At Cheniere, we provide the world with safe, reliable energy. But more than that, we provide opportunities for our talented employees to impact their communities every day. Our diversity is key to our continued success and forges a path where our culture supports greater equity and inclusion—for our employees, customers and beyond.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Lead Specialist, Planning & Scheduling is responsible for preparing, reviewing, and overseeing the project’s schedules, providing support to the engineering and management teams during the early Project Development and Execution projects (Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Start-Up) phases of a Pipeline, Gas Compression Facility, Gas Metering Station, and a Gas Liquefaction/LNG export plant Project, as needed.
The Lead Specialist, Planning & Scheduling will report and work closely with the Functional Manager Planning & Scheduling, within the E&C Project Services group, and will assist in monitoring and forecasting Integrated schedules and generally assists in the effective and efficient use of time resources, reviewing contractors’ schedule updates, perform schedule risk assessments & benchmarking, and schedules’ quality assurance during any project stage.
This position will be expected to develop ad hoc high-level schedules (Timelines) required for reporting, generation of what if scenarios, and evaluation of feasibilities & concept studies, front end engineering design (FEED), in the early Project Stages. During the Execution stage this position will compile and input detailed schedule information with sound logic into a computer software program. This information is required for schedules data verification and assessment to determine if a proposed project is timely and viable, or to assess contractor’s bids.
The Lead Specialist, Planning & Scheduling will be located at Cheniere’s Corporate office providing support on various development project studies & reviews and could be also required to assist the Execution teams in the Contractor’s office overseeing the Engineering & Procurement schedules quality & integrity validation as well as the construction schedule with possible site visits.
KNOWLEDGE
Thorough knowledge of Planning & Scheduling functions, processes, and procedures as they apply to EPC projects, including both home office and field construction.
The Lead Specialist, Planning & Scheduling should possess knowledge of engineering, procurement and construction activities, schedule logic/interrelationships, reports, and procedures in the oil and gas industry. The Lead Specialist, Planning & Scheduling should be proficient in time estimating, Schedule's benchmarking development, oil and gas industry standard language, word-processing, computational spreadsheet software, as well as hands on in computer-based scheduling software like Primavera Project Planner, Primavera Risk Assessment (PRA/Acumen Risk), Ms. Project, Acumen Fuse, Milestones Professional, Ms. Office Timelines among others.
Superior knowledge of standard EPC contract terms, including hourly, lump sum, not-to-exceed.
Computer literate, including learning and experience in word processing, spreadsheets and typical office packages, and basic computer literacy.
Knowledge and proficiency in CPM scheduling techniques, development, tracking, analyzing, updating, forecasting, and reporting.
Knowledge and hands on in scheduling software applications.
Knowledge and skilled in planning and schedule control functions including deterministic and probabilistic schedule development, schedule analytics, time forecasting, and plan vs. actual variance reporting.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Supports the development, implements, and follows the Planning & Scheduling best practices, procedures, and guidelines to be used in the development of Cheniere projects’ schedules
Provide the necessary schedules to ensure the development of proper estimates and studies within a project stage and for final investment decision.
Participates in Contractor’s schedules kick-off meeting to establish all deliverables, including WBS, basis of schedule deliverable, reports, detail of schedule alignment, and schedule review timeline.
Keeps the engagement with the contractor’s Planner/Scheduler during the project schedule development process in order to ensure all the schedule information is complete and accurate.
Assess projects progress performance against plan to promptly advise leadership on the appropriate action as well as critical path evaluation.
Prepare Look ahead reports to ensure readiness to progress forward works.
Ensure the preparation and develop the interface schedule.
Make recommendations on project direction and scope. Verify the identification of all required activities to complete the Project Scope of Work and support the Project team on setting up project’s WBS.
Comprehensive understanding project coding structures on projects.
Develop and keep update on schedule benchmarks.
