Executive Search: Director of Project Management for a Midstream Pipeline Company
- Kimberly Wilson
- Jul 7
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 27
Proven Results: Building Project Leadership as Midstream Projects Ramp Up
TL;DR – Strategic Leadership Hire in a Critical Growth Phase
In this case study, a fast-growing, private equity-backed midstream pipeline company
needed to hire a Director of Project Management, reporting to the COO, and being recruited to scale execution as new projects came online. TLR Search led a high-touch executive search, presenting a diverse candidate slate and refining benchmarks mid-search to align decision-makers. The result: a pivotal hire just before the company was acquired, ensuring continuity and leadership during a crucial transition.
Challenge: Defining a Critical Project Management Leadership Role for a Growing Midstream Pipeline Company
Challenge Summary: The company needed a Director of Project Management who could scale capital projects in a high-growth, private equity–backed midstream environment.
The Vice President of Administration, working closely with executive leadership, set out to define the skills, experience, and leadership qualities needed in a Director of Project Management. This pivotal role was to manage new pipeline infrastructure and support the company’s rapid growth trajectory.
The company had been founded a few years earlier and was already scaling quickly:
They had recently completed an IPO
Operated as a private equity–backed organization
And many of the original leaders had worked together at a prior company
To evolve beyond a founder-led environment, the leadership team was looking for someone who could bring:
New ideas and a fresh perspective
Deep expertise in pipeline engineering and project execution
And the ability to integrate into a high-accountability, fast-paced culture
The goal was to bring in a leader who could assume a strategic role and help the company enter its next growth phase.
Solution: Mapping the Market and Aligning the Interview Process
Solution Summary: TLR Search led a targeted executive search, built a diverse candidate slate, and helped the leadership team realign the profile mid-search.
To support the company’s vision and growth goals, TLR Search conducted a strategic, high-touch executive search focused on leadership alignment and project execution excellence.
We began by market-mapping for top talent:
Identified a diverse slate of candidates, including representation across gender and ethnic backgrounds
Prioritized professionals with deep experience in pipeline engineering, capital project management, and midstream operations
Focused on both technical credentials and leadership traits that would complement the existing executive team
The first slate of candidates was strong, but none felt like the right long-term fit. Instead of restarting the search from scratch, we helped the company pause and realign:
Benchmarked the initial candidates to clarify what was missing
Facilitated a conversation to re-visualize the ideal finalist, looking at skills, style, and leadership approach
Shared feedback on how the interview process might be refined to uncover those attributes more clearly
As the second slate of candidates came forward, our Managing Director was invited to attend interviews to observe team dynamics and provide additional insights.
This collaborative approach allowed the hiring team clarity.
Result: Strong Finalist Identified Ahead of Strategic Company Milestone
Result Summary: Even though the offer paused due to acquisition timing, the search delivered clarity, internal alignment, and a proven profile for future hiring.
The search culminated in an offer to a finalist who brought:
Deep expertise in pipeline engineering and project management
Fresh perspective aligned with the company’s evolving strategy
A leadership style that complemented the existing executive team
The company was enthusiastic about the candidate and the value he could bring. However, shortly after the offer was made, the company entered an acquisition phase. Given the uncertainty, they made the strategic decision to pause the hire, even though the candidate remained a strong fit.
The organization ultimately paused the hire due to acquisition activity that occurred after the offer was made, not because of candidate quality or search performance.
While the offer was ultimately rescinded due to timing, the process delivered:
Clear internal alignment on the ideal candidate profile
Market benchmarking to support future hiring decisions
Proof that top-tier, diverse candidates were interested in the opportunity
The search confirmed the company’s vision for the role and laid the foundation for future hires as the organization grew and evolved through acquisition.
Need a strategic leader to guide critical infrastructure projects, especially during pivotal growth moments?
Let’s align your vision with talent that can lead through change.
Next Step:
→ Explore more executive search case studies
→ Contact TLR Search for a confidential search conversation
Check Out Additional Case Studies