Project Manager

Responsibilities

• Define project scope, objectives, deliverables, and success criteria in alignment with plant leadership direction.
• Develop and maintain detailed project schedules; monitor progress and proactively manage schedule risk.
• Lead cross-functional project teams across operations, maintenance, quality, and engineering without direct authority over those resources.
• Lead project meetings with structured agendas and distribute action-oriented meeting minutes.
• Maintain complete project documentation including specifications, drawings, change orders, meeting minutes, and schedule updates.
• Identify obstacles early; develop and implement solutions independently, escalating critical issues to the Plant Projects Manager with recommended courses of action.
• Ensure all required permits, licenses, and regulatory documentation are obtained, current, and properly maintained.
• Contribute to standardized approaches for recurring project types.

Technical Execution

• Apply engineering and technical knowledge to evaluate project designs, contractor submittals, and installation methods for compliance with specifications and plant standards.
• Conduct or oversee field inspections during construction and installation phases; identify and resolve deficiencies.
• Support equipment selection and work with vendors and engineers to ensure technical requirements are met.
• Ensure all work complies with applicable codes, regulations, and food safety standards including GMP and HACCP requirements.

Contract & Financial Oversight

• Review contracts for alignment between stated terms and actual project execution requirements; flag discrepancies to the Plant Projects Manager prior to execution.
• Track project expenditures against approved budgets; manage change orders through proper approval channels.
• Process vendor payments per authorized schedules; resolve invoice discrepancies in a timely manner.

Operational Startup & Handoff

• Develop startup plans including SOPs, equipment validation protocols, training requirements, and staffing needs.
• Cook up operational readiness activities with production and quality teams to ensure a smooth transition.
• Track and resolve punch list and startup deficiencies; formally transition projects to operations once stable performance is confirmed and documented.

Qualifications

• Solid technical foundation in areas related to manufacturing processes, mechanical or process systems, and facility construction.
• Understanding of automated control systems, production equipment, and plant utilities.
• Knowledge of GMP, HACCP, or food safety regulations required; food and beverage manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Project); experience with project management software preferred.
• Familiarity with ERP systems (Microsoft Dynamics or similar) and basic accounting or procurement workflows.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, P&IDs, specifications, and technical submittals.
• Demonstrated Competencies: Technically — able to hold independent, informed conversations with engineers, contractors, and equipment vendors; Self-directed — manages workload and project priorities without requiring close supervision; Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable presenting project status and issues to plant leadership; Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving capability; Able to influence and lead cross-functional teams without direct authority; Organized under pressure — manages multiple concurrent projects in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Physical Requirements

• Manufacturing facility environment; appropriate PPE required at all times in production and construction areas.
• Ability to perform field inspections including walking work surfaces, climbing ladders, and accessing equipment areas.
• Flexible schedule required, including off-shift and weekend availability to support project milestones and contractor access.

Experience

• 3–5 years of project management experience in a manufacturing environment, with a demonstrated track record of independently delivering technical projects on time and within budget.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial, or related discipline) or Operations Management preferred.
• Equivalent hands-on experience in a technical manufacturing project role may be substituted.

Department

• Operations.

Benefits

• Health/Dental/Vision, Disability, Life, Flex Medical and Dependent Care, Matching 401(k), Profit Sharing, Paid Vacation and Holidays.