Sr. Project Manager, FEL
Location(s)
Atlanta, Gia
Company
Gia-Pacific
Career Field
Project Management
Job Number
174158
Your Job
Gia-Pacific is searching for a Sr Project Manager, FEL to join the Pulp, Power and Recovery Technology Center team. This role will lead and manage the development, focusing on FEL1 and FEL2, of large ($10 to $300 million) capital projects in the Kraft Pulping, Recovery, and Power generation areas.
This is an Atlanta/GP Center based role, with up to 50% travel depending on the location andplexity of assigned project(s).
Our Team
The Gia-Pacific Projects and Engineering Team consists of individuals across the United States working with our 28 continuous manufacturing facilities on capital project execution. We are engineers, project managers, subject matter experts, and designers focused on thepletion of capital projects that deliver on the project bets while meeting or exceeding industry results for schedule and cost. We partner with our mills as one team, one vision, one result.
What You Will Do
Manage a team of professionals in the development of conceptual capital projects (FEL0 to FEL2). Responsibilities consist of managing scope, schedule, and estimates while ing judgment, initiative, economic and critical thinking skills.
Front-End Loading (FEL) phases, specifically FEL-1 (Conceptual Study) and FEL-2 (Feasibility Study), are critical stages in capital project engineering. These phases focus on defining the project scope, assessing feasibility, and reducing risks before detailed design and execution. Below are specific engineering duties associated with FEL-1 and FEL-2.
FEL-1: Conceptual Study (Opportunity Identification and Assessment)
Collaboration with cross-functional teams (engineering, procurement, operations, OEMs) is critical in both phases. FEL-1 is about identifying and evaluating project opportunities, developing high-level concepts, and selecting a preferred option. Key engineering activities include:
Project Objective Definition: Establish project goals (e.g., production capacity, technologies, cost targets, timeline). Define key performance indicators (KPIs) and success criteria.
Conceptual Design Development: Develop preliminary design criteria, process flow diagrams (PFDs) or block flow diagrams (BFDs). Outline major equipment and systems (e.g., reactors, pipelines, utilities). Identify potential technologies or processes for the project.
Site and Location Analysis: Evaluate potential sites based on logistics, environmental constraints, and infrastructure availability. Conduct preliminary geotechnical and environmental assessments. Develop a preliminary site plan and layout.
Preliminary Engineering Studies: Perform preliminary material and energy balances. Develop preliminary equipment sizing and specifications. Identify major project constraints (e.g., regulatory, technical, or environmental).
Cost Estimation (Class 5): Prepare order-of-magnitude cost estimates (30-50% accuracy) based on analogous projects or factoring methods. Estimate capital expenditure (CapEx) and operational expenditure (OpEx).
Risk Identification: Conduct initial risk assessments (technical, financial, environmental). Identify major uncertainties (e.g., market conditions, regulatory approvals).
Alternatives Analysis: Evaluate multiple project concepts or configurations (e.g., different technologies, scales, or locations). Perform qualitative trade-off studies to select the preferred option.
Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with key stakeholders to align objectives. Develop a preliminary project execution plan.
Deliverables: Conceptual study report. Preliminary schedule and resource requirements. Initial project scope document.
FEL-2: Feasibility Study (Pre-Feasibility or Scope Definition)
FEL-2 refines the selected concept from FEL-1, developing a more detailed scope and assessing project feasibility. Engineering activities be more rigorous and include:
Process Design Refinement: Develop detailed design criteria evaluating MSR and Average. Develop detailed process flow diagrams (PFDs) and preliminary piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs). Perform process simulations to optimize design parameters and mass and energy balances. Finalize technology selection and validate performance assumptions and performance guarantees.
Equipment and Material Specification: Identify major equipment types, capacities and sizes, and materials of construction. Prepare preliminary equipment lists and datasheets.
Site Development Planning: Conduct detailed site evaluations, including topography, geotechnical studies, and utility availability. Develop preliminary site layout plans and plot plans.
Engineering Calculations: Perform detailed material and energy balances. Conduct hydraulic and thermal analyses for key systems. Develop preliminary structural, electrical, and piping designs.
Cost Estimation (Class 4): Prepare semi-detailed cost estimates (20-30% accuracy) using equipment-based factoring or parametric models. Refine CapEx and OpEx estimates with better-defined scope.
Risk and Economic Analysis: Conduct quantitative risk assessments (e.g., Monte Carlo simulations). Perform economic evaluations, including net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), and payback period. Assess constructability and operability risks.
Permitting and Regulatory Planning: Identify specific regulatory requirements and permitting needs. Develop preliminary environmental impact assessments and mitigation plans.
