Project Manager

Job Description

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY:

The Project Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing capital improvement projects from concept through completion within the facility. This position manages project scope, budgets, schedules, procurement activities, contractors, and commissioning efforts while ensuring projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget. The Project Manager works collaboratively with Operations, Maintenance, and external vendors to successfully implement projects while minimizing disruption to plant operations.

JOB RESPONSIBILITES (include but are not limited to):

Project Planning & Execution

• Plan, manage, and execute capital projects from concept through completion, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget.
• Develop project scopes, schedules, budgets, cost estimates, and resource plans to support successful project execution.
• Coordinate project activities with Operations, Maintenance, and contractors to minimize disruptions to plant operations.
• Monitor project progress and adjust schedules and resources as necessary to meet project objectives.
• Assist CFO with compliance related tasks including prevailing wage documentation, domestic content, apprenticeship requirements, and other information, as required, for compliance activities.

Procurement & Contractor Management

• Coordinate the procurement of equipment, materials, and services required for capital projects.
• Evaluate vendor proposals, obtain competitive bids, and assist with contract negotiations and contractor selection.
• Manage contractor activities to ensure compliance with safety requirements, project specifications, and quality standards.
• Monitor equipment deliveries and contractor performance to ensure project milestones are achieved.

Budget & Project Controls

• Prepare and manage capital expenditure (CapEx) budgets and provide accurate project cost forecasting.
• Track project expenditures, review invoices, manage change orders, and ensure projects remain within approved budgets.
• Maintain project documentation, schedules, contracts, and progress reports throughout the project lifecycle.
• Provide regular project status updates to leadership, including schedule, budget, and risk assessments.

Plant Coordination & Project Commissioning

• Coordinate equipment installation, plant shutdowns, startups, testing, commissioning, and project turnover to Operations.
• Work closely with Operations and Maintenance to ensure projects are integrated safely into the operating facility.
• Identify project risks and develop mitigation strategies to minimize impacts on production and project schedules.
• Support troubleshooting efforts during project startup and resolve issues to ensure successful project completion.

Safety & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure all project activities comply with OSHA regulations, environmental requirements, company policies, and contractor safety programs.
• Promote a strong safety culture by participating in safety meetings, job hazard analyses, and project safety planning.
• Identify opportunities to improve project execution, plant reliability, operational efficiency, and capital planning processes.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by implementing lessons learned and best practices for future capital projects.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS and ABILITIES:

Project Management:  Ability to successfully manage capital projects from planning through completion while balancing scope, schedule, budget, and quality.

Planning & Organization:  Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple projects, manage timelines, and maintain accurate documentation.

Technical Knowledge:  Understanding of industrial manufacturing processes, engineering drawings, equipment installation, and project execution within an operating plant.

Procurement & Financial Management:  Experience managing procurement activities, contractor relationships, project budgets, and capital expenditures.

Problem-Solving & Decision-Making:  Ability to identify risks, resolve issues, and make sound decisions in a fast-paced industrial environment.

Communication & Collaboration:  Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, contractors, vendors, and leadership.

Safety & Compliance:  Commitment to maintaining a safe work environment and ensuring compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, or a related technical field; equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered. 
• Minimum of five (5) years of project management experience leading capital projects in an industrial manufacturing, chemical processing, ethanol, food processing, energy, or similar operating facility.
• Demonstrated experience with project scheduling, procurement, contractor management, and capital budget administration.
• Experience coordinating projects within an operating plant environment is required.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is preferred.
• Experience with ethanol production, grain processing, or other continuous process manufacturing operations is preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work in both office and industrial plant environments.
• Frequent walking, standing, climbing stairs and ladders, and navigating active production and construction areas.
• Ability to occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions and around noise, dust, heat, and moving equipment.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including a hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, steel-toed footwear, and other required safety gear.
• Ability to communicate effectively and read technical documents, drawings, and computer screens.

BENEFITS:

• Heartland Corn Product employees are eligible for benefits the first of the month after hire. HCP offers medical, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; an employer sponsored health reimbursement account; flexible spending accounts; 401k retirement plan with match and more!