Project Manager

Keystone Distinction Group; Sioux City (IA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Keystone Distinction Group seeks a Project Manager to oversee the planning, execution, and completion of manufacturing projects. You will blend engineering insight with hands-on leadership, independently managing priorities and coordinating cross-functional teams to deliver results.

The role requires clear communication, balancing scope, cost, timing, and quality, and driving projects to successful completion in a fast-moving production environment.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of project management experience in a manufacturing or industrial setting.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related discipline; Operations Management preferred.
• Experience delivering technical projects with GMP/HACCP considerations.

Responsibilities

• Establish project goals, deliverables, timelines, and success metrics.
• Build and maintain project schedules, identify risks, adjust plans accordingly.
• Coordinate activities across engineering, maintenance, production, and quality teams.
• Facilitate structured project meetings with documentation.
• Resolve obstacles and escalate major risks with solutions.
• Ensure regulatory, permitting, and compliance requirements are met.

Skills

Project management

Manufacturing systems

Mechanical engineering

Chemical engineering

Industrial engineering

Cross-functional teamwork

Communication

Document control

P&IDs interpretation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Operations Management (preferred)

Tools

MS Office

ERP systems

Project management tools

Job description

Role Summary

The Project Manager oversees the planning, execution, and completion of technical and operational projects within a manufacturing environment. This role blends engineering insight with hands‑on project leadership, requiring someone who can independently manage priorities, coordinate cross‑functional teams, and deliver results without constant oversight.

The ideal candidate thrives in fast‑moving production settings, communicates clearly, and consistently drives projects to completion while balancing scope, cost, timing, and quality.

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership

• Establish project goals, deliverables, timelines, and success metrics in alignment with operational needs.

• Build and maintain project schedules, identifying risks early and adjusting plans proactively.

• Coordinate activities across engineering, maintenance, production, and quality teams.

• Facilitate structured project meetings and maintain clear, actionable documentation.

• Resolve obstacles independently and elevate major risks with recommended solutions.

• Ensure all regulatory, permitting, and compliance requirements are met and documented.

• Support development of standardized processes for recurring project types.

Technical Execution

• Review engineering designs, contractor proposals, and installation plans for accuracy and compliance.

• Conduct on‑site inspections during construction, installation, and commissioning phases.

• Assist with equipment selection and collaborate with vendors to verify technical specifications.

• Ensure adherence to relevant codes, safety standards, and food‑manufacturing regulations such as GMP and HACCP.

Contract & Budget Oversight

• Evaluate contract terms to ensure alignment with project needs.

• Monitor spending against approved budgets and manage change orders appropriately.

• Process vendor invoices and resolve discrepancies promptly.

Startup & Transition

• Develop commissioning plans, SOPs, training materials, and validation protocols.

• Coordinate with production and quality teams to ensure operational readiness.

• Track and close out punch‑list items and formally transition completed projects to operations.

General Expectations

• Maintain reliable attendance and perform essential job functions with or without accommodation.

• Support additional duties as needed within the operations team.

Qualifications

Technical Skills

• Strong foundation in manufacturing systems, mechanical or process engineering, and facility infrastructure.

• Understanding of automated controls, production equipment, and plant utilities.

• Knowledge of GMP, HACCP, or similar regulatory frameworks.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and familiarity with project management tools.

• Experience with ERP systems and basic procurement or accounting workflows.

• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, P&IDs, and technical documentation.

Core Competencies

• Able to communicate effectively with engineers, contractors, and equipment suppliers.

• Self‑directed and capable of managing multiple priorities independently.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Detail‑oriented with strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.

• Skilled at influencing cross‑functional teams without direct authority.

• Comfortable working under pressure in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to navigate production areas, climb ladders, and access elevated or confined equipment spaces.

• Use of appropriate PPE in manufacturing and construction zones.

• Flexibility to support off‑shift or weekend work during critical project phases.

Experience & Education

• Experience: 3–5 years of project management experience in a manufacturing or industrial setting, with proven success delivering technical projects.

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial, or related discipline) or Operations Management preferred

• Employment Type: Full‑time