Project Execution Planning: Define project delivery method (e.g., design-bid-build, EPC). Develop a detailed project schedule, including key milestones. Identify resource requirements (personnel, equipment, contractors).
Value Engineering: Conduct value improvement practices to optimize cost, schedule, and performance. Evaluate trade-offs between capital costs and lifecycle costs.
Deliverables: Feasibility study report. Preliminary design basis document. Refined project scope, schedule, and budget. Updated risk register and mitigation plans.
Partner with procurement and sourcing teams to align project strategies for equipment, construction contracting strategies, including bidding, cost evaluation, selection, and award.
Manage third parties including but not limited to outside consultants, contractors, OEM's and technical resources.
Communicate with operating departments, capability groups, maintenance and engineering to determine opportunities to add value to the facilitypany and rmend/implement solutions.
effective project controls in capital project evaluation, including estimating, scheduling, cost engineering, forecasting, and reporting.
Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)
Bachelor's degree in chemical or mechanical engineering with 10+ years of project management experience.
Experience with development, design and execution large capital projects over $10 million
Experiencemunicating with various levels of ananization (engineers, managers, senior leadership, constructors)
What Will Put You Ahead
PhD in chemical or mechanical engineering.
Demonstrated capability in development and detailed design of large capital projects in the pulp and paper industry (greater than $10MM).
Prior experience in Kraft pulping and recovery systems design.
Prior experience in power generation and distribution systems design.
Experience with engineering and construction contracts andpetitive analysis of bids.
Experience with Process Hazard Analysis concepts and application of designs to meet safety risk profile.
At Kochpanies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Anypensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of ourpensation philosophy.
Hiring Philosophy
All Kochpanies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy .
Who We Are
As a Kochpany and a leading manufacturer of bath tissue, paper towels, paper-based packaging, cellulose, specialty fibers, building products and much more, Gia-Pacific works to meet evolving needs of customers worldwide with quality products. In addition to the products we make, we operate one of the largest recycling businesses. Our more than 30,000 employees in over 150 locations are empowered to innovate every day -to make everyday products even better.
At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and thepany.
Our Benefits
Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits to you, please speak to your recruiter.
Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.
Equal Opportunities
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except w prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click , aqui, or tu).
Location(s)
Atlanta, Gia
Company
Gia-Pacific
Career Field
Project Management
Job Number
174158
Your Job
Gia-Pacific is searching for a Sr Project Manager, FEL to join the Pulp, Power and Recovery Technology Center team. This role will lead and manage the development, focusing on FEL1 and FEL2, of large ($10 to $300 million) capital projects in the Kraft Pulping, Recovery, and Power generation areas.
This is an Atlanta/GP Center based role, with up to 50% travel depending on the location andplexity of assigned project(s).
Our Team
The Gia-Pacific Projects and Engineering Team consists of individuals across the United States working with our 28 continuous manufacturing facilities on capital project execution. We are engineers, project managers, subject matter experts, and designers focused on thepletion of capital projects that deliver on the project bets while meeting or exceeding industry results for schedule and cost. We partner with our mills as one team, one vision, one result.
What You Will Do
Manage a team of professionals in the development of conceptual capital projects (FEL0 to FEL2). Responsibilities consist of managing scope, schedule, and estimates while ing judgment, initiative, economic and critical thinking skills.
Front-End Loading (FEL) phases, specifically FEL-1 (Conceptual Study) and FEL-2 (Feasibility Study), are critical stages in capital project engineering. These phases focus on defining the project scope, assessing feasibility, and reducing risks before detailed design and execution. Below are specific engineering duties associated with FEL-1 and FEL-2.
FEL-1: Conceptual Study (Opportunity Identification and Assessment)
Collaboration with cross-functional teams (engineering, procurement, operations, OEMs) is critical in both phases. FEL-1 is about identifying and evaluating project opportunities, developing high-level concepts, and selecting a preferred option. Key engineering activities include:
Project Objective Definition: Establish project goals (e.g., production capacity, technologies, cost targets, timeline). Define key performance indicators (KPIs) and success criteria.
Conceptual Design Development: Develop preliminary design criteria, process flow diagrams (PFDs) or block flow diagrams (BFDs). Outline major equipment and systems (e.g., reactors, pipelines, utilities). Identify potential technologies or processes for the project.
Site and Location Analysis: Evaluate potential sites based on logistics, environmental constraints, and infrastructure availability. Conduct preliminary geotechnical and environmental assessments. Develop a preliminary site plan and layout.
