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Principal Project Manager Jobs in Independence, KY

Principal Project Engineer

Florence, KY · On-site

$107K - $178K/yr

Our CJ Schwan's engineering team is seeking a remote-based Principal Project Engineer, with ... Demonstrates project management leadership, problem-solving, decision making, troubleshooting ...

Principal Project Engineer

Florence, KY · On-site +1

$107K - $178K/yr

Our CJ Schwan's engineering team is seeking a remote-based Principal Project Engineer, with ... Demonstrates project management leadership, problem-solving, decision making, troubleshooting ...

Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principals involved in production of precision technical ... Manage project using the Deltek Vision/VantagePoint; complete work plans; including identification ...

Office Principal

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$120 - $170/hr

Office Principal Requisition Number: 2026-1178-07 S&M is a 100% employee-owned civil engineering ... Drive financial performance by managing project profitability, developing and monitoring budgets ...

Office Principal Requisition Number: 2026-1178-07 S&ME is a 100% employee-owned civil engineering ... Drive financial performance by managing project profitability, developing and monitoring budgets ...

Office Principal Requisition Number: 2026-1178-07 S&ME is a 100% employee-owned civil engineering ... Drive financial performance by managing project profitability, developing and monitoring budgets ...

GFT is seeking experienced Principal Substation Engineers (Electrical Engineers) to join our ... May act in th capacity of project manager, client manager or capture/proposal manager. * Build ...

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Showing results 1-20

Principal Project Manager information

See Independence, KY salary details

$44.3K

$103.4K

$166.9K

How much do principal project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal project manager in Independence, KY is $103,394.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,700.00 and $126,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal project manager?

Principal Project Managers are senior professionals responsible for overseeing large, complex projects or multiple project teams within an organization. They provide strategic direction, manage key stakeholders, and ensure successful project delivery within scope, time, and budget constraints. In addition to managing projects, they mentor junior project managers, establish best practices, and contribute to organizational goals through leadership and expertise.

How does a principal project manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure project success?

A Principal Project Manager works closely with diverse teams—such as engineering, finance, marketing, and operations—to align project objectives and timelines. They facilitate regular meetings, establish clear communication channels, and proactively resolve conflicts or bottlenecks. By leveraging their leadership and organizational skills, they ensure that all stakeholders are informed, engaged, and contributing toward common goals. This collaborative approach is essential for navigating complex projects and delivering successful outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal project manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Project Manager, you need advanced project management expertise, strategic planning abilities, and a track record of leading large, complex projects, often backed by a bachelor's or master's degree and PMP or similar certification. Familiarity with project management tools like Microsoft Project, Jira, or Primavera, as well as experience with budget and resource management systems, is essential. Outstanding leadership, stakeholder communication, and problem-solving skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies ensure effective project delivery, risk mitigation, and alignment with organizational goals on high-stakes initiatives.

What is the difference between Principal Project Manager vs Senior Project Manager?

AspectPrincipal Project ManagerSenior Project Manager
CredentialsPMI PMP, PgMP, or equivalent; extensive experiencePMP or similar; significant project management experience
Work EnvironmentStrategic leadership, cross-departmental projectsManaging complex projects, team oversight
Employer & Industry UsageLarge corporations, consulting firms, tech companiesVaried industries, mid to large organizations

The Principal Project Manager typically holds higher-level certifications and leads strategic initiatives across departments, whereas the Senior Project Manager focuses on managing complex projects and teams within specific domains. Both roles require extensive project management experience, but the Principal often has broader responsibilities and influence.

Is a principal project manager a high position?

A principal project manager is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing large or complex projects and guiding project teams. It typically requires extensive experience, strong leadership skills, and often involves strategic planning and stakeholder management, making it a high-level position within organizations. The role is considered higher than project manager and often involves influencing organizational goals and decision-making.

What job categories do people searching Principal Project Manager jobs in Independence, KY look for?

The top searched job categories for Principal Project Manager jobs in Independence, KY are:

Infographic showing various Principal Project Manager job openings in Independence, KY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,394 per year, or $49.7 per hour.

