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Project Manager Jobs in Ruston, LA (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Eng, Process Eng

Hodge, LA · On-site

$83K - $108K/yr

Project Management: Developing, leading, and improving new projects, process upgrades, new equipment installations and providing technical and training support for each project. * Daily Management ...

Sr. Mgr, Mfg Ops

Hodge, LA · On-site

$91K - $126K/yr

Coordinate and encourage project identification, project execution and project review of Lean Six ... Managing Diversity - Manages all kinds and classes of people equitably; deals effectively with all ...

The Mechanical Engineer works closely with project management and multi-discipline teams to ensure accurate, high-quality design deliverables. Key Responsibilities * Assist in conceptualizing initial ...

Project Management * Manage multiple automation projects, ensuring timely and budget-friendly delivery. * Collaborate with cross-functional teams and manage external vendors. Compliance & Safety

Project Management * Manage multiple automation projects, ensuring timely and budget-friendly delivery. * Collaborate with cross-functional teams and manage external vendors. Compliance & Safety

Director of Automation & Controls

Hodge, LA · On-site

$67K - $89K/yr

Project Management * Manage multiple automation projects, ensuring timely and budget-friendly delivery. * Collaborate with cross-functional teams and manage external vendors. Compliance & Safety

Director of Automation & Controls

Calhoun, LA · On-site

$78K - $104K/yr

Project Management * Manage multiple automation projects, ensuring timely and budget-friendly delivery. * Collaborate with cross-functional teams and manage external vendors. Compliance & Safety

Project Management * Manage multiple automation projects, ensuring timely and budget-friendly delivery. * Collaborate with cross-functional teams and manage external vendors. Compliance & Safety

Director of Automation & Controls

Grambling, LA · On-site

$67K - $88K/yr

Project Management * Manage multiple automation projects, ensuring timely and budget-friendly delivery. * Collaborate with cross-functional teams and manage external vendors. Compliance & Safety

Project Management * Manage multiple automation projects, ensuring timely and budget-friendly delivery. * Collaborate with cross-functional teams and manage external vendors. Compliance & Safety

Project Management * Manage multiple automation projects, ensuring timely and budget-friendly delivery. * Collaborate with cross-functional teams and manage external vendors. Compliance & Safety

Director of Automation & Controls

Ruston, LA · On-site

$67K - $89K/yr

Project Management * Manage multiple automation projects, ensuring timely and budget-friendly delivery. * Collaborate with cross-functional teams and manage external vendors. Compliance & Safety

Project Management * Manage multiple automation projects, ensuring timely and budget-friendly delivery. * Collaborate with cross-functional teams and manage external vendors. Compliance & Safety

Director of Automation & Controls

Ruston, LA · On-site

$67K - $89K/yr

Project Management * Manage multiple automation projects, ensuring timely and budget-friendly delivery. * Collaborate with cross-functional teams and manage external vendors. Compliance & Safety

Project Management * Manage multiple automation projects, ensuring timely and budget-friendly delivery. * Collaborate with cross-functional teams and manage external vendors. Compliance & Safety

Director of Automation & Controls

Athens, LA · On-site

$71K - $94K/yr

Project Management * Manage multiple automation projects, ensuring timely and budget-friendly delivery. * Collaborate with cross-functional teams and manage external vendors. Compliance & Safety

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Showing results 1-20

Project Manager information

See Ruston, LA salary details

$31.1K

$82.9K

$130.8K

How much do project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for project manager in Ruston, LA is $82,887.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,400.00 and $99,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Project Manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project lifecycle?

Project Managers play a central role in coordinating efforts across various departments such as engineering, marketing, finance, and operations. They facilitate regular meetings, set clear expectations, and ensure all stakeholders are aligned on project goals, timelines, and deliverables. Effective communication and conflict resolution skills are crucial, as Project Managers often bridge gaps between different teams to keep the project on track. This collaborative approach helps to identify potential issues early and fosters a cohesive team environment.

What is the difference between Project Manager vs Business Analyst?

AspectProject ManagerBusiness Analyst
CertificationsPMP, CAPMCBAP, CCBA
Work EnvironmentLeads projects, manages teamsAnalyzes business needs, documents requirements
Industry UsageCommon in IT, construction, engineeringCommon in IT, finance, healthcare
Primary FocusProject delivery, timelines, budgetsBusiness process, requirements, solutions

The main difference between a Project Manager and a Business Analyst is their focus. Project Managers oversee project execution, timelines, and team coordination, while Business Analysts focus on understanding business needs and defining requirements. Both roles are essential in project success but serve different functions within the project lifecycle.

Do project managers need a degree?

