Senior Project Manager, Engineering

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Project Manager, Engineering leads the engineering function for the company’s food‑grade CPG and nut harvesting/processing facilities, managing all capital projects, contractors, and supporting facility packaging, processing equipment, and utility infrastructure. The role works cross‑functionally, indirectly supporting maintenance reliability programs and ensuring project safety, production efficiency, quality, and regulatory compliance. It reports to the Senior Director of Manufacturing.

• Manage the annual capital plan from approvals to project oversight and lead larger capital engineering projects.
• Deliver projects on time and within budget, meeting organizational expectations.
• Collaborate with contractors and OEMs on new technologies, equipment performance improvements, and overall equipment and process engineering.
• Serve as a technical resource for Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and all Agricultural Operations, providing support and coaching.
• Implement and optimize processing and packaging lines for husking, drying, cracking, sorting, roasting, seasoning, enrobing, panning, packing, and other CPG operations, ensuring OEE and yield targets.
• Support efficient use of plant utilities and infrastructure, focusing on energy efficiency and Hawaii‑specific cost/availability constraints.
• Lead capital planning and execution for new equipment, expansions, and facility upgrades.
• Track and manage cash flow on capital projects in partnership with Accounting and Finance.
• Apply a value engineering mindset and lean manufacturing principles (5S, value stream mapping, SMED, line balancing, waste reduction) to improve line design, throughput, and reduce cost per pound.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, FDA/FSMA, USDA (if applicable), environmental regulations, and Hawaii codes and permitting.
• Partner with Quality and Food Safety to ensure hygienic equipment, allergen control, sanitation‑friendly layouts, and root cause analysis for customer or regulatory issues.
• Maintain plant layouts, drawings, work instructions, and change control for process and equipment changes.
• Use analytical and mechanical skills in dynamic conditions.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets (labor, MRO, capital) and report performance via KPIs (downtime, OEE, MTBF, maintenance cost, energy use).
• Prepare monthly business reports, including productivity metrics and budget costs, in collaboration with finance and accounting.
• Fulfill additional duties or projects assigned, demonstrating flexibility and initiative.
• Adhere to company policies and procedures, reflecting company values in conduct both on‑site and off.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related Engineering field; advanced degree or PE license preferred.
• 5+ years of project management in manufacturing/operations; food, CPG, or nut/agribusiness processing experience highly preferred.
• Project Management certification preferred but not required.
• Strong knowledge of lean/continuous improvement tools and reliability‑centered maintenance practices.
• Familiarity with food safety and quality systems (HACCP, GMPs, FSMA, SQF/BRC or similar) and designing sanitary/hygienic equipment installations.
• Experience managing capital projects from concept through commissioning, including vendor management and contractor oversight.
• Strong leadership, communication, and change management skills, with ability to influence cross‑functional teams and work effectively in a multicultural Hawaii workforce.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle access.
• Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making abilities.
• Capacity to work with and relate to employees at all levels.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Competency in computer systems and software applications.

• Frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and vibration; occasional standing, walking, sitting, use of hands, reaching, climbing stairs, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
• Occasional lift or move of up to 25 pounds; occasional lift or…