Senior Project Manager, Automation

Sr. Project Manager, Automation

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.

Job Purpose: The Sr. Project Manager, Automation has accountability for leading efforts in the planning and delivery of large, complex, or multi‑location capital projects including, but not limited to:
Operational Technology (OT) Infrastructures, Manufacturing automation and Engineering. The role will be responsible for leading and managing complex projects involving the integration of engineering systems, automation technologies, construction activities, and programming solutions. This is a challenging and dynamic role that requires strong leadership, technical proficiency, and exceptional project management skills.

Responsibilities:

• Project Planning: Develop project plans, timelines, and budgets; define scope, resources, and key milestones.
• Equipment Selection & Procurement: Select and evaluate processing equipment based on capacity, efficiency, quality, and cost; coordinate vendors and manage procurement.
• Process Design & Optimization: Design and improve processing systems; perform mass balances, address bottlenecks, enhance flow, and drive continuous improvement.
• Project Coordination: Partner cross‑functionally (safety, production, maintenance, QA) to execute projects, manage resources, and resolve issues.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure adherence to food safety and quality regulations; collaborate with regulatory bodies throughout the project lifecycle.
• Documentation & Reporting: Maintain accurate documentation (design specs, manuals, signoffs, reports); track progress, costs, and provide stakeholder updates.
• Training & Support: Train operations and maintenance teams on new equipment and processes; develop materials and support troubleshooting.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement improvements to reduce milk losses and enhance efficiency, productivity, and product quality.

Skills/Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in controls engineering or related discipline required.
• 10+ years' experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Aseptic/Dairy experience, including UHTs, homogenizers, separators, filtration plants, mix proof valves, motors, pumps.
• Experience with Automation Products hardware and software product suites (Ignition, Control Logix, Logix 5000, FT View, FT Historian, and Canary Historian).
• Experience with other automation platforms such as Siemens, B&R, GE, Aveva/Wonderware, etc.
• Experience in automation system project delivery and major capital projects including schedule and cost management.
• Able to understand and utilize engineering drawings, operating manuals, and blueprints to conduct business.
• Ability to update P&'s, mechanical/electrical prints (CAD/Solid Works preferred).
• Skilled in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Ability to make administrative and procedural decisions and judgments on sensitive, confidential issues.
• Ability to supervise and train staff, including organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.
• Knowledge of computerized information systems used in quality assurance, maintenance, and ERP applications.
• Knowledge of USDA, State, Federal regulations for a dairy manufacturing facility a plus.

How Fairlife Nourishes You:

• 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…