Sr Process Project Manager (Food Manufacturing)

Lactalis USA; Londonderry (NH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Affordable benefits and coverage options

Generous retirement plan contributions

Paid time off from day one

Education reimbursement opportunities

Job summary

Lactalis USA is seeking a Sr. Process Project Manager to lead strategic capital investment and process improvement projects in yogurt manufacturing. This role requires managing all project phases, ensuring quality and operational standards are met.

The ideal candidate will have at least 8 years of experience in capital expenditure management within the dairy or food industry, alongside a degree in engineering. Benefits offered include comprehensive rewards programs and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• 8+ years working on capital expenditure and managing multi-million-dollar projects.
• Experience in the dairy, beverage, or liquid food manufacturing industry.
• Knowledge of project management tools and food safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute strategic capital investment and process improvement projects.
• Conduct site assessments and feasibility studies for technical evaluations.
• Develop project packages, including process flow diagrams and cost estimates.

Skills

Project management

Process improvement

Capital expenditure management

Cross-functional teamwork

Food safety regulations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food, Chemical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering

Tools

MS Office applications

MS Project

AutoCAD

Job description

Sr. Process Project Manager

Position can be located at one of our Yogurt Manufacturing Plants. The role carries out responsibilities such as leading and executing strategic capital investment and process improvement projects that enhance the design, performance, and reliability of our yogurt manufacturing operations. It involves overseeing projects from concept through full implementation, ensuring alignment with corporate standards, plant operational needs, and product quality expectations. The role includes driving process design, managing cross‑functional project teams, supporting production and quality operations, and ensuring successful commissioning of new or upgraded yogurt processing systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Define project objectives, deliverables, and performance criteria to support strategic business goals within yogurt manufacturing and processing.
• Conduct site assessments and feasibility studies to evaluate technical constraints, operational impacts, and cost‑benefit considerations.
• Partner with key stakeholders at corporate and plant level to obtain buy‑ins and ensure that project designs meet business, operational, and regulatory expectations.
• Develop complete project packages including process flow diagrams, P&IDs, equipment layouts, scopes of work, cost estimates, timelines, ROI, and risk assessments required for capital project justification and submittal.
• Identify, evaluate, and prequalify suppliers, engineering firms, and equipment vendors aligned with corporate standards and yogurt processing technology requirements.
• Lead vendor negotiations to secure competitive quotations for capital assets, installation services, and engineering support.
• Prepare comparative analyses and recommendations for purchasing decisions and capital investment approvals.
• Lead end‑to‑end project management for yogurt process initiatives, from conceptual design through commissioning, ramp‑up, project closure, and handover.
• Maintain and distribute comprehensive project schedules, identify critical paths, implement mitigation initiatives, and propose acceleration plans to ensure all projects are completed in accordance with the timelines in the Savings Plans and ROI calculations.
• Coordinate and facilitate project review meetings, develop and distribute meeting minutes, and escalate issues or risks to key stakeholders as required.
• Attend factory acceptance tests (FAT), site acceptance tests (SAT), and commissioning activities to ensure equipment performance aligns with specifications and project objectives.
• Oversee installation, startup, and optimization of yogurt processing systems, resolving technical issues and ensuring seamless integration with existing operations.
• Ensure all projects comply with corporate engineering standards, environmental regulations, food safety requirements, and applicable industry codes.
• Promote continuous improvement and standardization of yogurt processing technologies across the global manufacturing network.
• Travel to domestic and international manufacturing sites, vendor locations, and corporate offices as necessary to support project planning, execution, and commissioning.

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Major in Food, Chemical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering required.

Experience

• 8+ years working on capital expenditure, managing multi‑million‑dollar projects required. Corporate or multi‑site project management experience preferred.
• 8+ years of experience in the dairy, beverage, or liquid food manufacturing industry required.
• 5+ years of experience in a USDA or FDA regulated industry required.

Certifications and Specific Knowledge

• Project Management Professional certification recommended.
• Knowledge of capital project management tools (project initiation, stage‑gate, risk management, cost tracking, FAT/SAT protocol development and execution, project closure) required.
• Knowledge of contract management and vendor management required.
• Knowledge of food safety & regulatory requirements (Pasteurized Milk Ordinance, sanitary design, 3‑A Standards, cGMP, microbiological control) required.
• Understanding of dairy process unit operations (separation, standardization, pasteurization, homogenization, fermentation, etc.) required.
• Knowledge of mass & energy balances and process modeling required.
• Knowledge of tank and piping design (including agitation, heat transfer, hygienic fittings, pumps, valves) required.
• Understanding of production lines, OEEs, capacity & saturation calculations, and integration with upstream process equipment an asset.
• Understanding of process automation & controls (PLC, SCADA, MES, batch and recipe management) a plus.
• Knowledge of MS Office applications, MS Project, and AutoCAD required. Knowledge of Excel pivot tables and macros preferred.

Work Conditions

• Travel required up to 50% monthly.
• Extended hours may be necessary depending on project needs.
• Tools such as a computer, phone, and/or allowance(s) may be provided.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties and responsibilities.
• This position requires physical presence in the office in accordance with the guidelines of the Hybrid Work Policy.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Program with a variety of affordable benefits and coverage options. We support insurance costs significantly, contribute generously to retirement plans, and offer paid time off from day one. We are committed to your professional growth, providing training and development opportunities, including education reimbursement. Join us and grow your career.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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