Food Manufacturing Project Manager

The VIRATA Group; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The VIRATA Group is seeking a Food Manufacturing Project Manager for an on-site contract role in Orlando, Florida. This position involves overseeing the startup of a new food manufacturing facility, managing project timelines, coordinating with stakeholders, and ensuring operational readiness. The ideal candidate will have expertise in program and project management, experience in manufacturing operations, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams. A Bachelor's degree in a related field is preferred, along with a willingness to travel within the Southern United States.

Qualifications

• Strong expertise in Program Management and Project Management.
• Proven experience in manufacturing operations and industrial manufacturing environments.
• Direct experience supporting plant openings, facility launches, or manufacturing startup projects.

Responsibilities

• Oversee critical aspects of plant startup and operational readiness.
• Manage timelines and deliverables, coordinating with stakeholders.
• Identify project risks and drive issue resolution to maintain project momentum.

Skills

Program Management

Project Management

Manufacturing Operations

Stakeholder Coordination

Leadership

Problem-Solving

Communication

Organizational Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business Administration, or a related field

Job description

The VIRATA Group is an Industrial Engineering Firm focused on delivering self-funded operational transformations that drive significant EBITDA improvements for organizational leaders such as CEOs, COOs, and CFOs. With a commitment to measurable results, our expertise spans multiple industries, including manufacturing, distribution, logistics, warehousing, and food. The VIRATA Group specializes in identifying opportunities for efficiency and profitability, collaborating with clients to implement sustainable solutions that elevate their operations.

Role Description

This is a contract, on-site role for a Food Manufacturing Project Manager supporting the launch and startup of a new food manufacturing facility in the Southern United States. The engagement is expected to begin in June and continue for several months based on project needs and facility ramp-up timelines.

The Food Manufacturing Project Manager will oversee critical aspects of plant startup and operational readiness, including project planning, execution, cross-functional coordination, and manufacturing implementation. Responsibilities include managing timelines and deliverables, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders, identifying project risks, and driving issue resolution to maintain project momentum.

The candidate will support facility commissioning activities, operational workflow development, startup planning, and manufacturing readiness initiatives to ensure a successful facility launch. This role requires strong leadership, communication, and organizational capabilities within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Strong expertise in Program Management and Project Management
• Proven experience in manufacturing operations and industrial manufacturing environments
• Direct experience supporting plant openings, facility launches, or manufacturing startup projects
• Experience managing project timelines, scheduling, execution, and stakeholder coordination
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive operational execution in a startup environment
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Experience within food manufacturing or other regulated manufacturing industries is strongly preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred
• Willingness to travel and work on-site within the Southern United States for the duration of the engagement