Operations Manager Startup Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Want to see your projects make a lasting impact? At Freshpack, you'll lead initiatives from concept through implementation, helping expand capabilities, introduce new technologies, and support the company's continued growth.

We have an opening for a Project Engineer to join our team. The Project Engineer is responsible for leading capital projects that improve safety, quality, yield, and operational performance. This role manages projects from concept through commissioning, including project scoping, equipment selection, vendor management, installation, and startup. The Project Engineer partners with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and Finance to successfully deploy new equipment, support new products and processes, and expand manufacturing capabilities.

Freshpack is a custom cheese packaging company that develops and innovates cheese products and packaging. Our products can be found in all 50 states and in most major retailers. Over the past 25 years, our team has grown from 15 to 280+ employees. It is an exciting time to join our team, as we are poised for substantial growth over the next 3-5 years.

Responsibilities

Project Engineering & Technical Ownership

• Lead engineering projects from concept through implementation, commissioning, and startup.
• Develop project scopes, equipment specifications, timelines, budgets, and technical requirements.
• Assist with new product introductions and packaging innovations by identifying and implementing equipment and process solutions.
• Evaluate manufacturing needs and recommend equipment, automation, and technology solutions to support business growth.
• Collaborate with Operations and Maintenance to design and optimize production layouts, material flow, and equipment placement for new lines and facility improvements.

Capital Planning & Deployment

• Support development of plant CapEx plans, project justifications, and financial analyses in partnership with Finance.
• Manage assigned capital projects including budgeting, scheduling, vendor coordination, installation, commissioning, and startup.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for equipment vendors, contractors, and integrators throughout project execution.
• Participate in equipment acceptance testing, commissioning, and performance validation to ensure project objectives are achieved.
• Monitor project costs, schedules, and risks to ensure successful delivery within approved budgets and timelines.
• Coordinate with stakeholders to ensure smooth integration of new equipment and systems into operations.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure all projects, equipment installations, and process modifications comply with applicable food safety, environmental, and occupational safety requirements.
• Design and implement solutions that support compliance with GMPs, HACCP, SQF, FDA, OSHA, and applicable environmental regulations.
• Partner with Quality, Operations, Maintenance, and EHS teams to identify and mitigate regulatory and operational risks during project planning and execution.
• Incorporate personnel safety, ergonomics, machine guarding, food safety, and environmental considerations into equipment selection, facility layouts, and process design.
• Support audits, inspections, and compliance initiatives by providing technical expertise and project documentation as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, or related discipline preferred).
• 3-5 years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment required.
• Experience managing or supporting capital projects, equipment installations, or facility expansions required.
• Experience in food manufacturing, packaging, or consumer packaged goods environments strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage capital projects from concept through commissioning.
• Knowledge of equipment design, project management, and manufacturing systems.
• Knowledge of sanitary equipment design principles and hygienic system integration within food manufacturing environments.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively across departments and with external vendors.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar).

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• Typical work schedule: M-F during standard business hours.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to walk or stand for long periods of time while on production floor and warehouse.

Benefits

• Annual KPI bonus opportunity of up to 10% of base salary, paid quarterly.
• Medical, dental, vision, company-provided life insurance & more!
• Referral program
• 401(k) program
• Pay for Performance program
• Get paid every Friday!

Compensation details: 0 Yearly Salary

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