Construction Project Manager

Overview

As Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA), a leading cooperative dedicated to advancing dairy production and innovation, we are seeking an experienced Construction Project Manager to oversee general contractors in the execution of high-cost, high-complexity dairy plant construction projects. This role demands deep expertise in industrial construction, particularly in food processing facilities, to evaluate project feasibility, manage intricate builds involving specialized dairy systems, and deliver results that uphold our commitment to quality, efficiency, and sustainability.

The ideal candidate will ensure seamless integration of high-hygiene environments, regulatory compliance, and cutting-edge dairy technologies while managing multimillion-dollar budgets and timelines.

Quality milk and dairy products start on the farm and continue at Superior Dairy. At MMPA, our dairy farm families work with pride and care every day to produce wholesome, nutritious dairy products. Our commitment to quality continues onto the next step, as our member milk is bottled or processed into dairy products. MMPA bottles our milk in Canton, Ohio at MMPA's wholly owned subsidiary, Superior Dairy.

Originally established in 1922, Superior Dairy is loyal to their Great Lakes roots while distributing their products to 44 states.

• Competitive Salary
• Health & Wellness Benefits
• Disability Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Retirement Benefits
• Growth Opportunities
• Employee Appreciation
• Wellness Initiatives
• Employee Feedback

• Plan, coordinate, and oversee dairy plant construction projects from inception through commissioning, including site preparation, structural builds, and equipment installation.
• Scope large-scale projects by defining requirements, assessing structural needs, and collaborating with engineers, architects, and dairy specialists to address complexities like fluid handling systems, refrigeration, and clean-in-place (CIP) infrastructure.
• Prepare and review detailed cost estimates for high-value projects, encompassing specialized materials (e.g., stainless steel, sanitary piping), labor, and equipment, while optimizing for cost efficiency without compromising food safety standards.
• Manage competitive bidding processes, negotiate contracts with general contractors and subcontractors, and ensure alignment with MMPA s cooperative values and project specifications.
• Enforce compliance with all relevant codes, including USDA, FDA, OSHA, and dairy-specific regulations, while prioritizing worker safety and environmental sustainability in high-complexity builds.
• Monitor project schedules, budgets exceeding $10M, and progress milestones; provide regular updates and reports to MMPA leadership and stakeholders.
• Perform on-site inspections at dairy plant locations to verify construction quality, resolve technical issues, and mitigate risks associated with high-stakes industrial environments.
• Foster strong relationships with vendors, suppliers, and internal teams to support MMPA s mission of enhancing milk processing capabilities.
• Other duties as assigned, such as contributing to long-term facility planning or integrating sustainable practices like energy-efficient systems.

• 7+ years of construction management experience, with a proven track record in overseeing general contractors on industrial projects, ideally in food or dairy processing.
• Demonstrated expertise in scoping and estimating large-scale construction projects ($10M+), including value analysis to ensure optimal contractor estimates and project outcomes.
• In-depth knowledge of construction methods, materials (including those for hygienic and corrosion-resistant applications), and pricing in high-complexity settings.
• Proficiency in reading blueprints, engineering plans, and technical specifications for large-scale dairy facilities.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills, with experience managing vendor relationships, supply chain challenges, and on-site disputes.
• Strong communication abilities to lead cross-functional teams and handle multiple high-cost projects simultaneously.
• Willingness to travel to MMPA sites across Michigan (up…