Construction Manager

About Hertha Metals, Inc.:  

Hertha Metals is redefining how the world makes steel. We’ve developed a breakthrough single-step steelmaking process that uses gas reductants to convert iron ore of any grade or form, delivering lower production costs and emissions than blast furnaces—while improving product quality and scalability. Having operated the world’s largest single-step steelmaking pilot plant, we’re now scaling toward commercial deployment. Our mission is to redefine the foundation of modern industry by scaling cleaner, more efficient, and more cost competitive metalmaking systems. At Hertha, engineers, metallurgists, and operators work side by side to transform the future of steel making.  

Construction Manager 

Hertha Metals is seeking a hands-on, execution-driven Construction Manager to lead the planning, coordination, and execution of industrial construction projects as the company transitions from pilot operations to commercial-scale deployment. This role is responsible for ensuring projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and built to support long-term operational reliability, maintainability, and future scalability. 

This is not a purely administrative or oversight role. The Construction Manager must be comfortable working in a dynamic industrial construction environment, making real-time decisions, managing contractors and cross-functional teams, and taking ownership of project execution from early planning and site development through commissioning and operational handoff. The ideal candidate will partner closely with engineering, operations, and EPC firms to ensure construction activities align with Hertha Metals' long-term operational objectives while establishing the processes and standards needed to support future plant expansion. This role would report to the VP of Operations.

Key Responsibilities  

To be successful in this role, the Construction Manager must have a strong understanding of industrial construction, safety, project execution, and commissioning. This individual will work closely with Engineering, Operations, Safety, Procurement, and EPC partners to ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and built to support long-term operational success. 

The Construction Manager is expected to spend significant time in the field, overseeing construction activities, managing contractors, identifying risks, and ensuring work is executed safely and to the highest quality standards. This role requires a hands-on leadership style, strong cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced, evolving environment while maintaining focus on operational readiness and project delivery. 

Additional Skills: 

• Experience leading industrial construction projects, including site development, plant build-out, commissioning, and startup. 

• Strong understanding of industrial construction methods, safety programs, QA/QC, and contractor management. 

• Ability to establish and enforce a safety-first culture across construction activities. 

• Experience managing project schedules, budgets, and construction milestones. 

• Knowledge of commissioning, operational readiness, and lifecycle considerations for industrial facilities. 

• Proven ability to identify and mitigate construction risks while maintaining project quality and schedule. 

• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills with engineering, operations, procurement, and EPC partners. 

• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and contractors in a fast-paced, evolving project environment. 

Your Experience 

• 10+ years of experience in industrial construction, manufacturing, energy, metals, or other heavy industrial environments. 

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent experience). 

• Proven experience managing large-scale industrial construction projects, preferably valued at $50M+. 

• Experience with greenfield projects, commissioning, and plant startup is highly preferred. 

• Strong knowledge of construction safety, QA/QC, contractor management, scheduling, and cost control. 

• Experience collaborating with engineering, operations, and EPC partners throughout the project lifecycle. 

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills in fast-paced, complex project environments. 

• PMP certification and experience with major EPC firms are a plus. 

Location:  

Hertha Metals’ headquarters are in Conroe, TX, just outside of Houston.  

Hertha Culture:  

Inspired by the work and character of the late Hertha Ayrton, we are pioneers, innovators, and risk-takers who are mission driven towards changing the world. We are:  

• Mission-Obsessed – We are deeply committed, driven, and passionate about achieving our mission of being the catalyst for decarbonizing metals production.  

• Anti-Bloat – We operate as a lean, efficient agile team to maximize impact.  

• Leave the “I” at home – We face challenges together, knowing that collaboration and unity are the keys to our success.  

• Safety First – Safety is our top priority in everything we do! NO EXCEPTIONS.  

• Aim High – We achieve what others consider impossible.  

What we offer:  

• Competitive startup compensation package based on expertise  

• Stock ownership in a funded company innovating in a trillion-dollar industry  

• Paid + unpaid parental leave after 1 year of employment (12 weeks paid, with flexible transition options)  

• Growth opportunities within a mission-driven, high-performance team  

• Time off designed to support sustainability and prevent burnout  

• 401(k) plan for employees with at least one year of service  

Hertha Metals is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We firmly prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions at Hertha Metals are based on the expertise that the position calls for, without regard to race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, or age.