Sr. Manager, Project Execution

About the RoleReporting directly to the Cluster Project Execution Director, the Senior Manager, Project Execution serves as the strategic bridge between Engineering and Business for the Specialties category in North America. Based in Dunmore, PA, this role is directly responsible for orchestrating the multi-million dollar CAPEX project portfolio, driving major footprint expansions, network transformations, and greenfield / brownfield asset upgrades across the North American Specialties network (including Dunmore and strategic NAM Sweets & Specialty execution plans). The Senior Manager acts as the guardian of execution discipline and is accountable for the direct management of Project Managers and Senior Project Engineers, while serving as a senior technical coach to site-level Technical Managers and Project Engineers. This role ensures that complex industrial projects (typically exceeding $500K to multi-million CHF/USD) are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and fully compliant with global food safety, environmental, and engineering standards. Main internal stakeholders include the Dunmore Plant Manager, NAM Specialties Business Leadership, Global Engineering & Technical Innovation (COE), Quality/Food Safety, SHE, Sourcing, and Operations Finance. The core mission is pursued through the rigorous application of the Front-End Loading (FEL) methodology, the BC Engineering staged-gate process, and TPM Early Management / Initiative Management (IM) frameworks. Why this role is attractive:This position offers high-visibility leadership at the heart of Barry Callebaut’s North American growth strategy. Located at the key Dunmore Masterplan site, the leader will shape the future footprint of the high-value Specialties segment. It provides a unique opportunity to lead large-scale transformation projects, manage high-performing multidisciplinary teams, and influence executive stakeholders in a dynamic, international matrix environment.Job Responsibilities IncludePortfolio Leadership & Resource Optimization: Lead and manage the team of Project Managers, Senior Project Engineers, and third-party EPC firms responsible for executing the Specialties CAPEX portfolio in North America, ensuring optimal resource allocation and capability development. Dunmore Masterplan & Network Execution: Direct the engineering execution of major capital investments at the Dunmore facility and associated Specialties sites, driving projects from feasibility/conceptual design through construction, CQV (Commissioning, Qualification, Verification), and hand-over. Stage-Gate Governance & FEL Compliance: Enforce BC’s Engineering staged-gate process (Front-End Loading) and Initiative Management (IM) methodology, ensuring all deliverables (technical scope, cost estimates, risk registers, and schedules) are rigorously vetted and approved. Technical Coaching & Local Empowerment: Serve as senior mentor and coach to Factory Technical Managers and Field Engineers, embedding technical memory and driving adherence to global Barry Callebaut engineering and safety standards. Budget, Cost & Schedule Control: Oversee project financial tracking (SAP) and cash-out forecasting; ensure zero cost overruns and strict adherence to project timelines across all assigned investments. Safety & Regulatory Compliance: Ensure 100% compliance with local, state, and federal US regulations (OSHA, EPA, local building/permitting authorities) as well as internal BC SHE and Food Safety/Quality standards, targeting Zero TRIR on all construction sites. Stakeholder Orchestration & Steering: Organize and lead regular technical steering committees with the Plant Manager, Operations Leadership, and Global Engineering Directors to report progress, manage change orders, and resolve operational roadblocks. Procurement & Vendor Management: Partner with Technical Sourcing to define equipment specifications, manage RFQ processes, negotiate EPC contracts, and evaluate supplier performance. Continuous Improvement & TPM: Drive the deployment of World Class Manufacturing (WCM) / TPM Early Management principles, ensuring Vertical Start-Up (VSU) and rapid ramp-up curve to OEE targets.Typical deliverables are:Zero TRIR and compliance process safety/people safety standardsZero quality defects and compliance with BC and local Food Safety StandardsMeeting Ram-up curve up to OEE +85%Adherence to schedule (no delay)Adherence to both Capex budgets (no overruns)People engagement survey +90%Compliance to energy/CO2 reduction targetsCompliance to BC and local Environmental requirements.Scope:Primary Location: Dunmore, Pennsylvania, USA (On-site / Hybrid as required by project cycle). Geographical & Network Scope: Direct oversight of the Dunmore Specialties Masterplan, with supporting execution responsibilities across 1–3 additional Americas Sweets & Specialty / Chocolate manufacturing sites in North America. Financial Scope: Direct ownership of major CAPEX projects ranging from $500K to $20M+ USD/CHF individually, managing a multi-million annual regional investment portfolio. Team Scope: Direct management of 1–3 internal Project Managers/Engineers, dotted-line coaching of site technical teams, and oversight of up to 50+ external contractors/consultants during peak executionAbout YouEducation: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering). An MBA or Master's in Project Management is considered a strong asset. Experience: 12+ years of progressive experience in project engineering, CAPEX management, and plant operations within the CPG, food process, or specialty chemical industries. Project Track Record: Proven track record of delivering major greenfield or complex brownfield expansion projects ($10M+ scale) on time, on budget, and with zero safety incidents. Language Skills: Full business and technical fluency in English is mandatory. Spanish proficiency is a plus for broader Americas collaboration. Methodological Expertise: In-depth mastery of Front-End Loading (FEL), PMBOK/Stage-Gate processes, TPM Early Management / Initiative Management (IM), and Commissioning/Qualification (CQV). Technical & Software Proficiency: Advanced knowledge of MS Project, SAP ERP (CAPEX modules), AutoCAD, and statistical/data tools. Certifications: Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is highly desirableTravel Requirements: 20% – 40% travel, depending on project lifecycle phases (FATs, global engineering meetings, and support for secondary NAM sites). Physical & Environmental Conditions: Must be comfortable working in active industrial construction environments, navigating multi-level processing facilities (climbing platforms/ladders, wearing full PPE), and overseeing outdoor utility/civil works. Work Location: Dunmore, PA site with flexibility aligned with BC company policies.What You Can Expect from Barry Callebaut• Competitive salary, annual bonus, and comprehensive benefits package.• Generous paid time off, holidays, and flexible work arrangements.• An inclusive, diverse culture grounded in the #OneBC mindset.• Exposure to global best practices and opportunities for professional growth and internal mobility.