Implement project risk assessment, project planning & scheduling standards and procedures that 1) conform to corporate requirements, 2) align with best practices and 2) contribute to project success.
Develop, risk and/or validate schedules for Cheniere Business Development, Operations & Maintenance and/or Engineering & Construction Teams, as may be needed.
Execute assessment of schedule risks and determine ranges and contingencies with or without contractor's Schedule.
Ensure proper application of risk management standards, including regular updates of the project risk register.
Assist with validation of Contractor’s Change Orders, impacting the schedule.
Influence Project Services process to enable consistent and accurate data collection and organize with other team members to enhance schedule performance.
Review and confirm the adequacy of EPC Contractor's Project Execution Plan with respect to the Schedule.
Produce monthly/weekly project status reports as requested by Project Services Director/Project Management Team.
Support the development of internal management/Board presentations.
Understand contract strategy development and pros/cons of different strategies.
Support other Project Controls/Services team members and the PM Services Function, as needed.
Maintain the LNG project historical & ongoing schedule data report, as well as the Projects Portfolio Summary (Timelines / Milestones) Report.
Develop and maintain relationships with applicable Cheniere Functional teams.
Provide input to appropriated corporate initiatives, as needed.
Participate in functional Assurance reviews.
Maintain Contractors’ adherence to all project schedules’ agreements and conditions.
Displays ability as a quick learner and clear, concise communicator.
Displays exceptional interpersonal skills, bringing a balance of challenge and encouragement that contribute to an invigorating and positive work environment.
Provides functional expertise to the team; is a trusted practitioner sought out by peers and management for functional knowledge.
Plans and delivers the Integrated Project Schedule (IPS), fully integrated with the work of other Cheniere team members in the same or other disciplines or functions.
Can work on and solve complex problems in the area of expertise with limited to no direct supervision.
Effectively communicates results of work and is receptive to other ideas.
Meets stated planning & scheduling deliverables deadlines with high quality and accurate results.
Keep Cheniere’s Functional Manager, Planning & Scheduling informed of any schedule impacts due to contract issues and any effects on other project tasks & activities.
QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS)
Education and Certifications: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, economics, mathematics, technology or other technical field preferred. Equivalent combination of education, training and experience will be considered.
Experience: 10+ years in a project controls environment, preferably within an oil and gas operating company and/or engineering and construction company. FERC experience and knowledge preferred. Exposure to all phases of projects, from inception through project close out.
Skills:
Detail-oriented and effective time management and organizational skills.
Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Organized and able to manage multiple activities and programs timely and with a high degree of accuracy.
Computer literate with typical office packages and basic computer literacy and the ability to learn new software and applications.
Schedule risk assessment skills, including probabilistic range analysis.
Strategic planning and business analytical skills.
Demonstrated capabilities in leadership, relationship management, influencing and communication skills.
Demonstrated interpersonal/teambuilding, and emotional intelligence skills.
Experience working in a project environment operated by others, as well as with operated projects implementation under strict HSE Protocols.
DIRECT REPORTS
None
FREEDOM TO ACT
The Lead Specialist, Planning & Scheduling should have the ability to multi-task and function in a highly dynamic atmosphere; must exercise discretion independently.
WORK CONDITIONS
Job is performed in a typical office environment, but is subject to time pressures and constraints, and is often dependent on input from others.
Occasionally, work may be performed from home, after normal work hours or on weekends.
May be required to work overtime.
Subject to drug and alcohol testing, per applicable federal regulations or as required by Cheniere.
Able to qualify for a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Card.
Periodically travel as business requires.
ADA JOB REQUIREMENTS
Reasonable accommodations will be made to ensure that the essential functions of the job can be performed and not hinder the employee's performance due to physical, mental or emotional disability.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:
Cheniere Energy is an equal opportunity workplace. All employment decisions are made without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other legally protected categories. This includes providing reasonable accommodation if requested for disabilities or religious beliefs and practices.
