin optimization), schedule compliance, HSSE record, quality metrics, and warranty outcomes.
- Client Satisfaction: Achievement of client acceptance, minimal punch list items, and high uptime/operational readiness in year-one performance.
- Talent Development: Demonstrated improvements in project leadership capability, employee retention, and readiness of succession candidates.
- Business Impact: Repeat business, strategic client relationships, contribution to company reputation and competitiveness in the FPSO market.
Diversity and Inclusion
Hanwha believes that diversity and inclusion are vital to our success. We believe that by embracing different ideas and approaches, we enhance our ability to deliver the best results for our employees, our environment, and ultimately our business partners and customers. We foster a culture where all colleagues are able to share their passions and ideas in order that we may collectively embrace and overcome the challenges in our industry, and work toward a brighter future.
Hanwha is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age, or any other federally protected class.
Nearest Major Market: Houston