Project Manager at Empirical Foods in South Sioux City, NE

Overview

The Project Manager is responsible for the end-to-end delivery of assigned capital and operational projects within the plant. This is a technical, hands-on role requiring independent judgment across all phases of the project lifecycle — from scope definition and contractor selection through field execution, commissioning, and operational handoff.

The Project Manager owns their projects fully. They are expected to manage scope, schedule, budget, and quality without day-to-day direction, escalating to the Plant Projects Manager on matters of significant risk, policy, or resource conflict.

Success in this role is defined by the consistent delivery of projects on time and within scope, while maintaining clear communication, fostering collaboration across teams, and achieving measurable results.

Responsibilities

Project Management

• Define project scope, objectives, deliverables, and success criteria in alignment with plant leadership direction.
• Develop and maintain detailed project schedules; monitor progress and proactively manage schedule risk.
• Lead cross-functional project teams across operations, maintenance, quality, and engineering without direct authority over those resources.
• Lead project meetings with structured agendas and distribute action-oriented meeting minutes.
• Maintain complete project documentation including specifications, drawings, change orders, meeting minutes, and schedule updates.
• Identify obstacles early; develop and implement solutions independently, escalating critical issues to the Plant Projects Manager with recommended courses of action.
• Ensure all required permits, licenses, and regulatory documentation are obtained, current, and properly maintained.
• Contribute to standardized approaches for recurring project types.

Technical Execution

• Apply engineering and technical knowledge to evaluate project designs, contractor submittals, and installation methods for compliance with specifications and plant standards.
• Conduct or oversee field inspections during construction and installation phases; identify and resolve deficiencies.
• Support equipment selection and work with vendors and engineers to ensure technical requirements are met.
• Ensure all work complies with applicable codes, regulations, and food safety standards including GMP and HACCP requirements.

Contract & Financial Oversight

• Review contracts for alignment between stated terms and actual project execution requirements; flag discrepancies to the Plant Projects Manager prior to execution.
• Track project expenditures against approved budgets; manage change orders through proper approval channels.
• Process vendor payments per authorized schedules; resolve invoice discrepancies in a timely manner.

Operational Startup & Handoff

• Develop startup plans including SOPs, equipment validation protocols, training requirements, and staffing needs.
• Coordinate operational readiness activities with production and quality teams to ensure a smooth transition.
• Track and resolve punch list and startup deficiencies; formally transition projects to operations once stable performance is confirmed and documented.

Additional

• Ability to perform all essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must have regular and punctual attendance.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Skills and Abilities

• Solid technical foundation in areas related to manufacturing processes, mechanical or process systems, and facility construction.
• Understanding of automated control systems, production equipment, and plant utilities.
• Knowledge of GMP, HACCP, or food safety regulations required; food and beverage manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Project); experience with project management software preferred.
• Familiarity with ERP systems (Microsoft Dynamics or similar) and basic accounting or procurement workflows.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, P&IDs, specifications, and technical submittals.

Demonstrated Competencies

• Technically — able to hold independent, informed conversations with engineers, contractors, and equipment vendors.
• Self-directed — manages workload and project priorities without requiring close supervision.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable presenting project status and issues to plant leadership.
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving capability.
• Able to influence and lead cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Organized under pressure — manages multiple concurrent projects in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Physical Requirements

• Manufacturing facility environment; appropriate PPE required at all times in production and construction areas.
• Ability to perform field inspections including walking work surfaces, climbing ladders, and accessing equipment areas.
• Flexible schedule required, including off-shift and weekend availability to support project milestones and contractor access.

Experience: 3–5 years of project management experience in a manufacturing environment, with a demonstrated track record of independently delivering technical projects on time and within budget.Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial, or related discipline) or Operations Management preferred. Equivalent hands-on experience in a technical manufacturing project role may be substituted.Department: Operations.