Project Manager, Large Capital Quality

fairlife, LLC; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

Supplemental health plans

Paid Time Off

Paid parental leave

401(k) with up to 9% employer match

Tuition reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

fairlife, LLC is looking for a Quality Project Manager to oversee quality workstreams for large capital projects in Chicago, IL. This role will involve partnering with Quality and Operations teams to ensure designs meet all required standards while leading the establishment of quality laboratories.

The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Food Science, or a related field, with strong project management abilities and experience in quality systems. Benefits include comprehensive medical coverage and paid parental leave.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Food Science, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Exceptional project management capabilities.
• Demonstrated knowledge of quality systems, lab equipment, food safety and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Quality and Operations teams to ensure engineering designs meet requirements.
• Lead the design of quality labs and lab equipment.
• Manage validation, commissioning runs, and FDA filing processes.

Skills

Project management capabilities

Expertise in MS Excel

Expertise in AutoCAD

Expertise in MS Project

Knowledge of quality systems

Knowledge of food safety standards

Knowledge of lab equipment

Strong cost management

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Food Science

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

Tools

LECCO

Ash oven

FOSS

Job description

Job Purpose

The Quality Project Manager will report to the Director of Operations Readiness and Execution and will be responsible for ensuring that quality workstreams are delivered effectively for all large capital projects. This includes quality lab design and fit‑out, building utility coordination, state and federal requirement management, quality process design, and product acceptance testing.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Quality and Operations teams to ensure engineering designs, plans, and timelines meet requirements and act as main liaison between project and quality teams.
• Lead the design of quality labs, lab equipment, and building utility requirements for greenfield and plant expansion projects.
• Ensure all lab equipment is installed, calibrated, and tested in accordance with project timelines to support line validations.
• Manage validation, commissioning runs, and filing processes for the FDA with our Process Authority (PA).
• Develop and maintain budgets, timelines, and risk registers for all projects.
• Manage all state inspections and equipment sealing activities.
• Coordinate all product acceptance plans during flavor trials, including sensory testing, analytical chemistry (particle dispersion, viscosity, micro, composition), and external lab sampling.
• Create and roll out training plans for quality systems and enablers.
• Develop process maps for all quality processes from milk receiving to finished goods testing.
• Plan and conduct CIP validations to ensure equipment cleaning processes are working effectively.
• Represent the quality function during design stages to ensure food safety and quality standards are met.

Food Safety Requirements

• Notify supervision of any repairs or adjustments that may affect product quality or food safety.
• Understand, observe, and comply with handling and usage of the color‑coded container policy while in the Production Areas.
• Perform all duties necessary to meet Company, Customer, and/or Government requirements/standards as prioritized by the Company.
• Initiate action to prevent the occurrence of nonconformities relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the product, processes, quality system, or safety system.
• 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.
• In the event of absence, another employee with the same skill level will assume the duties and responsibilities as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Food Science, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Exceptional project management capabilities.
• Expertise in using MS Excel, AutoCAD, and MS Project.
• Demonstrated knowledge of quality systems, lab equipment (e.g., LECCO, ash oven, FOSS, etc.), food safety and quality standards, and standard audit practices.
• Experience working in value‑added dairy or a related field.
• Strong cost management and forecasting experience and knowledge.

Benefits

• 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) with up to 9% 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.
• Employer HSA funding (for HDHP participants).
• 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.

Location & Travel

Position location: Coopersville, MI, Webster, NY, or Chicago, IL.

Travel requirements: Up to 50% depending on location.

Compensation

Base pay range: $125,000—$140,000 USD.

Employment type: Exempt.

Reporting

Reports to: Director, Large Capital Projects.

EEO Statement

fairlife, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. 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. All qualified applicants and employees will be given equal opportunity. Selection decisions are based on job‑related factors. In addition to its nondiscrimination commitment, the Company will also provide reasonable accommodation of qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the Company. If you have a disability and would like to request accommodation in order to apply for a position with us, please email [e-mail].