Principal Project Engineer

Schwans

Florence, KY • On-site

$107K - $178K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Schwan's Company, a U.S. affiliate of the global lifestyle brand CJ CheilJedang Corporation, is a leader in manufacturing and marketing quality foods enjoyed nationwide. We have beloved brands like Red Baron®, Tony's®, Big Daddy's®, Villa Prima™ and Freschetta® pizzas; bibigo®, Pagoda® Asian-style snacks and we can't forget Mrs. Smith's® and Edwards® pies! We bring families and communities together through great food. Join our team and see the opportunities are real, and the sky is the limit; this isn't just a job, it's a seat at the table!
Our CJ Schwan's engineering team is seeking a remote-based Principal Project Engineer, with preference to someone in either the Cincinnati, Dayton, or Columbus, Ohio areas. In this role, you are responsible for development & technical execution of capital projects primarily focused food process, packaging and automation solutions. You draw on experience and relationships with OEM's to leverage best-in-class across process & food flavor packaging systems. Please note we are NOT at this time considering those requiring sponsorship now or in the future.
What You Will Do:
  • Bring engineering functional expertise, leading internal & external engineers to deliver large scale, multi-unit operation capital projects. ($5MM to $50MM+ capital)
  • Provide hands-on leadership in design and execution of next generation manufacturing lines, taking it from concept to commercialization. Understands LEAN principles and the critical interface points between the materials, machine, and human.
  • Develop overall scope including line performance metrics, packaging & process flow diagrams, optimum layout, utility demands, mass balance calculations, project budgets, and commissioning schedule.
  • Select vendor, develop contract deliverables, install and validate performance metrics. Day to day vender interface to meet budget, schedule & design.
  • Ensure implementation of solutions that deliver design flexibility and performance.
  • Partner with internal/external resources to assess opportunities for innovative designs, performance improvements, technical advantages, speed to market and capital efficiency.
  • Lead bid preparation and bid solicitation to secure best pricing. Owns capital and expense delivery to budget.
  • Provide Global Supply Chain (GSC) feasibility perspectives for growth, productivity and infrastructure.
  • Coach and mentor both internal and external Engineers to build technical competence

What You Will Bring:
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Packaging or Electrical Engineering (ABET accredited program preferred).
  • 10+ years of engineering experience, ideally a majority of which is within a manufacturing setting.
  • Prior capital project experience on highly automated packaging systems: forming, sealing, transferring, structural integrity, robotics, automation, flexible, rigid.
  • Knowledge of food manufacturing, engineering, quality, and research functions. Demonstrates compliance with USDA, FDA, OSHA, EPA, City and/or State agencies, etc. for both manufacturing processes and building requirements.
  • Demonstrates project management leadership, problem-solving, decision making, troubleshooting, communications, and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to travel 35% to 50% as required.

Compensation and Benefits:
The base salary range for this position is $107,000 - $178,000 annually with eligibility for a 15% annual incentive bonus, which is based on organizational performance. The salary range represents numerous factors considered in the hiring decisions including, but not limited to education, skills, work experience, certifications, geography etc. As such, starting pay for the successful candidate(s) could fall anywhere within the stated range.
Beyond base salary, we offer a competitive Total Rewards package designed to support your overall well-being, including comprehensive health benefits, time off programs, and retirement and financial offerings.
The employing subsidiaries of Schwan's Company are Equal Employment Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, age, race, color, religion, gender, vet status, national origin, or other protected class.
Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, General Engineering or IndustrialTechnology.
Years of Related Experience: 14+ years related experience
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Working knowledge and experience in product development, food processing and packagingsystem involved in the food processing industry, preferable in the frozen food industry. Strong technicalproblem-solving skills, and proven project management experience with coordination of multiple projectssimultaneously. Working knowledge of USDA, FDA and OSHA regulations. Computer experience including MicrosoftWorks,excel, Projects and AutoCad Lite. Effective verbal and written communication skills and ability to build andmaintain strong cross- functional business unit relationships. Strong background and experience in the design andoperation of refrigeration systems and manufacturing systems.
This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications associated with the job. An individual must be able to perform all ofthe duties and responsibilities listed in a fully competent manner to be considered successful in the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individualswith disabilities to perform essential duties and responsibilities.

Schwan's Home Delivery logo

About Schwan's Home Delivery

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Since 1952, we have been delivering delicious meal solutions for you to share with family and friends -- any time of the day and for any occasion. Some may know us for our ice cream but millions more choose us for our superior quality foods such as wild-caught seafood, USDA choice meats, flavorful fruits and vegetables and of course, decadent desserts. All 100% satisfaction guaranteed. And all frozen fresh and delivered to your door.

Industry

Food and drink manufacturing

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Marshall, MN, US

Year founded

1952