Senior Project Manager, Utilities

Fairlife; Camden (MI); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with up to 9% employer match

Tuition reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

Fairlife in Camden, MI is seeking a Senior Project Manager to lead large-scale capital projects in the utilities workstream. You will coordinate across Engineering and Operations, managing budgets and timelines while ensuring project alignment and stakeholder collaboration.

The ideal candidate will have 10+ years of experience in industrial manufacturing, particularly in dairy or food and beverage sectors, with a deep understanding of utility systems like steam and glycol. Benefits include comprehensive medical coverage and 401(k) with employer match.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of industrial manufacturing experience (dairy, food & beverage, or liquid processing preferred).
• Strong knowledge of aseptic/sanitary design standards and process equipment requirements.
• Deep understanding of utility systems and ability to read P&IDs.

Responsibilities

• Review project scope, including budget and schedule analysis.
• Own project budget, timeline, risk assessments, and financial performance.
• Serve as the primary point of communication between stakeholders.

Skills

Industrial manufacturing experience

Knowledge of aseptic/sanitary design standards

Understanding of utility systems

Project lifecycle management

Leadership and collaboration skills

Cost management

Supply chain operations knowledge

Proficiency in SharePoint and Microsoft Office

Excellent communication skills

Tools

SharePoint

Microsoft Office

AutoCAD

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 Senior Project Manager, Utilities, is responsible for the successful execution of large‑scale capital projects within the utilities workstream, ensuring delivery within approved schedules and budgets. This role requires strong coordination across Engineering and Operations to drive alignment and collaboration. The Utilities Senior Project Manager must possess a solid technical understanding of project scope, along with a clear awareness of cross‑functional stakeholder requirements. Responsibilities also include managing budgets, timelines, and supporting resources. Key accountabilities span the full project lifecycle, including feasibility studies, procurement, installation support, commissioning, validation, and ramp‑up activities.

Responsibilities

• Review project scope, including budget and schedule analysis, and identify potential scope gaps.
• Own project budget, timeline, risk assessments, and overall financial performance.
• Serve as the primary point of communication 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 performance standards.
• Participate in factory acceptance testing (FAT), punch list development, and project closeout activities.
• Support integration of PLCs, HMIs, and auxiliary systems tied to utility equipment.
• Lead plant fit‑out execution (e.g., signage, workstations, lab equipment, safety barriers) and provide regular project updates.
• Develop and maintain engineering documentation, technical databases, and turnover packages, ensuring compliance with EHS, quality, and regulatory standards.

Skills & Qualifications Required

• 10+ years of industrial manufacturing experience (dairy, food & beverage, or liquid processing preferred).
• Strong knowledge of aseptic/sanitary design standards and process equipment requirements.
• 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, collaboration, and influencing skills across cross‑functional and contractor teams.
• Solid cost management, budgeting, forecasting, and financial tracking experience.
• Working knowledge of supply chain operations and ability to support cross‑functional initiatives.
• Proficiency with SharePoint, Microsoft Office, and AutoCAD for project tracking, data analysis, and documentation.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, fast‑paced environments with a proactive mindset.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• 12 hours sitting/standing/walking.
• Exposure to ability to lift up to ___ lbs.
• Reaching/bending requirements (if any).
• Exposure to hazards (machinery, confined spaces, etc.).
• Any other physical requirements.

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.

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; Webster, NY

Reports To

Director of Engineering, Large capital projects

Travel Requirements

50%

Employment Type

Exempt

Base Pay Range

$150,000—$175,000 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].