Contract Project Management Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases is a leading provider of cryogenic pumps, heat exchangers, process systems, turboexpanders, services, and solutions for the liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied hydrogen (LH2), and industrial gases industries. Applications include fueling stations, marine engines, peak shaving, power generation, virtual pipelines, carbon capture, geothermal power and well stimulation. We are a subsidiary of Nikkiso Company Ltd, a leading industrial manufacturer headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, with $1.5 B USD in annual revenue, 8000 + employees worldwide, and publicly traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

Summary/Objective

The Senior Director, Project Management serves as the executive leader responsible for the strategic oversight, governance, and successful delivery of all projects across the organization. This role provides enterprise-level leadership to the project management function, ensuring projects are executed efficiently, compliantly, and in alignment with organizational strategy and contractual commitments.

This position requires a seasoned leader with deep expertise in complex project delivery, contract interpretation, crossfunctional coordination, and team development. The Senior Director plays a critical role in translating contractual obligations and business objectives into executable project plans while driving operational excellence, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement across the project portfolio.

Annual Salary Range: $137,746.00 - $282,855.00 

Essential Functions/Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction, governance, and oversight for the enterprise project management function.
• Establish, implement, and continuously refine project management standards, methodologies, and best practices across the organization.
• Ensure consistent application of project management processes, tools, and controls, enforcing compliance and accountability.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of project managers and project leaders, fostering professional growth and succession planning.
• Review portfolio-level project performance, proactively identifying trends, risks, and opportunities to optimize outcomes.

• Review and interpret complex client and vendor contracts to ensure a clear understanding of scope, deliverables, milestones, and obligations.
• Translate contractual requirements into actionable project plans and execution strategies.
• Partner closely with Legal, Contracts, Finance, and Commercial teams to ensure full compliance with contract terms.
• Proactively identify contract risks, constraints, and dependencies, and implement mitigation strategies to protect organizational interests.

• Oversee the development of comprehensive project plans aligned with contractual commitments, financial targets, and organizational priorities.
• Ensure project execution remains aligned with approved scope, schedules, budgets, and performance metrics.
• Monitor progress across the project portfolio, ensuring timely delivery of milestones and contractual deliverables.
• Guide resolution of complex execution, scope, or contract-related challenges through strategic decision-making and escalation management.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position directly oversees the Projects Team, Plants across the business unit and provides mentorship to fellow departments which work in collaboration.  

Work Environment

This job operates in both a professional office and an industrial manufacturing environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, scanners, filing cabinets, as well as, exposure to small to large scale manufacturing equipment within the facility. The role will not be expected to operate manufacturing machinery.

Physical Demands

This job operates in both a professional office and an industrial manufacturing environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, scanners, filing cabinets, etc... as well as exposure to small to large scale manufacturing equipment within the facility. The role will not be expected to operate manufacturing machinery. Travel to customer and job sites, both domestically and internationally is required, approximately 10% and as needed.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Mechanical, Project Management, Engineering, Business Administration). A Master's degree is preferred. Proven experience in a senior project management role, with a track record of successfully delivering complex projects. Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams. Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities. In-depth knowledge of project management methodologies, tools, and best practices. Strong financial acumen and experience in budgeting and resource management. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously. Relevant certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional) or PRINCE2 are highly desirable.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Nikkiso CE&IG is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.