Associate Director-Construction

The Associate Director, Construction will lead the delivery of a new greenfield manufacturing facility in LaGrange, GA, overseeing the full project lifecycle from planning through construction and final handover. Based in Newnan, GA, with regular travel to the project site, this high-impact role is responsible for ensuring the facility is completed safely, on schedule, and within budget while supporting long-term operational growth.

Our client is a globally recognized food manufacturer with a heritage dating back to 1888, when its founder first invented oyster sauce in China. Headquartered in Hong Kong, the company has grown into a leading producer of sauces and condiments, offering more than 300 products that are sold in over 100 countries worldwide.

With manufacturing operations across Asia and the United States, the organization continues to expand its global footprint to support increasing demand. Most recently, it announced a major investment of up to $288 million in a new manufacturing, innovation, and R&D facility in Georgia, reinforcing its long-term commitment to growth across the Americas and creating hundreds of new jobs.

• Spearhead the end-to-end lifecycle of the LaGrange, GA greenfield manufacturing capital project, overseeing everything from initial planning and design to construction delivery and final commissioning.
• Define comprehensive project roadmaps, establishing clear milestones, deliverables, and resource allocation plans to ensure seamless project progression and timely delivery within the allocated budget.
• Manage external Design-Build firms, General Contractors, and consultant teams to ensure design integrity, construction quality, and strict compliance with contractual terms and project timelines.
• Drive a "Safety First, Quality Always" culture across all project sites, enforcing strict safety protocols to achieve zero-incident performance throughout the construction phase.
• Lead Design-Builder/General Contractor and consultants in navigating Troup County and Georgia state authority requirements, securing all necessary permits, and ensuring full regulatory compliance for facility operation.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, diverse stakeholders, and matrix reporting lines to align project objectives with overarching business strategies.
• Travel frequently between the Newnan, GA office and the LaGrange, GA project construction site to oversee daily operations, troubleshoot on-site challenges, and ensure successful project execution.
• Report directly to senior leadership while managing dotted-line communications, ensuring transparent updates on project milestones, budget tracking, and risk mitigation.

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.

A successful Associate Director-Construction should have:

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of overall professional experience, including at least 5 years of dedicated experience managing large-scale construction projects and budgets.
• Proven track record of successfully delivering at least 5 industrial projects, with a minimum of one project valued at over $100M USD. Prior experience managing large-scale greenfield projects with a total investment exceeding $300M USD is highly preferred.
• Strong background in the food manufacturing/FMCG industry, engineering design-build sector, or large-scale industrial construction management.
• Professional proficiency in English (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) to effectively communicate with local regulatory authorities, community stakeholders, and contractors.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a proven track record of collaborating effectively across cross-functional teams and with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving, logical thinking, and analytical skills to navigate complex project challenges with sound judgment and a practical, results-oriented approach.
• Willing to relocate to or currently reside in the Newnan/LaGrange, GA area, or willing to commit to a long-term on-site assignment.
• Commitment to upholding the highest…