Construction Project Director – Thermal Power Generation

Overview

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission‑critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting‑edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Jacobs is seeking a seasoned Construction Project Director to lead the delivery of complex thermal power generation projects from early planning through commissioning. This role provides strategic direction, operational oversight, and leadership for large‑scale construction programs involving natural gas–fired power plants, simple or combined‑cycle facilities, reciprocating engine plants, and other thermal generation assets.

The Construction Project Director is accountable for ensuring that all construction activities are executed safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with regulatory, environmental, and client requirements. You will serve as the senior on‑site authority for power plant construction execution, driving performance across multidisciplinary teams and ensuring alignment with project objectives, budgets, and schedules.

• Provide executive‑level leadership for all construction phases, including site development, civil works, structural installation, mechanical systems, electrical and controls integration, and commissioning support.
• Oversee day‑to‑day construction operations, ensuring adherence to safety standards, QA/QC procedures, environmental regulations, and project specifications.
• Own all construction activities and outcomes to meet project and client expectations, proactively addressing challenges, bottlenecks, or foreseeable risks to avoid impact on agreed project milestones.
• Lead and mentor project managers, field engineers, superintendents, and construction support staff, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Drive strategy with respect to contractor scope, division of responsibilities, contractor qualification and selection, execution innovation, integrated purchasing, and work front planning to meet client schedule, cost, and quality expectations.
• Manage contractor performance, including contract administration, scope alignment, change management, and dispute resolution.
• Serve as the primary interface with clients, regulatory agencies, and key stakeholders, ensuring transparent communication and strong relationship management throughout the project lifecycle.
• Direct development and execution of project plans, budgets, schedules, risk registers, and progress reporting to ensure predictable project outcomes.
• Identify and mitigate construction risks, proactively resolving issues related to schedule delays, cost impacts, technical challenges, and resource constraints.
• Ensure seamless coordination between engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and operations teams to support integrated project delivery.
• Champion Jacobs’ Beyond Zero safety culture by enforcing safe work practices, conducting site audits, and ensuring compliance with OSHA, NFPA, and industry‑specific safety standards.
• Provide input into wider Jacobs business development efforts by contributing to pursuit strategies, client presentations, constructability reviews, and project execution strategies.

Greenville, South Carolina preferred. However will consider any Jacobs office location NATIONWIDE.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Engineering Management, Construction Management, or equivalent combination of education and extensive natural gas or thermal power construction experience.
• 15+ years of progressive experience managing large‑scale greenfields and brownfields power generation construction projects, including direct oversight of complex field construction activities.
• Prior leadership of >500 million dollar power plant construction programs under an EPC or EPCM contract structure.
• Demonstrated expertise in thermal power plant systems, including gas turbines, reciprocating engine generators, heat recovery systems, emissions control technologies, balance‑of‑plant systems, and…