While a bachelor's degree in fields like business, management, or related areas is common for project managers, it is not always mandatory. Many successful project managers gain experience through certifications such as PMP or CAPM and develop skills in leadership, organization, and communication. Employers may prioritize experience and certifications over formal education in some cases.

Which is better, PM or PMO?

A Project Manager (PM) is responsible for planning, executing, and closing individual projects, focusing on specific deliverables and team coordination. A Project Management Office (PMO) is a department that standardizes project management practices across an organization, providing governance, tools, and support. Both roles are important; a PM typically works within a PMO or independently, depending on the company's structure and size.

Are project managers well paid?

Project managers typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on industry, experience, and location. According to industry data, the median annual salary for project managers is often above average compared to other managerial roles, especially for those with certifications like PMP and experience managing complex projects.

What is the job for a project manager?

A project manager is responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects by defining scope, setting deadlines, allocating resources, and managing teams to meet project goals. They use tools like Gantt charts and project management software and often hold certifications such as PMP. Effective communication, leadership, and organizational skills are essential for success in this role.

What does a project manager actually do?

A project manager oversees the planning, execution, and completion of projects by coordinating teams, managing budgets, and ensuring deadlines are met. They use tools like Gantt charts and project management software and often hold certifications such as PMP. Their role involves communication, problem-solving, and risk management to deliver successful project outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Project Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Project Manager, you need strong organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills, often supported by a degree in business or a related field and relevant project management experience. Familiarity with project management software (like Microsoft Project, Asana, or Jira) and certifications such as PMP or PRINCE2 are typically required. Excellent communication, adaptability, and conflict resolution skills help you lead diverse teams and manage stakeholder expectations. These skills ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the desired quality, driving organizational success.

What Do Project Managers Do?

Project managers coordinate tasks to complete a plan of action for their employer. Working on a team, the project manager oversees production from the planning stages through completion. Companies typically have project managers on staff, but some businesses may choose to hire an independent contractor to handle the job. As a project manager, you create plans, delegate responsibilities, supervise employees, and implement the project. Other job duties include creating a timeline and budget; once the project is underway, you monitor each step to ensure the project runs on time and does not overspend. You may also be responsible for handling communication with public agencies when necessary and providing status reports to upper management.

What does a Project Manager do?

A Project Manager is responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing projects to ensure they are completed on time, within budget, and meet the required quality standards. They coordinate between different teams, manage resources, set deadlines, and handle any issues that arise during the project lifecycle. Project Managers also communicate progress to stakeholders and adjust plans as needed to achieve project goals.
What are the most commonly searched types of Project jobs in Ruston, LA? The most popular types of Project jobs in Ruston, LA are:
What job categories do people searching Project Manager jobs in Ruston, LA look for? The top searched job categories for Project Manager jobs in Ruston, LA are:
What cities near Ruston, LA are hiring for Project Manager jobs? Cities near Ruston, LA with the most Project Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Project Manager job openings in Ruston, LA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $82,887 per year, or $39.8 per hour.
Sr. Eng, Process Eng

