Job Title: Capital Project Manager (Food Manufacturing)
Location: Chicago, IL
Hire Type: Contract, Onsite
Target Pay Rate: $80.00 - $90.00/hour (W2)
Benefits: PTO, paid holidays, BCBS medical plans, dental/vision plans, 401(k), ESOP
Job Summary:
Seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead a $6.5M capital expansion initiative supporting the installation of 6 new processing tanks for a new production line and formulation launch at a Chicago-based food manufacturing facility. This individual will serve as the on-site project owner, responsible for managing the full project lifecycle from installation through commissioning, startup, and full production integration. The role requires strong capital project leadership in a live manufacturing environment, where maintaining production continuity, controlling schedule, and ensuring safety are critical.
Job Duties:
Capital Project Ownership -
- Lead execution of a $6.5M CAPEX project tied to production expansion
- Own the full project lifecycle from installation through commissioning, startup, and stabilization
- Develop and manage detailed schedules, milestones, and critical path activities
- Identify and mitigate project risks proactively
- Serve as the primary liaison between plant leadership, engineering, OEMs, contractors, and cross-functional stakeholders
Equipment Installation & Commissioning -
- Oversee installation of 5–6 processing tanks supporting a new dressing line
- Coordinate mechanical, electrical, and controls integration
- Lead commissioning, startup validation, and performance testing
- Ensure successful handoff to production and maintenance teams
New Product / Formulation Launch Support -
- Partner with R&D, Quality, and Operations to support new product introduction
- Support product trials and production ramp-up activities
- Ensure compliance with GMP, FDA, and food safety requirements
- Troubleshoot technical and operational issues during startup phase
Budget & Vendor Management -
- Support procurement and vendor coordination activities
- Track capital spend and maintain budget accountability
- Review invoices and ensure alignment with project scope
- Protect cost, schedule, and quality objectives
Qualifications:
- 5+ years of capital project management experience in food or beverage manufacturing
- Proven experience leading processing equipment installations
- Strong knowledge of commissioning and startup processes in manufacturing environments
- Experience executing projects in active, live production facilities
- Strong leadership, communication, and coordination skills across multiple stakeholders
- Familiarity with food safety standards and regulatory compliance requirements
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.