Senior Project Manager, Engineering

Hawaiian Host Group; Honolulu (HI); On-site; USD 135,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Paid Time Off

401(k) with company match

Job summary

The Hawaiian Host Group in Honolulu is seeking a Senior Project Manager to oversee engineering functions in their food-grade processing facilities. You will manage capital projects, support improvements in packaging and processing, and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering and over 5 years of experience in project management, preferably in manufacturing or food processing. Benefits include medical, dental, and a 401(k) with company match.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of project management in manufacturing/operations is required.
• Familiarity with HACCP, GMPs, FSMA, SQF/BRC or similar systems.
• Valid driver's license and reliable vehicle access.

Responsibilities

• Manage the annual capital plan and lead capital engineering projects.
• Collaborate with contractors on performance improvements and engineering.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, FDA/FSMA, USDA, and environmental regulations.

Skills

Project management

Lean/continuous improvement

Strong communication

Problem-solving

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial or related Engineering

Project Management certification

Tools

Computer systems and software applications

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Project Manager, Engineering leads the engineering function for the company’s food‑grade CPG and nut harvesting/processing facilities, managing all capital projects, contractors, and supporting facility packaging, processing equipment, and utility infrastructure. The role works cross‑functionally, indirectly supporting maintenance reliability programs and ensuring project safety, production efficiency, quality, and regulatory compliance. It reports to the Senior Director of Manufacturing.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage the annual capital plan from approvals to project oversight and lead larger capital engineering projects.
• Deliver projects on time and within budget, meeting organizational expectations.
• Collaborate with contractors and OEMs on new technologies, equipment performance improvements, and overall equipment and process engineering.
• Serve as a technical resource for Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and all Agricultural Operations, providing support and coaching.
• Implement and optimize processing and packaging lines for husking, drying, cracking, sorting, roasting, seasoning, enrobing, panning, packing, and other CPG operations, ensuring OEE and yield targets.
• Support efficient use of plant utilities and infrastructure, focusing on energy efficiency and Hawaii‑specific cost/availability constraints.
• Lead capital planning and execution for new equipment, expansions, and facility upgrades.
• Track and manage cash flow on capital projects in partnership with Accounting and Finance.
• Apply a value engineering mindset and lean manufacturing principles (5S, value stream mapping, SMED, line balancing, waste reduction) to improve line design, throughput, and reduce cost per pound.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, FDA/FSMA, USDA (if applicable), environmental regulations, and Hawaii codes and permitting.
• Partner with Quality and Food Safety to ensure hygienic equipment, allergen control, sanitation‑friendly layouts, and root cause analysis for customer or regulatory issues.
• Maintain plant layouts, drawings, work instructions, and change control for process and equipment changes.
• Use analytical and mechanical skills in dynamic conditions.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets (labor, MRO, capital) and report performance via KPIs (downtime, OEE, MTBF, maintenance cost, energy use).
• Prepare monthly business reports, including productivity metrics and budget costs, in collaboration with finance and accounting.
• Fulfill additional duties or projects assigned, demonstrating flexibility and initiative.
• Adhere to company policies and procedures, reflecting company values in conduct both on‑site and off.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related Engineering field; advanced degree or PE license preferred.
• 5+ years of project management in manufacturing/operations; food, CPG, or nut/agribusiness processing experience highly preferred.
• Project Management certification preferred but not required.
• Strong knowledge of lean/continuous improvement tools and reliability‑centered maintenance practices.
• Familiarity with food safety and quality systems (HACCP, GMPs, FSMA, SQF/BRC or similar) and designing sanitary/hygienic equipment installations.
• Experience managing capital projects from concept through commissioning, including vendor management and contractor oversight.
• Strong leadership, communication, and change management skills, with ability to influence cross‑functional teams and work effectively in a multicultural Hawaii workforce.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle access.
• Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making abilities.
• Capacity to work with and relate to employees at all levels.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Competency in computer systems and software applications.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and vibration; occasional standing, walking, sitting, use of hands, reaching, climbing stairs, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
• Occasional lift or move of up to 25 pounds; occasional lift or carry of up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required: close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and focus adjustment.
• Occasional interisland travel between Oahu and the Big Island to support multi‑site operations and capital project execution.
• Ability to work longer hours, including nights and weekends as needed.
• Regular use of hands/fingers to operate computers, telephones, and standard office equipment.
• Regular sitting for extended periods, often during meetings or computer work.
• Maintains regular and punctual attendance.

BENEFITS

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Pay
• Sick Leave
• Floating Holiday
• Company‑paid life & disability
• 401(k) with company match
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee product discounts

NOTE

This job description is not intended to cover or contain a complete listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

$135,000 - $160,000 a year

Hawaiian Host Group is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.