Senior Project Manager, Processing

Fairlife; Camden (MI); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with up to 9% employer match

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Fairlife is seeking a Senior Engineering Project Manager in Camden, Michigan to oversee processing projects associated with large capital projects. The successful candidate will collaborate with various teams, manage project budgets and timelines, and ensure compliance with quality standards.

With a bachelor's degree in engineering and a minimum of 10 years experience in industrial manufacturing, particularly in dairy or food/beverage, this role requires a leader with strong project management and communication skills.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of industrial manufacturing experience (dairy, food & beverage, or liquid processing preferred).
• Proven experience managing capital and commercialization projects across the full project lifecycle.
• Strong knowledge of aseptic/sanitary design and FDA/PMO requirements.

Responsibilities

• Own project budget, timeline, risk assessments, and cost forecasting.
• Coordinate equipment delivery, installation, and startup support.
• Ensure vendor deliverables meet project requirements and quality standards.

Skills

Leadership and collaboration skills

Cost management

Understanding of utility systems

Knowledge of Lean Six Sigma

Proficiency in SharePoint and AutoCAD

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Chemical Engineering preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

AutoCAD

Job description

Company Overview

fairlife, LLC is a Chicago-based nutrition company that creates great-tasting, nutrition-rich dairy products to nourish consumers. With over $3B in annual retail sales, fairlife’s portfolio includes lactose‑free, real dairy products such as fairlife® ultra‑filtered milk and Core Power® High Protein Shakes.

Job Purpose

Senior Engineering Project Manager – Process has accountability for delivering processing projects associated with the processing work steam on time and in budget for large capital projects. Responsibility includes facilitating collaboration between Engineering and Operations stakeholders, managing budgets, schedules, and support services, and overseeing feasibility assessments, procurement, installation support, commissioning, validation, and ramp‑up.

Responsibilities

• Review project scope, including budget and schedule analysis, and identify potential scope gaps.
• Own project budget, timeline, risk assessments, and cost forecasting.
• Serve as the primary liaison between internal stakeholders, vendors, partners, and operations teams.
• Coordinate equipment delivery, site access, shutdowns, installation, commissioning, and startup support.
• Ensure vendor deliverables meet project requirements and fairlife quality and performance standards.
• Participate in factory acceptance testing (FAT), punch list development, and project closeout activities.
• Partner cross‑functionally (Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain) to pilot and transition projects into operations.
• Support integration of PLCs, HMIs, and processing equipment systems.
• Lead plant fit‑out execution (e.g., signage, workstations, lab equipment, safety barriers) and provide regular project updates to stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain engineering documentation, technical databases, turnover packages, and ensure compliance with EHS and regulatory standards.

Skills / Qualifications Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Chemical Engineering preferred).
• 10+ years of industrial manufacturing experience (dairy, food & beverage, or liquid processing preferred).
• Strong knowledge of aseptic/sanitary design, FDA/PMO requirements, and environmental/safety regulations.
• Deep understanding of utility systems (steam, boilers, glycol, cooling towers, RO, electrical) and ability to read P&IDs.
• Proven experience managing capital and commercialization projects across the full project lifecycle.
• Strong leadership and collaboration skills, with the ability to lead cross‑functional teams and influence stakeholders.
• Solid cost management, budgeting, forecasting, and business case development skills.
• Knowledge of Lean Six Sigma principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proficiency in SharePoint, Microsoft Office, and AutoCAD for project tracking, data analysis, and documentation.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• 8‑10 hours sitting/standing/walking.
• Work will be in active construction and equipment start‑up areas. Understanding of risks and safety requirements is an essential job function.

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) 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.

Position Location: Coopersville, MI

Reports to: Director of Engineering

Travel Requirements: 20‑30%

Exempt: exempt

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.

If you have a disability and would like to request accommodation in order to apply for a position with us, please email [e-mail].