Sr. Process Engineer; Cheese, RSPC, and Powder Project Manager

Job Type

Full-time

Ready for more than just a job? Build a career with purpose. At Lactalis in the USA, we’re committed to providing meaningful opportunities for our people to learn, grow, and thrive—whether you’re just starting your journey with us or looking to take the next step in your career. From day one, we offer the tools and support to help you succeed.

As the world leader in dairy, Lactalis is a family‑owned company with over 85,000 professionals across the globe. Each day, we’re proud to produce award‑winning dairy products that bring people together. In the U.S., we proudly offer an unrivaled house of beloved brands, including Galbani® Italian cheeses and ricotta,
Président® specialty cheeses and butters,
Kraft® natural and grated cheeses,
Break stone’s® cottage cheese,
Cracker Barrel®,
Black Diamond® cheddar, and Parmalat® milk. Our yogurt portfolio includes siggi’s®,
Stonyfield Organic®,
Brown Cow™,
Oui®,
Yoplait®,
Go-Gurt®,
₁ratio®,
Green Mountain Creamery®, and Mountain High®, along with a growing family of ethnic favorites like Karoun®,
Gopi®, and Arz®. At Lactalis, we live by our core values—
Ambition
, Engagement
, and Simplicity
. We foster a workplace where innovation thrives, diverse perspectives are celebrated, and everyone’s unique background and ideas are valued.

Even if you don’t meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply. We want to hear about your PASSION
, your STORY
, and how your EXPERTISE can help us shape the future of dairy.

Lactalis USA, part of the Lactalis family of companies, is currently hiring a Sr. Process Engineer based in Buffalo, NY.

Role:
Sr. Process RSPC, Cheese & Powder Project Manager.
Responsibilities:
Manage and lead projects related to the RSPC’s areas and the process manufacturing of our cheeses and powder products—from design to full implementation—and support plant production and quality operations. Work with Operations, Research & Development, and other stakeholders to optimize production systems, implementing new processes or modifying existing ones. Travel up to 50% of the time to plants and vendor sites in NY, WI, CA, , NH, VT, AZ, TN & MI and international locations.

• Develop drawings, scopes of work, budgets, and timelines to prepare projects for submittal.
• Source vendors, negotiate and acquire quotes for project investments.
• Source, negotiate, and acquire quotes for budgetary needs.
• Manage projects and track costs to maintain within budget.
• Coordinate project review meetings, including setting them up, keeping notes, and reporting results to stakeholders.
• Apply principles for effective execution of projects.
• Work cross‑functionally to ensure projects meet the needs of key stakeholders—Quality, Food Safety, Planning, Operations, and Maintenance.
• Attend Factory Acceptance Tests as required to validate equipment purchases.
• Lead and assist in the development of the annual capital budget.
• Travel and/or extended or off‑work hours may be required based on project needs.
• Tasks may evolve as required by management’s assignment of essential functions.
• Tools such as a computer, phone, and/or allowance(s) may be provided.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential duties.

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or chemical engineering.

• 5+ years’ experience working on capital expenditure projects as a project manager.
• Food industry required; dairy process preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of USDA or FDA regulated plant experience supporting manufacturing and utilities.

• Microsoft Office, Advanced Excel skills—including macros and pivot tables.
• AutoCAD (equipment & P&).

• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to audit, investigate, and improve manufacturing process machinery.
• Effective communication with internal and external customers.
• Prioritization, organization, time management, and follow‑up skills.
• Continuous improvement mindset.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision.
• Ability to travel to plant and machine manufacturer sites nationally and internationally.

We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Program with a variety of affordable benefits and coverage options. Insurance costs are supported, retirement plans are generously contributed to, and Paid Time Off is available from day one. We are committed to your professional growth, providing training and development opportunities, including Education Reimbursement.

Lactalis is an equal employment opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against applicants with regard to any legally-recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, and physical or mental disabilities.

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