Project Operations Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Guardian Energy Janesville has an exciting opportunity for a Project Operations Manager to join the team. The Project Operations Manager is responsible for safe, efficient execution of high-priority capital projects within the operating facilities. This role serves as the operations execution lead, ensuring capital projects are designed with operational safety and efficiency in mind and are delivered in alignment with plant needs, contractor schedules, and aggressive turnaround or shutdown timelines.

The role acts as the primary operations liaison throughout project design, execution, startup, and handoff—driving alignment between engineering, operations, contractors, and site leadership to ensure projects are safely executed, operationally sound, and ready for startup. This is a senior individual contributor role requiring deep operational expertise, strong field presence, and the ability to drive accountability without direct authority.

This role requires 25-50% travel and will be based in Janesville, MN.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES

1. Safety Leadership

• In collaboration with onsite EHS Managers, ensure all contractors adhere to site safety standards and applicable OSHA requirements.

• Promote a strong safety culture during project execution, contractor activities, and startup.

• Ensure safety considerations are fully incorporated into capital project designs and execution plans.

• Ensure safety is considered and implemented in all capital project designs.

2. Capital Project Design Support

• Provide operational insight to support effective, practical, and maintainable project designs.

• Ensure operational efficiencies, constructability, and maintainability are incorporated into project scope and design decisions.

3. Capital Project Execution & Startup

• Lead operational execution of priority capital projects from field mobilization through startup and handoff.

• Provide startup assistance and operational support during commissioning of new or modified systems.

• Manage contractor performance against safety, quality, schedule, and cost expectations.

• Ensure project startup plans and execution schedules are coordinated with key stakeholders.

• Ensure ownership, responsibility, and handoff of completed projects are clearly defined and executed.

• Coordinate equipment readiness and operational preparation to support contractor schedules.

• Develop sequencing plans for operational transitions, cutovers, and tie-ins.

• Ensure execution plans align with approved capital project budgets and cost controls.

4. Operations Liaison

• Primary liaison between operations and the project team from conception through execution.

• Drive alignment to operational needs, constraints, and priorities throughout all project phases.

• Ensure operations readiness is built into project plans.

5. Shutdown & Turnaround Assistance

• Provide execution support during plant shutdowns and turnarounds, including startup activities across all Guardian sites.

• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for ethanol site operations during capital work and shutdown events.

• Support sequencing, coordination, and risk mitigation for shutdown-related capital activities.

6. Communication & Reporting

• Provide clear, concise weekly reporting including progress, risks, decisions required, and recovery actions.

• Communicate effectively with Operations, Engineering, contractors, and site leadership.

Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE:

• 7-15 years of progressive ethanol operational experience, including participation in, or leadership of, capital projects.

• Demonstrated success delivering aggressive turnaround and shutdown schedules in operating facilities.

• Strong understanding of contractor management and field execution practices.

• Proven ability to drive decisions, accountability, and execution without direct authority.

• Strong communication skills; self-driven with a high sense of ownership and urgency.

• Proven ability to multi-task effectively and execute projects at multiple stages.

• Valid Driver’s License required.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• Experience with capital expansions, debottlenecking, reliability programs or turnaround/shutdown execution.

• Familiarity with PSM and regulated process environments.

• Technical background in engineering, construction management or equivalent practical field experience.

PHYSICAL STRENGTH: This job may require lifting of up to 50 pounds occasionally.

At the time of this posting, the salary for this position ranges from $100,000 - $130,000. Compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to relevant skills, experience, and qualifications. In addition, Guardian Energy offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, bonus eligibility and generous time off

• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans

• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts

• Guardian HSA contributions

• Disability and employer-paid life insurance

• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution

• Employee Assistance Program with no cost to employees

• Continuous learning opportunities supported by a tuition reimbursement program