Manager Capital Projects Jobs in Baton Rouge, LA

The Capital Projects Manager drives operational initiatives across the facility by leading projects that improve safety, efficiency, reliability, and workflow execution. This role coordinates cross-functional efforts, ensuring operational projects are well-defined, resourced, and completed on time. 

The Project Manager partners closely with Operations, Maintenance, Safety, and other stakeholders to translate plant needs into actionable project plans, resolve issues, and support continuous improvement throughout the facility.  The ideal candidate will have experience managing smaller capital projects from initial scope development through implementation and closeout, generally under $1 million and frequently under $500,000. 

Operational Project Leadership

• Lead operational improvement projects from planning through completion, ensuring objectives, timelines, and deliverables are met.
• Develop project scopes, schedules, and resource plans for operational changes, process adjustments, or reliability improvements.
• Gather input from Operations, Maintenance, and other stakeholders to define project needs and develop clear, executable project scopes.
• Develop capital cost estimates and manage projects from initial concept and approval through procurement, implementation, startup, and closeout.

            *Translate Scope into Numbers

            *Apply Cost Estimation Techniques

            *Build the Cost Breakdown Structure

            *Define Contingency Strategy

            *Stress Test Assumptions

            *Complete Variance Analysis

            *Enforce Rigid Change Order Management

            *Participate in Procurement and Vendor Buyouts

            *Continuously Forecast Financials During Projects

            *Foster Team Accountability

            *Drive Projects to Completion

• Coordinate tasks, timelines, and responsibilities across Operations, Maintenance, Safety, and other internal groups.
• Monitor project progress, identify risks or delays, and implement corrective actions to maintain project momentum.
• Facilitate recurring project update meetings and provide regular status reports to leadership.

Operational Support & Coordination

• Assess operational challenges and gather input from supervisors and frontline staff to determine project requirements.
• Work with Operations and Maintenance to plan and execute shutdowns, equipment changes, or procedural updates.
• Develop clear project documentation including work plans, process changes, workflow maps, and training materials.
• Maintain accurate project files, equipment documentation, specifications, and engineering drawings.
• Support turnaround planning, with the expectation of assuming greater responsibility for turnaround planning and coordination over time.
• Collaborate with supply chain and procurement to ensure timely delivery of materials, services, and resources needed for operational projects.
• Support testing, validation, and implementation of new or revised processes, procedures, or operational tools.

Safety, Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure all project activities follow safety policies, operating procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Support hazard analyses, incident investigations, and corrective action follow-ups related to operational projects.
• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, reduce downtime, improve reliability, and enhance overall operational performance.
• Build effective working relationships across the facility to encourage collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (preferably Mechanical or Industrial Engineer), Operations Management, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• PMP certification preferred but not required.
• OSHA or safety-related certifications a plus.
• At least 10 years of experience developing and managing capital projects in a chemical, manufacturing, or industrial setting.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate tasks, collaborate cross-functionally, and manage small to mid-size operational initiatives.
• Working knowledge of plant safety and operations processes.
• Experience with turnaround planning, equipment documentation, and engineering drawings preferred. 
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to lead without authority and collaborate across departments.
• Effective communication with all levels of the organization.
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to drive operational improvements.
• High attention to detail and commitment to safe work practices.