Operations Manager Startup Jobs in Rochester, NY

job purpose:

The Senior Project Manager, Utilities, is responsible for the successful execution of large-scale capital projects within the utilities workstream, ensuring delivery within approved schedules and budgets. This role requires strong coordination across Engineering and Operations to drive alignment and collaboration. The Utilities Senior Project Manager must possess a solid technical understanding of project scope, along with a clear awareness of cross-functional stakeholder requirements. Responsibilities also include managing budgets, timelines, and supporting resources. Key accountabilities span the full project lifecycle, including feasibility studies, procurement, installation support, commissioning, validation, and ramp-up activities.

responsibilities:

• Review project scope, including budget and schedule analysis, and identify potential scope gaps.
• Own project budget, timeline, risk assessments, and overall financial performance.
• Serve as the primary point of communication between internal stakeholders, vendors, partners, and operations teams.
• Coordinate equipment delivery, site access, shutdowns, installation, commissioning, and startup support.
• Ensure vendor deliverables meet project requirements and fairlife performance standards.
• Participate in factory acceptance testing (FAT), punch list development, and project closeout activities.
• Support integration of PLCs, HMIs, and auxiliary systems tied to utility equipment.
• Lead plant fit-out execution (e.g., signage, workstations, lab equipment, safety barriers) and provide regular project updates.
• Develop and maintain engineering documentation, technical databases, and turnover packages, ensuring compliance with EHS, quality, and regulatory standards.

skills/qualifications required:

• 10+ years of industrial manufacturing experience (dairy, food & beverage, or liquid processing preferred).
• Strong knowledge of aseptic/sanitary design standards and process equipment requirements.
• Deep understanding of utility systems (steam, boilers, glycol, cooling towers, RO, electrical) and ability to read P&IDs.
• Proven experience managing capital and commercialization projects across the full project lifecycle.
• Strong leadership, collaboration, and influencing skills across cross-functional and contractor teams.
• Solid cost management, budgeting, forecasting, and financial tracking experience.
• Working knowledge of supply chain operations and ability to support cross-functional initiatives.
• Proficiency with SharePoint, Microsoft Office, and AutoCAD for project tracking, data analysis, and documentation.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, fast-paced environments with a proactive mindset.
  

working conditions and physical requirements:

• 12 hours sitting/standing/walking

• Exposure to Ability to lift up to ___ lbs.

• Reaching/bending requirements (if any)

• Exposure to hazards (machinery, confined spaces, etc.)

• Any other physical requirements

food safety requirements:

• Notify supervision of any repairs or adjustments that are required that may affect product quality or food safety.

• Understand, observe, and comply with the handling and usage of the color-coded container policy while in the Production Areas.

• Perform all duties necessary to meet Company, Customer and/or Government requirements/standards as prioritized by the Company.

• Ability to initiate action to prevent the occurrence of nonconformities relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the product, processes, quality system, or safety system.

• Identify and record any problems relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the ingredients, processes, quality system, or safety system.

• Control further processing or delivery of nonconforming product in terms of Food Safety and Quality issues until the deficiency or unsatisfactory condition has been corrected.

• In the event of absence, another employee with the same skill level will assume the duties and responsibilities as required.

how fairlife nourishes you:

At fairlife, we believe in better — and that includes how we support our people. We offer a comprehensive suite of benefits and wellbeing resources designed to support you physically, emotionally, socially, and financially, both in and out of work.

• 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 leave & adoption assistance (up to $10,000)

• Parental support & family care benefits, including childcare resources and lactation support

• 401(k) to support retirement planning with up to 9% in employer match

• Wellness reimbursement (up to $500 for qualified wellbeing expenses)

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for emotional wellbeing and work-life support

• Company-paid life insurance and short-term disability

• Employer HSA funding (for HDHP participants)

• Tuition reimbursement (up to $10,000) and student loan repayment ($200/month)

• Learning & development programs to unlock your full potential

• Rewards & recognition, matching gifts, free product, and Business Resource Groups

fairlife's nour!sh program is designed to meet you where you are — supporting your individual wellbeing journey while enabling you to do your best work every day.

position location: Coopersville, MI; Webster, NY

reports to: Director of Engineering, Large capital projects

travel requirements: 50%

exempt/nonexempt: exempt

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