Energy Transition Manufacturing on the Texas Gulf Coast
The Texas Gulf Coast has been one of the world's great energy centers for more than a century. Refineries, chemical plants, and pipelines line the coast from Corpus Christi to Beaumont. Now, new types of energy projects are being added to that mix.
Hydrogen production, carbon capture, renewable fuels, and battery materials are all growing in the region. In 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy also selected a Gulf Coast group known as HyVelocity as one of its proposed clean hydrogen hubs. Federal support for energy projects can change, but the region's industrial strengths remain. These projects bring new opportunities, and new leadership needs.
Why the Gulf Coast is a natural fit
The region already has many of the things these new industries need:
- Large industrial sites and pipeline networks
- Ports for shipping
- Engineering and construction firms with deep experience
- A skilled workforce used to complex, high-risk operations
Many of the skills used in refining and petrochemicals carry over well to hydrogen, carbon capture, and renewable fuels.
The leadership challenge
New energy projects often combine two very different worlds. On one side is the traditional energy industry, with strict safety rules and large-scale operations. On the other is the fast-moving world of new technology, where many companies are still young and growing.
Leaders who can work in both worlds are rare. Companies are looking for people who:
- Understand process safety and large plant operations
- Can lead a project from construction through start-up
- Are comfortable with new technology and changing plans
- Can build teams from scratch
Roles in demand
Common senior roles in this space include:
- Plant Manager or Site Director for new facilities
- VP of Operations
- Director of Project Execution for large construction projects
- Director of Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE)
- Commercial and business development leaders
Where to find talent
Many strong candidates come from:
- Refining and petrochemical operations
- Liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects
- Engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firms
- Industrial gas companies
Leaders who have worked on a major plant start-up are especially valuable, because they know how to bring a new site from construction to full production.
Tips for employers
- Be honest about stage and funding. Leaders leaving stable jobs will want to understand the project's timeline and financial backing.
- Highlight what is new. Many experienced energy leaders are excited by the chance to build something different.
- Plan leadership hiring early. Senior operators should be in place well before start-up.
Learn more
Read more about our manufacturing executive search work in Houston, or contact our team to talk about your next hire.