Senior Building & Safety Project Manager

Location: Buffalo, New York (the role may also be based at one of the main manufacturing sites in Londonderry, NH; Nampa, ID; Tullare, CA; or the corporate office in Chicago, IL). Travel up to 50 % of the time to plants in NY, WI, CA, ID, NH, VT, AZ, TN, MI or to manufacturers/vendors nationally and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Perform audits of manufacturing plants and offices to monitor deficiencies and non‑compliance versus local regulations or Lactalis Guidelines & Standards.
• Participate in testing and evaluate installed systems.
• Study optimization possibilities with existing systems and propose upgrades or replacements as needed.
• Develop drawings, scopes of work, budgets, and timelines to prepare projects for submittal.
• Verify stamped engineered drawings.
• Participate in and follow up on building permitting processes with local agencies.
• Source vendors, negotiate, and acquire quotes for project investments and budgetary needs.
• Manage projects, track costs, and maintain budgets.
• Coordinate project review meetings, set agendas, keep meeting notes, and report results to key stakeholders.
• Apply principles for effective execution of projects.
• Store all approved documents in an organized environment, both physically and electronically.
• Work cross‑functionally to ensure projects meet the needs of Quality, Food Safety, Planning, Operations, Maintenance, and other stakeholders.
• Attend Site Acceptance Tests as required to validate installed systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in construction, architecture, or engineering.
• 5+ years of experience managing capital‑expenditure projects as a project manager.
• Building construction expertise required.
• Manufacturing industry experience required; food‑industry experience preferred.
• Knowledge of fire prevention, extreme‑weather protection, utility monitoring systems, and energy‑saving projects.
• Specialized knowledge of Microsoft Office, advanced Excel (macros, pivot tables), and AutoCAD (equipment & P&ID drawings).
• Familiarity with regulatory agency requirements (OSHA, DEQ, PSM, PHA, etc.).

Skills

• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to audit, investigate, and improve manufacturing process machinery.
• Effective communication with internal and external customers.
• Prioritization, organization, time‑management, and follow‑up skills.
• Continuous‑improvement mindset.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Willingness and ability to travel nationally and internationally to plant and vendor sites.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Total Rewards Program with a variety of affordable benefits and coverage options.
• Significant support for insurance costs.
• Generous contributions to retirement plans.
• Paid Time Off from day one.
• Professional growth opportunities, including training, development, and education reimbursement.