Manager, Regulatory Development
Next Decade
Compliance / Regulatory
Houston, TX, USA
Posted on Jan 27, 2026
ABOUT NEXTDECADE CORPORATION
NextDecade is committed to providing the world access to reliable, lower-carbon energy. We are focused on delivering secure and cost-effective energy through the safe and efficient development and operation of natural gas liquefaction capacity at Rio Grande LNG. Through our subsidiaries, we are developing and constructing the Rio Grande LNG natural gas liquefaction and export facility near Brownsville, Texas, with approximately 48 MTPA of potential liquefaction capacity currently under construction or in development, sufficient space at the site for up to 10 liquefaction trains, and a potential carbon capture and storage project. NextDecade’s common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol “NEXT.” NextDecade is headquartered in Houston, Texas. For more information, please visit www.next-decade.com.
SUMMARY OF THE ROLE
The Regulatory Manager will monitor and advise senior management and operating units on federal and state regulatory requirements for NextDecade’s natural gas assets as well as regulatory requirements to maintain NextDecade’s “license to operate.” This position will oversee the Company’s development of internal regulatory policies by monitoring internal practices and collaborating with stakeholders to comply with government regulations. The Regulatory Manager also interfaces with government agencies to address concerns regarding the business.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Advise Company on Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) process and provide strategic guidance on navigating from development through execution.
- Lead the FERC application process for facility expansions, including prefiling and development of FERC Resource Reports.
- Review, submit, and manage regulatory applications, documentation, and implementation plans.
- Act as a liaison with FERC Staff, company personnel, and other agency representatives during various stages of the project.
- Lead technical or subject matter expertise on FERC applications, impact assessment deliverables, and overall quality control review.
- Knowledge of Natural Gas Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Clean Water Act, Rivers and Harbors Act, National Historic Preservation Act, and Endangered Species Act.
- Oversee and track FERC Order compliance filings and requirements, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), and the United States Coast Guard (USCG).
- Assist with development of Company regulatory plans, procedures, and standards for compliance and assurance programs.
- Lead regulatory compliance assurance program necessary for site audits and agency construction inspections, as necessary.
- Collaborate with other Business Units to prepare compliance documentation for business assets.
- Provide timely updates to project team on regulatory matters that may impact schedule.
- Identify, assess, and mitigate regulatory risks to Company assets.
- Track and monitor changes to federal regulatory requirements.
- Manage one (1) to three (3) team members, as needed.
- Be solution-oriented to a dynamic regulatory environment.
- Other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, & COMPETENCIES
- Bachelor’s degree preferably in Environmental Engineering or Science field.
- Must have strong written and verbal skills (English language).
- Minimum 10 years of related experience; preferred 7 years in LNG industry.
- Experience leading FERC-regulated project permitting efforts.
- Ability to communicate with Company leadership and various disciplines; excellent presentation skills.
- Comprehensive knowledge of Federal and State requirements for LNG Terminals and natural gas pipelines regulated by FERC, PHMSA, and the USCG.
- The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of environmental regulations.
- Ability to understand owner obligations and ability to effectively communicate with Contractors.
- Proficient technical skills, including, but not limited to, experience using Microsoft Office programs and Google Earth.
- Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC) preferred.
Work Environment
This position operates in a professional office environment with occasional work within or outside of a complex construction environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers/fax, filing cabinets, etc.This is primarily a sedentary role; however, the incumbent must be able to stand and/or sit continuously to perform all essential job functions for a full shift.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to support individuals with ADA-recognized disabilities to perform the essential functions for the job.
· Ability to lift up to 20 lbs. as required in order to lift files, boxes and office equipment as necessary.
· Ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bending, standing on a stool, or climbing as necessary to perform these functions.
· While performing the duties of this role, the incumbent may be required to talk or hear.
· The incumbent is required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
· Ability to move throughout all areas of each office/site location and facilities.
· Able to wear all necessary PPE equipment to perform job functions.
If you require accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at recruiting@next-decade.com.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
*In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
NEXTDECADE VALUES
· Safety – We make safety a priority. Everything we do relies on the safety of our people and the communities around us.
· Integrity – We do the right thing, and are open, ethical, and fair. We hold ourselves to the highest standards in all that we do.
· Honesty – We value truth and honesty in ourselves and others. We honor our commitments and take responsibility for our actions.
· Respect – We listen, and respect people, the environment, and the communities in which we live and work.
· Transparency – Transparency builds trust. We promote open communication with our people, our customers, and all our stakeholders.
· Diversity – We value diversity of experiences and thoughts. It takes people with different strengths and backgrounds to make our company succeed.
NextDecade provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. NextDecade complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.