Senior Project Director

Deep Sky Labs is at the forefront of addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time: climate change. As the world’s first carbon removal innovation and commercialization center, we are dedicated to developing and implementing Direct Air Capture (DAC) technologies that effectively remove excess carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. Our facility, located in Innisfail, Alberta, serves as a demonstration facility that will evaluate various DAC technologies sourced from leading innovators across the globe.

As the Senior Project Director, you will spearhead the development and delivery of Deep Sky Climate's critical infrastructure projects, including Direct Air Capture (DAC) facilities and sequestration sites. This role demands strong leadership, technical expertise, and exceptional project management skills to oversee all project phases—from concept design to commissioning and startup. You will also play a critical role in building organizational capabilities, ensuring the team is equipped to execute mega-projects in the future. This includes a strategic focus on developing internal skills and aligning project development expertise with risk mitigation practices.

Responsibilities

• Project Development:
• Lead teams through design and execution planning, delivering cost and schedule estimates ahead of Final Investment Decision (FID).
• Manage site selection, power sourcing, structuring, and contracting for renewable energy integration.
• Drive pre-FEED, FEED, and detailed design efforts to support project milestones and deliverables.
• Collaborate with financial teams to develop and refine financial models for project viability.
• Provide strategic recommendations to invest in team development, ensuring readiness for future mega-projects by building foundational experience and expertise.
• Execution and Delivery:
• Oversee procurement, construction, and commissioning phases, ensuring alignment with budgets, schedules, and project objectives.
• Manage EPC contractors to ensure seamless execution, quality control, and safety compliance.
• Provide a proven track record in leading large-scale construction projects, particularly in the energy, infrastructure, or industrial sectors.
• Strategic Focus on Depth and Breadth:
• Develop project development expertise holistically, including site selection, power structuring, financial modelling, and contracting, to prepare for future projects.
• Ensure alignment of risks across project phases by integrating key elements such as off-take agreements and sequestration contracts.
• Recommend and implement strategic over-investment in team building and development to establish organizational readiness for large-scale, high-complexity projects.
• Stakeholder and Community Management:
• Engage with local communities and government agencies to build and maintain strong relationships.
• Act as the primary interface with stakeholders, ensuring transparency and alignment on project goals and progress.
• Team and Culture:
• Build, mentor, and lead teams to achieve project objectives.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability across the organization.
• Be available on-site as required to support project milestones and operational readiness.

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Project Management, or related field.

Experience

• Project Development: Extensive experience leading teams through design and execution plans, including cost and schedule estimation.
• Pre-FEED and FEED: Demonstrated ability to manage pre-FEED and FEED phases with successful outcomes.
• Construction: Proven expertise in managing large-scale energy, infrastructure, or industrial construction projects.
• EPC Management: Deep understanding of Engineering, Procurement, and Construction processes.
• Commissioning and Startup: Hands-on experience leading commissioning and startup phases of major projects.
• Community and Government Engagement: Proficiency in managing relationships with local communities and government agencies.

Skills

• Strong knowledge of site selection, power sourcing, structuring, and contracting strategies.
• Financial acumen, including proficiency in financial modeling and CAPEX management.
• Ability to manage multidisciplinary teams with a collaborative leadership style.
• Proactive in identifying and mitigating project risks across all phases, with a focus on aligning off-take and sequestration contracts.
• Willingness to spend time on-site as needed to ensure project success.

Culture Fit

• Alignment with Deep Sky Climate’s mission and values.
• A natural collaborator who thrives in fast-paced, high-impact environments.