Project Manager - Food Processing Manufacturing Location: Central Indiana (Project Site)
Reporting Office: Chicago, IL
Project Duration: 2-5 years
Travel: Regular onsite presence required in Indiana; periodic travel to Chicago office
Salary: $150,000 range
Position Overview We are seeking an experienced
Project Manager to lead a large-scale food processing manufacturing project based in Indiana. This is a long-term assignment (2-5 years) requiring consistent onsite leadership, coordination with cross-functional teams, and close collaboration with the Chicago-based leadership team. The ideal candidate has a strong background in
food processing or regulated manufacturing environments and is comfortable managing complex, multi-year capital projects from execution through commissioning.
Key Responsibilities - Serve as the primary Project Manager for a large food processing manufacturing project, overseeing all phases from design through construction, commissioning, and closeout
- Manage project scope, schedule, budget, and risk in alignment with corporate and client objectives
- Coordinate closely with engineering, construction, quality, safety, procurement, and operations teams
- Ensure compliance with food industry regulations, including FDA, USDA, GMP, and food safety standards
- Lead contractor and vendor management, including bid evaluations, contract administration, and performance oversight
- Maintain a regular onsite presence at the Indiana project site to support execution, resolve issues, and ensure progress
- Report into the Chicago office, providing regular project updates, forecasts, and executive-level reporting
- Drive project schedules, milestones, and critical path activities to ensure timely delivery
- Manage change orders, cost controls, and contingency planning
- Promote and enforce strong safety, quality, and compliance standards across all project activities
- Foster strong communication among stakeholders, including internal leadership, consultants, contractors, and plant operations
Qualifications - MUST have Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field (required)
- 7-10+ years of recent project management experience within food processing, manufacturing, or regulated industrial environments
- Proven experience managing large capital projects with durations of multiple years
- Strong understanding of food manufacturing regulations (FDA, USDA, GMP, HACCP)
- Experience working in active plant environments or greenfield/brownfield manufacturing projects
- Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
- Ability and willingness to be onsite regularly in Indiana and travel to the Chicago office as required
- Proficiency in project management tools and scheduling software (e.g., Primavera P6, MS Project)
Preferred Qualifications - Experience with large-scale processing lines, packaging systems, or cold storage facilities
- PMP or similar project management certification
- Experience managing EPC or multi-prime construction models
Why This Role This is a rare opportunity to play a key leadership role on a
long-term, high-impact food manufacturing project , offering stability, visibility, and the chance to see a major facility through from start to finish.
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