Senior Project Manager, Processing

Job Description

Job Description

fairlife, LLC is a Chicago-based nutrition company that creates great-tasting, nutrition-rich and dairy products to nourish consumers.

With over $3B in annual retail sales, fairlife's portfolio of delicious, lactose-free, real dairy products includes: fairlife® ultra-filtered milk ; Core Power® High Protein Shakes, a sports nutrition drink to support post-workout recovery; fairlife® nutrition plan™ , a nutrition shake to support the journey to better health.

A wholly owned subsidiary of The Coca-Cola company, fairlife, LLC has been recognized by both Fast Company and Nielsen for its industry leading innovation.

To learn more about fairlife and its complete line of products, please visit fairlife.com.

job purpose :

The Sr Engineering Project Manager - Process has accountability for delivering Processing projects associated with the Processing work steam on time and in budget for large capital projects. Responsibility includes facilitating collaboration between Engineering and Operations stakeholders. The Sr Engineering Project Manager - Process must have a high technical understanding of the scope of the project as well as an understanding of what is required from other key stakeholders. The Sr Engineering Project Manager - Process must be able to allocate and adhere to budgets, schedules, and support services. Accountabilities include project management for feasibility assessments, procurement, installation support, commissioning, validation, and ramp up.

responsibilities:

• Review project scope, including budget and schedule analysis, and identify potential scope gaps.

• Own project budget, timeline, risk assessments, and cost forecasting.

• Serve as the primary liaison between internal stakeholders, vendors, partners, and operations teams.

• Coordinate equipment delivery, site access, shutdowns, installation, commissioning, and startup support.

• Ensure vendor deliverables meet project requirements and fairlife quality and performance standards.

• Participate in factory acceptance testing (FAT), punch list development, and project closeout activities.

• Partner cross-functionally (Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain) to pilot and transition projects into operations.

• Support integration of PLCs, HMIs, and processing equipment systems.

• Lead plant fit-out execution (e.g., signage, workstations, lab equipment, safety barriers) and provide regular project updates to stakeholders.

• Develop and maintain engineering documentation, technical databases, turnover packages, and ensure compliance with EHS and regulatory standards.

skills/qualifications required:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Chemical Engineering preferred).

• 10+ years of industrial manufacturing experience (dairy, food & beverage, or liquid processing preferred).

• Strong knowledge of aseptic/sanitary design, FDA/PMO requirements, and environmental/safety regulations.

• Deep understanding of utility systems (steam, boilers, glycol, cooling towers, RO, electrical) and ability to read P&IDs.

• Proven experience managing capital and commercialization projects across the full project lifecycle.

• Strong leadership and collaboration skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders.

• Solid cost management, budgeting, forecasting, and business case development skills.

• Knowledge of Lean Six Sigma principles and continuous improvement methodologies.

• Proficiency in SharePoint, Microsoft Office, and AutoCAD for project tracking, data analysis, and documentation.
  

working conditions and physical requirements:

• 8-10 hours sitting/standing/walking

• Work will be in active construction and equipment start up areas. Understadning of risks and safety requirements is an essential job function.

how fairlife nourishes you:

At fairlife, we believe in better — and that includes how we support our people. We offer a comprehensive suite of benefits and wellbeing resources designed to support you physically, emotionally, socially, and financially, both in and out of work.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, effective day one!

• Supplemental health plans (hospital indemnity, accident, and critical illness insurance)

• Paid Time Off to recharge and support work-life balance

• Paid parental leave & adoption assistance (up to $10,000)

• Parental support & family care benefits, including childcare resources and lactation support

• 401(k) to support retirement planning with up to 9% in employer match

• Wellness reimbursement (up to $500 for qualified wellbeing expenses)

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for emotional wellbeing and work-life support

• Company-paid life insurance and short-term disability

• Employer HSA funding (for HDHP participants)

• Tuition reimbursement (up to $10,000) and student loan repayment ($200/month)

• Learning & development programs to unlock your full potential

• Rewards & recognition, matching gifts, free product, and Business Resource Groups

fairlife's nour!sh program is designed to meet you where you are — supporting your individual wellbeing journey while enabling you to do your best work every day.

position location: Coopersville, MI

reports to : Director of Engineering

travel requirements: 20-30%

exempt/nonexempt: exempt

#LI-BB1

*Base pay offered may vary depending on geography, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position, is offered.

Base pay range:

$150,000—$170,000 USD

fairlife, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. All qualified applicants and employees will be given equal opportunity. Selection decisions are based on job-related factors.

In addition to its nondiscrimination commitment, the Company will also provide reasonable accommodation of qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the Company. If you have a disability and would like to request accommodation in order to apply for a position with us, please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com .

For Recruitment Agencies

As our recruitment is primarily handled in-house, we work only occasionally with external agencies, and only those on our existing, pre-approved vendor list. At this time, we are not reviewing or expanding that list.

Unsolicited resumes or submissions from external agencies not authorized by our Talent Acquisition team will be considered direct candidate applications. As such, fairlife will not assume responsibility for any placement fees associated with these submissions.