Senior Manufacturing Project Manager

Summary: 

The Project Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing capital and process improvement projects. This role will partner closely with the Director of Maintenance & Engineering to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with all safety, quality, and regulatory standards. The Project Manager will oversee multiple projects ranging from equipment installation and facility upgrades to efficiency and automation initiatives that support the company’s growth and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Planning & Execution
  • Manage end-to-end project life cycles, including scope definition, cost estimation, scheduling, resource planning, and risk management.
  • Work with stakeholders to develop project charters, budgets, and timelines that align with plant priorities and business objectives.
  • Helps identify and select equipment for new business opportunities and growth.
  • Oversee contractors, vendors, and third-party service providers to ensure compliance with company standards and safety requirements.
• Collaboration & Leadership
  • Partner with the Director of Maintenance & Engineering on capital improvement, facility expansion, and equipment modernization projects.
  • Coordinate with cross-functional teams including Production, Quality Assurance, Sanitation, Safety, and Supply Chain to minimize disruptions during project execution.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for project-related communication and updates.
• Technical & Compliance Oversight
  • Ensure all projects comply with FDA, USDA, OSHA, GMP, and food safety regulations.
  • Manage documentation related to engineering drawings, change controls, and project closeouts.
  • Conduct post-project evaluations to capture lessons learned and drive continuous improvement.
• Budget & Resource Management
  • Track project expenditures, prepare cost reports, and recommend cost-saving opportunities, such as line efficiency, automation and waste reduction.
  • Support capital expenditure requests (CAPEX) and present project updates to senior management.
  • Negotiate contracts and manage vendor relationships to ensure high-quality and cost-effective outcomes.

Qualifications

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Chemical) or related field preferred. PMP or CAPM certification is a plus.
  • 5+ years of project management experience, ideally in food manufacturing, CPG, or a regulated production environment.
  • Proven track record managing capital projects, equipment installation, or plant expansion.
  • Experience with ERP systems, MS Project, AutoCAD, or other project management/engineering tools.
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Teams, including the ability to develop and manage project plans, Gantt charts, and collaborative workspaces to support cross-functional continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, food safety standards (GMP, HACCP), and maintenance best practices.
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Strong communication, negotiation, and leadership abilities.
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Project, PowerPoint, Word).