Project Strategy Associate

Location: Paducah, Kentucky, USA
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Role Summary

We are seeking high-potential MBA graduates from leading U.S. business schools to join our team as Project Strategy Associates, supporting large-scale industrial projects in the steel and power sectors.

This role focuses on strategic planning and execution across the full EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) lifecycle, beginning with feasibility studies and project planning through engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and project monitoring. The successful candidate will work closely with executive leadership, project management teams, engineering partners, and external stakeholders to ensure efficient project execution, cost optimization, and strategic alignment.

The position provides exposure to large-scale industrial developments including Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) facilities, integrated steel plants, and power generation assets.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Project Development

• Support strategic planning and evaluation of large-scale industrial projects across the steel and power sectors.
• Contribute to feasibility studies, techno-economic assessments, and business case development for new projects.
• Assist leadership with project strategy, capital allocation decisions, and long-term infrastructure planning.
• Support strategic initiatives related to industrial growth and expansion programs.

EPC Project Support

• Work closely with project management and engineering teams throughout the EPC lifecycle.
• Monitor project progress across:
  • Engineering Design
  • Procurement Activities
  • Construction Schedules
  • Commissioning Milestones
• Assist in coordinating activities among internal and external project stakeholders.
• Support efforts to improve project execution and delivery performance.

Performance Analysis & Reporting

• Analyze project performance metrics, including:
  • Cost
  • Schedule
  • Risk
  • Operational Readiness
• Develop project dashboards and management reporting tools.
• Support data-driven decision making through reporting and analytical insights.
• Assist with project reviews and executive presentations.

Business Analysis & Continuous Improvement

• Identify process improvement opportunities to enhance project efficiency and reduce execution risks.
• Conduct industry benchmarking and competitive analysis.
• Perform market research and technology assessments within the steel and power industries.
• Evaluate industry trends and emerging technologies that may impact future projects.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with teams across:
  • Engineering
  • Finance
  • Procurement
  • Operations
  • EPC Contractors
• Support alignment between project objectives, business priorities, and operational requirements.
• Assist with stakeholder management and cross-functional communication initiatives.

Innovation & Sustainability

• Support initiatives related to:
  • Digital Transformation
  • Sustainability Programs
  • Operational Optimization
  • Industrial Innovation
• Contribute to strategic projects focused on improving productivity and long-term competitiveness.

Qualifications

Education

• MBA from a top-tier U.S. business school required.
• Undergraduate degree in Engineering with an MBA strongly preferred.
• Candidates with undergraduate degrees in:
  • Engineering
  • Business
  • Economics
  • Related disciplines will also be considered.

Core Competencies

• Strong analytical and quantitative capabilities.
• Strategic thinking and business acumen.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in complex industrial project environments.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Effective stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to collaborate across multiple functions and organizational levels.

Preferred Experience

• Previous experience in:
  • Management Consulting
  • Strategy Consulting
  • Operations Consulting
• Experience supporting:
  • Industrial Projects
  • Infrastructure Projects
  • Energy Projects
  • Metals & Mining Projects
  • Large Capital Projects
• Exposure to:
  • Project Strategy
  • Capital Project Management
  • Operational Transformation Initiatives
  • Corporate Strategy Programs