Project Manager - Automation & Controls

Audubon is currently seeking an Automation Project Manager to join our Houston, TX Technology Center office. The Automation Project Manager will be accountable for the overall direction, coordination, implementation, execution, control, and completion of complex automation projects within the oil and gas, hydrocarbon processing, and heavy industrial markets. This role manages project scope, schedule, budget, quality, client communication, multidisciplinary coordination, and automation deliverables to ensure consistency with company strategy, commitments, safety expectations, and client goals.

 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Creates and executes project work plans and revises as appropriate to meet changing needs, client requirements, and project objectives.
• Defines and manages project scope, schedule, budget, deliverables, and execution strategy for automation projects.
• Manages day-to-day operational aspects of assigned projects, including scope control, schedule performance, cost tracking, change management, and client communication.
• Leads automation project execution from conceptual design through engineering, procurement, construction support, implementation, commissioning, and closeout.
• Manages automation scope involving PLC, HMI, DCS, SIS, electrical design, instrumentation design, panel fabrication, building fabrication, industrial networking, and Industrial IT systems.
• Identifies resources needed and coordinates responsibilities across automation engineers, project engineers, designers, drafters, project controls, procurement, quality, finance, accounting, vendors, and client teams.
• Builds, organizes, and leads highly functional project teams, including automation engineers and supporting technical personnel.
• Reviews deliverables prepared by the project team before submission to the client.
• Effectively applies Audubon methodology and enforces project standards, quality procedures, SOPs, and applicable client requirements.
• Coordinates interface management across engineering disciplines, vendors, construction teams, commissioning teams, and client stakeholders.
• Prepares for engagement reviews, project reviews, and quality assurance procedures.
• Manages project budgets, supplier invoice payment, cost reporting, forecasting, backlog reporting, and overall financial performance.
• Determines appropriate revenue recognition, ensures timely and accurate invoicing, and monitors receivables for assigned projects.
• Follows up with clients, when necessary, regarding unpaid invoices.
• Analyzes project profitability, revenue, margins, bill rates, efficiency, utilization, and project performance trends.
• Reviews project transaction reports regularly to validate accuracy and completeness.
• Manages and processes internal and client-driven changes associated with scope, schedule, budget, and technical requirements.
• Drives Management of Change philosophy and enforces corresponding procedures.
• Generates and distributes periodic project reports internally and to clients to communicate progress, risks, action items, cost status, and schedule performance.
• Conducts internal and client meetings at appropriate frequency to support project execution, alignment, and decision-making.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for clients during the life of the project, ensuring requests are processed timely and appropriately.
• Works closely with clients to identify opportunities to add value through additional technologies, systems, and solutions that enhance operational effectiveness, safety, and reliability.
• Supports business development activities with active and prospective clients, including identifying opportunities, supporting proposals, developing engineering budgets, and preparing cost estimates.
• Manages execution of T&M, Lump Sum, automation, and small to midsized EPC or EPC-related projects, as assigned.
• Minimizes company exposure and risk on projects through proactive planning, communication, documentation, and issue resolution.
• Ensures project documents are complete, current, accurate, and stored appropriately.
• Supervises, coaches, and mentors project engineers, project coordinators, project administrators, and technical team members assigned to the project.
• Consistently acknowledges and appreciates team member contributions and effectively utilizes each team member to their fullest potential.
• Motivates teams to work together efficiently and instills a sense of project ownership and accountability.
• Identifies opportunities for team member improvement and provides constructive feedback and guidance.
• Keeps track of lessons learned and shares those lessons with team members.
• Mitigates team conflict and resolves communication issues.
• Suggests areas for improvement in internal processes and recommends practical solutions.
• Leads and/or participates as a contributing member of internal teams, business unit initiatives, and task forces.
• Complies with and helps enforce standard company policies and procedures.

Health, Safety, and Environmental Responsibilities:

• All employees are responsible for supporting Audubon Companies’ Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) policies and procedures. This includes:
• Performing duties in a manner that protects personal and team health and safety
• Participating in required HSE training, meetings, and reporting activities
• Identifying and reporting hazards, near misses, and unsafe conditions
• Following safe work practices and complying with applicable regulatory requirements

 

EXPERIENCE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

• Associate’s degree and 7+ years of on-the-job training/education, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field.
• Preferred: MBA and/or Project Management Professional certification.
• Minimum of 5 years of industry-related experience as a Project Manager, Project Engineer, Automation Lead, or similar role.
• Preferred: 10+ years of experience managing automation, controls, engineering, or multidisciplinary projects within the oil and gas, hydrocarbon processing, or heavy industrial industries.
• Preferred: Electrical Buildings Fabrication and Panel Fabrication projects is a plus.

No Recruiters, please!

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled