Project Manager, Packaging Commercialization: Large Capital Projects

Fairlife; Camden (MI); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision coverage

Parental leave

401(k) match

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness program

Job summary

fairlife, LLC is seeking a Project Manager Packaging Commercialization in Coopersville, MI to own the packaging commissioning on large capital projects. You will drive standardization, set up performance specs, and ensure acceptance of equipment and packaging materials.

The role requires 7+ years in packaging machinery or high-speed manufacturing, with FAT/SAT leadership, aseptic validation, and strong project management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering with 7+ years of experience packaging machinery, packaging materials, or high-speed manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of aseptic and high speed beverage filling desired.
• Experience leading FAT/SAT, equipment commissioning, aseptic validation, and mechanical qualification.
• Strong project management capabilities with strong organizational skills.
• Lean/Six Sigma background in developing centerlines, mistake proofing, and troubleshooting.
• Experience collaborating with OEMs and suppliers to influence successful outcomes with equipment and packaging material performance.

Responsibilities

• Support pre-engineering phase with spec packet preparation, sample preparation, performance specs, and alignment on validation formats.
• Support design phase in providing inputs to OEM selection, packaging supplier performance, and packaging supplier selection.
• Support procurement in qualification of any packaging material changes, packaging vendor changes, lab equipment sourcing, and tools needed by Operations associated with large capital projects.
• Support FAT plans to confirm packaging performance specs are being met, materials are onsite, and punch lists are closed out.
• Lead onsite packaging commissioning activities to include (pre trial meeting, trial plan, trial schedule coordination, trial execution, trial report, and post-trial action completion).
• Lead onsite acceptance testing with clear communication on performance against contracted terms.
• Support documentation turnover and maintenance of dimensional specs, material specs, and performance specs.
• Partner with other functions such as Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to pilot and transition ownership.

Skills

Project management

Lean Six Sigma

Packaging equipment

OEM collaboration

Aseptic filling

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Tools

FAT/SAT

Equipment commissioning

Mechanical qualification

Validation

Job description

fairlife, LLC is a Chicago-based nutrition company that creates great-tasting, nutrition-rich and dairy products to nourish consumers.

With over $3B in annual retail sales, fairlife’s portfolio of delicious, lactose-free, real dairy products includes: fairlife® ultra-filtered milk; Core Power® High Protein Shakes, a sports nutrition drink to support post-workout recovery; fairlife® nutrition plan™, a nutrition shake to support the journey to better health.

A wholly owned subsidiary of The Coca-Cola company, fairlife, LLC has been recognized by both Fast Company and Nielsen for its industry leading innovation.

To learn more about fairlife and its complete line of products, please visit fairlife.com.

job purpose

The Project Manager Packaging Commercialization has accountability for successfully commercializing packaging associated with large capital projects. Responsibility extends from pre-engineering through final acceptance. This role will own commissioning of equipment and packaging materials on large capital projects. The Project Manager Packaging Commercialization will have strong experience in packaging materials and equipment to drive standardization, set up, performance specs, and acceptance of projects.

responsibilities

• Support pre-engineering phase with spec packet preparation, sample preparation, performance specs, and alignment on validation formats

• Support design phase in providing inputs to OEM selection, packaging supplier performance, and packaging supplier selection

• Support procurement in qualification of any packaging material changes, packaging vendor changes, lab equipment sourcing, and tools needed by Operations associated with large capital projects

• Support FAT plans to confirm packaging performance specs are being met, materials are onsite, and punch lists are closed out.

• Lead onsite packaging commissioning activities to include (pre trial meeting, trial plan, trial schedule coordination, trial execution, trial report, and post-trial action completion

• Lead onsite acceptance testing with clear communication on performance against contracted terms.

• Support documentation turnover and maintenance of dimensional specs, material specs, and performance specs

• Partner with other functions such as Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to pilot and transition ownership

skills/qualifications required

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering with 7+ years of experience packaging machinery, packaging materials, or high‑speed manufacturing environments

• Knowledge of aseptic and high speed beverage filling desired

• Experience leading FAT/SAT, equipment commissioning, aseptic validation, and mechanical qualification

• Strong project management capabilities with strong organizational skills

• Lean/Six Sigma background in developing centerlines, mistake proofing, and troubleshooting

• Experience collaborating with OEMs and suppliers to influence successful outcomes with equipment and packaging material performance

working conditions and physical requirements

• Sitting/Standing/Walking: Stands, walks, and sits during completion of job responsibilities.

• Lifting/Carrying: Occasional lifting requirements as job demands. Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. on an occasional basis.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced high demand production facilities and the ability to be able to perform those duties.

food safety requirements

• Notify supervision of any repairs or adjustments that are required that may affect product quality or food safety.

• Understand, observe, and comply with the 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.

• Ability to 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.

how fairlife nourishes you

At fairlife, we believe in better — and that includes how we support our people. We offer a comprehensive suite of benefits and wellbeing resources designed to support you physically, emotionally, socially, and financially, both in and out of work.

• 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) to support retirement planning with up to 9% in 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

fairlife’s nour!sh program is designed to meet you where you are — supporting your individual wellbeing journey while enabling you to do your best work every day.

position location

Coopersville, MI

reports to

Director of Engineering, Packaging and Warehouse

travel requirements

up to 50%

salary range

$100,000 - $140,000

exempt/nonexempt

exempt

*Base pay offered may vary depending on geography, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position, is offered.

Base pay range:

$100,000 — $140,000 USD

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].