Engineering Project Manager II

Job Description:

The Engineering Project Manager II leads the execution of large capital projects from concept through start-up and closure. This role is responsible for defining project scope, developing mass flows to determine equipment requirements, calculating square footage needs, establishing labor distribution, and setting throughput targets. Working closely with the Finance department, the Engineering Project Manager II provides accurate data for costing and documents all phases through the FEL (Front-End Loading) process. This includes developing and maintaining project timetables, cost workbooks, cash flows, and formal scope documents (FEL packages). The role integrates with all engineering disciplines—Controls and Automation, Mechanical Design, Infrastructure, and Packaging—and coordinates closely with Commercialization and Sales teams to launch projects using a StageGate process. Throughout both the FEL and Stage-Gate phases, the Project Manager ensures that Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Sanitation, and R&D are actively engaged in all stages requiring technical definition, from initial concept through final design, installation, and start-up.

Key Essential Functions/Duties:

• Lead large capital projects from conceptualization through commissioning and closure.
• Define project scope, mass flows, equipment requirements, square footage, labor allocation, and throughput rates.
• Partner with Finance to prepare cost estimates, budgets, and cash flow projections.
• Document and manage project details through the FEL process, including schedules, cost workbooks, cash flows, and scope documents.
• Integrate technical input from internal engineering disciplines, including Controls and Automation,
• Mechanical Design, Infrastructure, and Packaging.
• Collaborate with Commercialization and Sales teams to manage project launches following the Stage-Gate process.
• Engage Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Sanitation, and R&D during all FEL, Stage-Gate, design, installation, and start-up phases requiring technical definition.
• Oversee procurement processes, manage vendor relationships, and ensure timely delivery of materials and services.
• Track and report on project performance, ensuring adherence to scope, budget, schedule, and cash flow targets.
• Lead project closeout activities, delivering final documentation and lessons learned.

Performance is measured by:

• On-time launch to production and closure of projects.
• Adherence to budget and cost targets.
• Fulfillment of cash flow projections.
• Delivery of project scope as defined during conceptualization.
• Adherence to the capital spend plan as a team, maintaining budget variance within ±5% and meeting cash flow targets.

Education/Experience/Skills/Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Project Management, or a related field.
• 10+ years of project management experience in engineering or a related industry.
• Proven track record managing large-scale engineering projects from conception through completion.
• PMP (Project Management Professional) certification or equivalent preferred.
• Strong understanding of engineering principles, practices, and standards in the food industry.
• Proficiency in interpreting and working with mechanical drawings, Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), and
• Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).
• Skilled in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera, or similar) and engineering tools (e.g., CAD).
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills with the ability to coordinate cross-functional teams and vendors.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver projects on time, within budget, and to defined scope.