Sr. Engineering Project Manager

Balchem is committed to making the world a healthier place by delivering trusted, innovative, and science-based solutions for health and nutritional needs. With approximately 1,400 employees worldwide, Balchem provides service, quality, and technology that enables customers to succeed. Founded in 1967 and publicly traded on Nasdaq (BCPC), Balchem operates from its corporate headquarters in Montvale, New Jersey, with a network of sales offices, manufacturing sites, and R&D centers primarily in the U.S. and Europe. The company consists of three business segments: Human Nutrition and Health, Animal Nutrition and Health, and Specialty Products.

About the role

The Senior Engineering Project Manager leads the development and execution of complex, multifunctional capital projects across Balchem’s manufacturing network, focusing on capacity expansion, process improvement, safety, quality, and compliance initiatives within food and ingredient manufacturing environments. This role provides end-to-end project leadership from concept development through feasibility assessment, scope definition, budgeting, scheduling, procurement, construction, commissioning, start-up, and handover to Operations. The position requires collaboration with Operations, Maintenance, Safety, Quality, R&D, Procurement, external engineering firms, equipment suppliers, and construction contractors to ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and aligned with business objectives.

The role demands strong technical knowledge of chemical processes, hygienic food manufacturing design, utilities, automation/controls, process safety, risk management, and change control. The Senior Engineering Project Manager drives disciplined project governance, transparent communication, effective stakeholder alignment, and sustainable solutions that improve plant reliability, manufacturing capability, food safety, product quality, and operational performance.

Responsibilities

• Follows and enforces all safety policies and procedures, including the use of safety equipment (PPE) and equipment safeguards.
• Performs Job Hazard Analyses, Safety Observations, and training as required.
• Ensures the safe performance of contract work in the facility and promotes the site’s safety culture.
• Leads project governance, including scheduling and conducting routine stakeholder reviews, managing change control, and monitoring project execution metrics.
• Determines the feasibility of proposed projects and recommends structural, mechanical, electrical, operational, or other requirements for senior management approval.
• Coordinates cross-functional scope, design, and project reviews.
• Designs, develops, and installs approved construction and manufacturing projects.
• Coordinates and supervises the implementation of priority projects, ensuring performance to budget and timeline.
• Submits recommendations on Safety, Quality, and Efficiency initiatives to Senior Management for approval.
• Coordinates and supervises the work of contractors, design engineers, and specialists.
• Ensures specifications, material requirements, drawings, and cost estimates are completed; compiles results and prepares recommendations or capital appropriations.
• Prepares purchase requisitions for equipment and services to ensure project completion.
• Prepares activity reports to keep stakeholders informed about project status.
• Submits periodic budget and status reports on capital items under their control.
• Develops and submits project lists, justifications, and cost estimates for the capital planning process.
• Prepares SOPs for engineering functions, production operations, plant processes, and general procedures.
• Organizes engineering drawings and standards for buildings, equipment, and processes.
• Monitors plant procedures, processes, and equipment maintenance, making recommendations for improved operations.
• Provides engineering assistance to other departments as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering (Chemical, Electrical, or Mechanical preferred) with detailed knowledge of process design, controls, project management, mechanical design, and construction methods.
• A minimum of 7 years (10 years ideal) of experience, including project management, plant operations, equipment maintenance, and process control equipment and theory.
• Previous experience leading large capital projects ($2-10M+).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with executives, engineers, operations teams, and construction workers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft business software (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). Experience with project management software (MS Project, Primavera) is desired.
• Travel to other Balchem locations is expected as business needs require, estimated at approximately 50%.