Preliminary Engineering Studies: Perform preliminary material and energy balances. Develop preliminary equipment sizing and specifications. Identify major project constraints (e.g., regulatory, technical, or environmental).
Cost Estimation (Class 5): Prepare order-of-magnitude cost estimates (30-50% accuracy) based on analogous projects or factoring methods. Estimate capital expenditure (CapEx) and operational expenditure (OpEx).
Risk Identification: Conduct initial risk assessments (technical, financial, environmental). Identify major uncertainties (e.g., market conditions, regulatory approvals).
Alternatives Analysis: Evaluate multiple project concepts or configurations (e.g., different technologies, scales, or locations). Perform qualitative trade-off studies to select the preferred option.
Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with key stakeholders to align objectives. Develop a preliminary project execution plan.
Deliverables: Conceptual study report. Preliminary schedule and resource requirements. Initial project scope document.
FEL-2: Feasibility Study (Pre-Feasibility or Scope Definition)
FEL-2 refines the selected concept from FEL-1, developing a more detailed scope and assessing project feasibility. Engineering activities be more rigorous and include:
Process Design Refinement: Develop detailed design criteria evaluating MSR and Average. Develop detailed process flow diagrams (PFDs) and preliminary piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs). Perform process simulations to optimize design parameters and mass and energy balances. Finalize technology selection and validate performance assumptions and performance guarantees.
Equipment and Material Specification: Identify major equipment types, capacities and sizes, and materials of construction. Prepare preliminary equipment lists and datasheets.
Site Development Planning: Conduct detailed site evaluations, including topography, geotechnical studies, and utility availability. Develop preliminary site layout plans and plot plans.
Engineering Calculations: Perform detailed material and energy balances. Conduct hydraulic and thermal analyses for key systems. Develop preliminary structural, electrical, and piping designs.
Cost Estimation (Class 4): Prepare semi-detailed cost estimates (20-30% accuracy) using equipment-based factoring or parametric models. Refine CapEx and OpEx estimates with better-defined scope.
Risk and Economic Analysis: Conduct quantitative risk assessments (e.g., Monte Carlo simulations). Perform economic evaluations, including net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), and payback period. Assess constructability and operability risks.
Permitting and Regulatory Planning: Identify specific regulatory requirements and permitting needs. Develop preliminary environmental impact assessments and mitigation plans.
Project Execution Planning: Define project delivery method (e.g., design-bid-build, EPC). Develop a detailed project schedule, including key milestones. Identify resource requirements (personnel, equipment, contractors).
Value Engineering: Conduct value improvement practices to optimize cost, schedule, and performance. Evaluate trade-offs between capital costs and lifecycle costs.
Deliverables: Feasibility study report. Preliminary design basis document. Refined project scope, schedule, and budget. Updated risk register and mitigation plans.
Partner with procurement and sourcing teams to align project strategies for equipment, construction contracting strategies, including bidding, cost evaluation, selection, and award.
Manage third parties including but not limited to outside consultants, contractors, OEM's and technical resources.
Communicate with operating departments, capability groups, maintenance and engineering to determine opportunities to add value to the facilitypany and rmend/implement solutions.
effective project controls in capital project evaluation, including estimating, scheduling, cost engineering, forecasting, and reporting.
Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)
Bachelor's degree in chemical or mechanical engineering with 10+ years of project management experience.
Experience with development, design and execution large capital projects over $10 million
Experiencemunicating with various levels of ananization (engineers, managers, senior leadership, constructors)
What Will Put You Ahead
PhD in chemical or mechanical engineering.
Demonstrated capability in development and detailed design of large capital projects in the pulp and paper industry (greater than $10MM).
Prior experience in Kraft pulping and recovery systems design.
Prior experience in power generation and distribution systems design.
Experience with engineering and construction contracts andpetitive analysis of bids.
Experience with Process Hazard Analysis concepts and application of designs to meet safety risk profile.
At Kochpanies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Anypensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of ourpensation philosophy.
Hiring Philosophy
All Kochpanies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy .
Who We Are
As a Kochpany and a leading manufacturer of bath tissue, paper towels, paper-based packaging, cellulose, specialty fibers, building products and much more, Gia-Pacific works to meet evolving needs of customers worldwide with quality products. In addition to the products we make, we operate one of the largest recycling businesses. Our more than 30,000 employees in over 150 locations are empowered to innovate every day -to make everyday products even better.
At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and thepany.
Our Benefits
Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits to you, please speak to your recruiter.
Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.
Equal Opportunities
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except w prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click , aqui, or tu).
Job ID: 483891994
Originally Posted on: 7/3/2025
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