Sr. Project Manager, Packaging: Large Capital Projects

Job Purpose

The Sr. Project Manager has accountability for owning elements of the design, timeline, scope, budget, and vendor management for large, complex, or multi-location capital projects involving warehouse automation, packaging line installation, and capacity expansions. This role will ensure commercialization projects create efficiency, deliver capacity, and drive operational savings.

Responsibilities

• Execute program-level strategies, schedules, and capital requirements for warehouse and packaging capital projects.
• Own critical elements of the capital project process for warehousing and packaging, including design reviews, timeline control, budget management, and stakeholder communications.
• Manage key warehousing and packaging equipment vendors to ensure adherence to contracts, effective collaboration with other workstreams, cost control, and quality of equipment / installation.
• Participate in equipment design reviews, factory acceptance testing, punch list creation, and close out.
• Partner with other functions such as Operations, Quality, Safety, and Supply Chain to pilot and transition ownership of capital projects.
• Build mathematical models to support business cases, which drive decision making around sizing, throughput, financing, and future expansions.
• Support for the integration of PLCs, HMIs, process controls, labeling, and scanning hardware.
• Support other project needs as required, including steering committee presentation development, local community outreach events (e.g., site tours, presentations, and information requests).
• Lead the design of key plant fit-out items, including visual displays, signage, PPE stations, 5S areas, and safety barriers.

Skills/Qualifications Required

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering with 10+ years of experience packaging machinery, mechanical systems design, or high-speed manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of aseptic and sanitary design standards with PMO and Dairy experience a plus.
• Experience with utilities when required for project design execution.
• Exceptional project management capabilities with strong cost management and forecasting knowledge.
• Knowledge of installation and construction standards.
• Recognized as a leader of people, particularly in non-reporting relationships.

Food Safety Requirements

• Notify supervision of any repairs or adjustments that are required that may affect product quality or food safety.
• Understand, observe, and comply with the handling and usage of the color-coded container policy while in the Production Areas.
• Identify and record any problems relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the ingredients, processes, quality system, or safety system.
• Control further processing or delivery of nonconforming product in terms of Food Safety and Quality issues until the deficiency or unsatisfactory condition has been corrected.

How Fairlife Nourishes You

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, effective day one!
• Supplemental health plans (hospital indemnity, accident, and critical illness insurance).
• Paid Time Off to recharge and support work-life balance.
• Paid parental leave & adoption assistance (up to $10,000).
• Parental support & family care benefits, including childcare resources and lactation support.
• 401(k) to support retirement planning with up to 9% in employer match.
• Wellness reimbursement (up to $500 for qualified wellbeing expenses).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for emotional wellbeing and work-life support.
• Company-paid life insurance and short-term disability.
• Tuition reimbursement (up to $10,000) and student loan repayment ($200/month).
• Learning & development programs to unlock your full potential.
• Rewards & recognition, matching gifts, free product, and Business Resource Groups.

fairlife's Nour!sh Program

• Designed to meet you where you are — supporting your individual wellbeing journey while enabling you to do your best work every day.

Position Location

Coopersville, MI

Reports to

Director of Engineering, Packaging and Warehouse

Travel Requirements

Up to 50%

Base Pay Range

$150,000—$185,000 USD

Equal Opportunity Employer

At fairlife, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.