Project Management Contractor Jobs in Madison, WI

At Emmi Roth, we're passionate about creating exceptional cheeses. As a leader in the specialty cheese industry, we blend traditional craftsmanship with innovation. Our commitment to local sourcing and quality makes us a trusted brand in the food industry.

Joining Emmi Roth means becoming part of a team that values creativity, collaboration, and a shared dedication to excellence. You'll have the opportunity to work with some of the finest cheeses in the world while contributing to a company that prides itself on both heritage and progress. If you're passionate about food, craftsmanship, and making an impact, we'd love for you to be a part of our journey!

Job Summary
The Project Engineering Manager is responsible for planning, leading, and executing the CAPEX portfolio, including capital and process improvement projects, across our Wisconsin cheese manufacturing and conversion operations. This role oversees engineering strategy, project management, contractor relationships, and cross-functional coordination to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective execution of major initiatives. The manager ensures that all projects support operational goals, regulatory compliance, food safety standards, and long-term business strategy.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Project Leadership & Execution
Lead the planning, development, and execution of capital projects, from concept through commissioning and handoff to operations.
Create and manage project scopes, timelines, budgets, and risk assessments for multiple simultaneous initiatives.
Oversee site engineering project portfolio for both manufacturing (cheese production) and conversion (cutting, shredding, packaging).
Ensure all projects follow robust project management methodologies, including stage-gate approvals and change control processes.
Technical & Engineering Expertise
Ensure engineering oversight on equipment design, plant layout, utilities, process controls, and automation in dairy environments.
Lead collaboration with Production, Quality, Maintenance, and Safety teams to evaluate and optimize plant performance through engineering improvements.
Ensure standardization of engineering specifications, drawings, and documentation across facilities.
Ensure systems meet FDA, USDA, 3-A Sanitary Standards, environmental, and internal food safety requirements.
Vendor & Contractor Management
Develop and maintain strong relationships with engineering firms, OEMs, contractors, and other external partners.
Lead contractor selection working with Procurement, bid processes, negotiation, and performance management.
Ensure all contractors comply with plant safety protocols and food safety expectations.
Leadership & Collaboration
Supervise and mentor project engineers, technicians, contractors, or cross-functional project teams.
Lead cross-functional project meetings, providing clear communication, updates, and escalation when needed.
Build strong partnerships with plant leaders across Manufacturing, Maintenance, Quality, EHS, and Supply Chain.
Support long-term site engineering strategies including capacity planning, facility expansions, and infrastructure upgrades.
Compliance, Safety & Quality
Ensure engineering designs support food safety, quality, and regulatory standards specific to dairy manufacturing.
Partner with EHS to ensure safe work practices during construction and equipment installation.
Maintain accurate records, drawings, compliance documentation, and project closeout materials.

Qualifications / Minimum Requirements
Required
Bachelor's degree in a technical field.
Demonstrated experience managing capital projects ($25K-$5M+).
Demonstrated CAPEX Portfolio management experience.
Proven leadership experience managing teams or cross-functional project groups.
Strong knowledge of OSHA safety standards, food safety regulations, and environmental requirements.
Preferred
5+ years of engineering experience in food manufacturing, dairy, or related process industries.
Strong understanding of sanitary design principles, CIP systems, and processing equipment common in cheese production.
Experience in cheese manufacturing or dairy processing (cheese vats, pasteurization, brine systems, whey handling, slicing/shredding/packaging lines).
PMP, PE license, or Six Sigma certification.
Experience with AutoCAD, SolidWorks, MS Project, or similar engineering tools.
Experience managing capital planning cycles and long-term equipment strategies.

Physical Requirements
The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is constantly required to use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects and controls.
Frequently required to walk, bend and reach with hands and arms
Constantly required to talk and hear
Constantly sitting for long hours
Constantly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds
Occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds
Occasionally lift and/or move up to 60 pounds
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus naturally or with correction.

Please note that these physical requirements are representative but not exhaustive. The actual physical demands may vary depending on the specific tasks and work conditions within the facility.

Work environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is typically performed in an Production Plant Environment.
Occasionally exposed to a moderate level of noise that may make it difficult to concentrate
Occasionally exposed to wet, humid with slippery conditions, hot and cold environment
Frequently traveling to manufacturing sites (50% travel day travel to sites)
Occasional travel outside of Wisconsin including international travel (5%)

Benefits
Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
Basic Life Insurance
Voluntary Life Insurance
Flexible spending accounts & Health Savings Accounts
401k Retirement Plan
Paid Holidays
Paid Vacation
Employee Assistance Program
Short term/Long term disability
Volunteer time off (VTO)
Tuition Reimbursement
Pet insurance