Manufacturing Project Manager Jobs in Athens, GA

Job Title: Project Manager - Food & Beverage Process EngineeringJob Description This role leads a critical capital project at a food and beverage manufacturing site, including the installation of a large sheeting line that will handle approximately one quarter of the facility's volume, a 10,000 CFM dust collection system, and a dehumidification system. The project also covers implementation of heating and cooling equipment and pans for an SLS ingredient, an oil that solidifies at around 90 degrees, requiring precise temperature control as it is added into the production mix. The Project Manager coordinates engineering, construction, and commissioning activities from design through installation, ensuring safe, timely, and high-quality delivery of a project work stream valued at approximately $5M within a larger $30M program. Responsibilities * Lead end-to-end project management for the installation of a large sheeting line, dust collector (10,000 CFM), dehumidification system, and associated process equipment for SLS ingredient handling. * Coordinate closely with the external engineering firm to obtain construction-ready drawings and issue them to contractors in a timely and controlled manner. * Develop, structure, and issue Requests for Proposal (RFPs) to contractors, ensuring clear scopes of work, and manage the bid process from solicitation through evaluation. * Review and validate contractor bids, comparing scope, cost, schedule, and technical compliance to select the most suitable partners. * Validate engineering drawings on-site, performing field walks and checks to confirm accuracy and constructability, and update or clarify details as needed. * Serve as a primary point of contact for contractors, internal stakeholders, and engineers, answering technical and coordination questions throughout design and construction. * Plan, coordinate, and oversee field execution activities, ensuring that installation work follows approved drawings, specifications, and safety standards. * Monitor construction progress, proactively identify issues or conflicts, and drive timely resolution to keep the project on schedule and within budget. * Validate installation quality and completeness, including equipment placement, connections, and integration with existing systems. * Manage and close out punch list items, ensuring all outstanding work, deficiencies, and loose ends are addressed and documented prior to project handover. * Obtain Issued for Construction (IFC) documents, track revisions, and ensure all stakeholders work from current, approved versions. * Coordinate project phases to align with the planned installation window from December through April, including pre-installation planning and post-installation follow-up. * Provide on-site presence ("boots on the ground") during the December-April installation period to oversee daily activities and support real-time decision-making. * Support hybrid work from August to December, balancing remote planning and coordination with periodic site visits as required. * Ensure all project activities align with food and beverage industry standards, good manufacturing practices, and internal quality and safety requirements. * Report project status, risks, and mitigation plans to stakeholders, providing clear communication on progress, issues, and key decisions. Essential Skills * Minimum 7 years of experience delivering Food and Beverage process engineering projects. * Proven project management experience with capital projects valued at $5M or greater, preferably as part of larger program lifts up to approximately $30M. * Demonstrated experience managing projects in Food and Beverage manufacturing environments, including process equipment installation and integration. * Strong project coordination skills, including planning, scheduling, and resource coordination across engineering firms, contractors, and internal teams. * Ability to develop, issue, and manage Requests for Proposal (RFPs), including bid solicitation, comparison, and validation. * Experience working with Issued for Construction (IFC) drawings and managing drawing control and revisions. * Capability to validate and interpret engineering drawings in the field and translate them into practical, constructible solutions. * Hands-on experience overseeing installation and construction activities, including equipment installation and system commissioning. * Strong problem-solving skills to identify and resolve field issues, punch list items, and design gaps. * Effective communication skills to engage contractors, engineers, and internal stakeholders and to answer technical and coordination questions clearly. * Willingness and ability to travel for multiple site visits between August and December, including multi-night stays. Additional Skills & Qualifications * Experience participating in large-scale capital programs where a project work stream forms part of a broader portfolio. * Background in projects involving dust collection systems, dehumidification systems, or similar process utility installations. * Familiarity with temperature-sensitive ingredients and process systems that require heating and cooling control, such as oils that solidify at specific temperatures. * Ability to manage punch list development and closure, including documentation and follow-up with contractors. * Comfort working in a hybrid model, balancing remote coordination with on-site presence during key project phases. * Strong organizational skills to manage documentation, drawings, RFPs, and project records throughout the project lifecycle. Work Environment The role is based at a Food and Beverage manufacturing facility that is implementing a major capital upgrade, including a large sheeting line, a 10,000 CFM dust collector, and a dehumidification system. The Project Manager works in a mixed office and plant environment, splitting time between desk-based planning and coordination and hands-on field oversight in production and construction areas. From August to December, the position operates in a hybrid mode with remote work and 2-3 site visits, each typically lasting 3-4 nights, to support planning, coordination, and early field activities. During the December through April installation window, the role requires consistent on-site presence to provide direct oversight of construction and installation activities. The environment involves collaboration with engineering firms, contractors, and plant personnel, and may include exposure to active construction zones, process equipment, and typical manufacturing conditions. Appropriate site attire and personal protective equipment are required in production and construction areas, in line with facility safety practices. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Flowery Branch, GA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $70.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a hybrid position in Flowery Branch,GA. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jul 31, 2026. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options. San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.