Sr. Packaging Project Manager

Lactalis American Group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Total rewards program

Training and education reimbursement

Paid time off from day one

Job summary

Lactalis American Group in Chicago, IL is seeking a Sr. Packaging Project Manager to lead packaging initiatives for yogurt, cheeses, and powder products from design to implementation. You will collaborate with Operations, R&D, Quality, Food Safety, Planning, and Maintenance to optimize production systems.

Responsibilities include budgeting, vendor sourcing, project tracking, cross‑functional coordination, and capital budgeting. Travel up to 50% and off‑hours as needed to meet project needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or chemical engineering.
• 5+ years of capital expenditure project management.
• Experience in the food industry (dairy preferred).
• USDA or FDA regulated plant experience supporting manufacturing and utilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop drawings, scopes of work, budgets, and timelines for project submittals.
• Source vendors, negotiate quotes for project investments and budget needs.
• Manage projects and track costs within budget.
• Coordinate project review meetings and report results to stakeholders.
• Attend factory acceptance tests and validate equipment purchases.
• Travel up to 50% and support the annual capital budget.

Skills

Advanced Excel

Cross‑functional collaboration

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or chemical engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

P&ID drawings

Microsoft Office

Job description

Sr. Packaging Project Manager (Chicago, IL)

Responsible for managing and leading projects related to packaging of yogurt, cheeses, and powder products, from design to implementation. Works with Operations, R&D, Quality, Food Safety, Planning, Operations, and Maintenance to optimize production systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop drawings, scopes of work, budgets, and timelines to prepare a project for submittal.
• Source vendors, negotiate, and acquire quotes for project investments and budgetary needs.
• Manage projects and track costs, maintaining them within budget.
• Coordinate project review meetings, keep notes, and report results to stakeholders.
• Apply principles for effective project execution.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally to meet stakeholder needs.
• Attend factory acceptance tests to validate equipment purchases.
• Lead and assist in developing the annual capital budget.
• Travel as required (up to 50%) and may be required off‑work hours based on project needs.
• Support other management functions as assigned.

Travel Requirements

Travel required up to 50% of the time to plants in NY, WI, CA, ID, NH, VT, AZ, TN & MI and to manufacturers/vendors nationally and internationally.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or chemical engineering.

Experience

• 5+ years of capital expenditure project management.
• Experience in the food industry required, dairy process preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of USDA or FDA regulated plant experience supporting manufacturing and utilities.

Specialized Knowledge

• Advanced Excel (macros, pivot tables), AutoCAD (equipment & P&ID drawings), and Microsoft Office.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to audit, investigate, and improve packaging machinery.
• Effective communication with internal and external customers.
• Prioritization, organization, time management, and follow‑up skills.
• Continuous improvement mindset.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to travel to plant and manufacturer sites nationally and internationally.

At Lactalis, we offer a comprehensive total rewards program with a variety of affordable benefits and coverage options, substantial retirement plan contributions, and paid time off from day one. We are committed to your professional growth, providing training, development opportunities, and education reimbursement.

Lactalis is an equal employment opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against applicants on any legally‑recognized basis, including veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, and physical or mental disabilities. Any division of the Company that is an affirmative action employer will comply with all related legal obligations.