Director of Pipeline Safety Compliance

Title: Director of Pipeline Safety Compliance

Location: Austin, TX Preferred OR Cypress OR Mesquite, TX - Hybrid

Salary Range: $160,000 – $180,000 / Year

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), PTO, Hybrid Work Schedule and comprehensive benefits

Sponsorship: Position in not eligible for sponsorship

Position Overview

Our client is a rapidly growing Texas-based natural gas distribution utility seeking a Director of Pipeline Safety Compliance to lead regulatory compliance, audit readiness, and operational assurance initiatives. This role will serve as a key leader responsible for ensuring compliance with federal and state pipeline safety regulations while partnering closely with Operations, Engineering, Construction, Safety, and other business stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will have deep experience within the natural gas utility or pipeline industry, strong knowledge of PHMSA and Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) regulations, and a proven track record leading compliance programs, audits, and corrective action initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary company representative for Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) and PHMSA audits, inspections, regulatory inquiries, and compliance reviews.
• Lead internal compliance audits, operational reviews, and risk-based monitoring programs across pipeline operations, engineering, construction, maintenance, gas control, and contractor management.
• Develop, implement, and maintain compliance policies, procedures, audit protocols, and internal controls.
• Manage regulatory responses, Notices of Violation (NOVs), audit findings, corrective action plans, and ongoing compliance tracking.
• Conduct field assessments, process audits, and operational evaluations to identify risks, gaps, and opportunities for improvement.
• Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Construction, Safety, Training, and Regulatory teams to strengthen compliance culture and reduce operational risk.
• Monitor regulatory changes and industry trends, translating requirements into practical business processes and operational expectations.
• Prepare executive-level reporting related to compliance performance, audit outcomes, risk mitigation, and corrective action progress.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and direction to compliance team members and supporting resources.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives through enhanced processes, systems, and compliance programs.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in natural gas utilities, pipeline operations, regulatory compliance, auditing, engineering, construction management, quality assurance, risk management, or a related field.
• Extensive knowledge of PHMSA pipeline safety regulations and Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) requirements .
• Experience leading or supporting regulatory audits, compliance assessments, operational reviews, and corrective action programs.
• Proven ability to interpret complex regulatory requirements and apply them to field operations, procedures, documentation, and management systems.
• Strong leadership experience working with cross-functional teams and operational stakeholders.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills with the ability to interact with regulators and executive leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business Administration, Regulatory Compliance, Risk Management, or a related discipline.
• Experience within a natural gas distribution utility environment.
• Experience managing compliance teams, audit programs, or operational assurance functions.

Work Location & Schedule

• Hybrid schedule with approximately 3 days per week in office.
• Locations available in:
  • Austin/Bee Cave area
  • Cypress, TX
  • Mesquite/Dallas area
• Preference for candidates located in Texas, particularly the Austin market.

Additional Requirements

• Must be able to successfully complete a background check and federally regulated pipeline drug screening.
• Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.