Sr. Eng, Process Eng

Westrock

Hodge, LA • On-site

$83K - $108K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

General Information
Job ID
ATR61837
Posting Job Title
Sr. Continuous Improvement Engineer
Locations
LA Hodge
Employment Type
Full Time
Date Posted
07-May-2026
Relocation Support
No
Description & Requirements
Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.
The Opportunity:
The Sr. Manufacturing Continuous Engineer supports the Paper & Logistics operations by safely improving processes and supporting the development, and implementation of new and/or existing projects. Paper Operations consists of final product production & distribution, chemical management processes, and refining operations. This role is for a technical professional who safely analyzes, implements, and optimizes processes used to continuously improve production and process operations. The services include data collecting, data analysis, reporting, field trouble shooting, developing and modifying procedures, supporting operations management while demonstrating safety leadership and a quality mindset. This role is expected to safely lead continuous improvement projects, mill initiatives and other tasks needed to improve production and reliability. This role reports directly to the Paper and Logistics Superintendent.
Primary accountabilities:
  • Process Design & Development: Support and oversee projects and implementation while leading efforts in improving our existing processes to safely enhance productivity and efficiency within the organization.
  • Process Optimization: Analyzing existing processes to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement with a focus on providing solutions, increasing efficiency, reducing costs, and improving product quality.
  • Troubleshooting: Acting as the primary technical support for paper and logistics areas. Diagnosing and resolving problems, improving reliability in real-time. Analyze existing workflows and identify areas for improvement, recommending changes to minimize bottlenecks and streamline operations.
  • Continuous Improvement: Identifying inefficiencies, bottlenecks using analytical data and problem-solving skills to develop and implement solutions that enhance process reliability. A proactive approach to monitoring process performance and leveraging data driven insight while optimizing operations for sustained organizational growth.
  • Documentation: Creating, modifying, and maintaining critical process documentation, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Emergency Operating Procedures (EOP), and standard work instructions.
  • Compliance: Working with safety, environmental and quality to ensure all processes meet company standards and government regulations.
  • Project Management: Developing, leading, and improving new projects, process upgrades, new equipment installations and providing technical and training support for each project.
  • Daily Management System: Monitor the performance of processes, using metrics and KPIs to assess their effectiveness and proactively manage continuous improvement daily. Collaborate with the Assistant Superintendents and team members to ensure systems are aligned with process standards while optimizing process improvement initiatives.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS REQUIRED
Technical
  • Data Analysis: Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret process data while utilizing data analysis tools, e.g., Pi, Fishbone, 5 Whys, Six Sigma concepts and Excel, Word, PowerPoint for reporting.
  • Problem Solving: Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address safety and environmental compliance, improve quality, and innovate practical solutions to achieve production goals and reliability.
  • Project Management: Strong project management skills for overseeing safety, environmental, quality and production initiatives.
  • Workflow Optimization: Streamline the operations by identifying bottlenecks and providing support while implementing strategic solutions. Leveraging data-driven insights to improve safety, environmental and quality compliance while enhancing productivity and further reducing operational costs.
  • Cross-Functional Team Leadership: Partner with teams from diverse departments and align project goals with organizational objectives. Communication and conflict resolution skills are essential to bridge gaps between varying functional perspectives, driving project success and operating efficiency.
  • Continuous Improvement: Identifying inefficiencies and bottlenecks, process troubleshooting by use of analytical data and problem-solving skills to design and implement solutions that enhance process reliability. A proactive approach to monitoring process performance and leveraging data-driven insights ensures iterative refinement and optimization of operations for sustained organizational growth.
  • Process Mapping: Creating detailed visual representations of workflows to identify PPR inefficiencies, bottlenecks and proactively facilitating operational process improvements.

Interpersonal
  • Safety Mindset: Demonstrates safety as a core value with an unwavering commitment to colleagues and his or her own personal safety.
  • High Energy & Driven: Drives operational excellence by crafting seamless, efficient, and sustainable production systems demonstrating grit, perseverance and a passion for problem-solving and continuous improvement.
  • Collaborative Mindset: Someone who enjoys working with others and is team oriented in solving complex challenges throughout department areas.
  • Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills to clearly convey complex technical concepts, prepare detailed reports, and effectively interface with diverse stakeholders.
  • Leadership: The ability to lead and motivate as well as collaborate effectively with cross-functional production teams and SMEs across the organization.
  • Attention to Detail: Focuses on accuracy, detailed data for monitoring progress, ensuring compliance, and reporting factual documentation.
  • Learning Mindset: Thrives on mastering new skills and sees every challenge as an opportunity to develop technical and operational skill sets.

Behavior Competencies:
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
  • Safety - Includes following safety rules and regulations, working to create and maintain good housekeeping, knowledge and use of safety equipment, active participation in safety effort, attending safety meetings, confronting others regarding safety, reporting incidents and near misses, correcting unsafe conditions.
  • Composure - Is cool under pressure; does not become defensive or irritated when times are tough; is considered mature; can be counted on to hold things together during tough times; can handle stress; is not knocked off balance by the unexpected; doesn't show frustration when resisted or blocked; is a settling influence in a crisis.
  • Managing Diversity - Manages all kinds and classes of people equitably; deals effectively with all races, nationalities, cultures, disabilities, ages and both sexes; hires variety and diversity without regard to class, supports equal and fair treatment and opportunity for all.
  • Ethics and Values - Adheres to an appropriate (for the setting) and effective set of core values and beliefs during both good and bad times; acts in line with those values; rewards the right values and disapproves of others; practices what he/she preaches.
  • Integrity and Trust - Is widely trusted; is seen as a direct, truthful individual; can present the unvarnished truth in an appropriate and helpful manner; keep confidences; admits mistakes; doesn't misrepresent him/herself for personal gain.
  • Listening - Practices attentive and active listening; has the patience to hear people out; can accurately restate the opinions of others even when he/she disagrees.
  • Written Communications - Is able to write clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication setting and styles; can get messages across that have the desired effect.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
Experience required
  • 3+ years of hands-on experience in a production setting.

education
Relevant Degree: Bachelor's degree in engineering - preferred degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering
Specialization/Certifications (preferred)
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt or Black Belt)
  • Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE)
  • Project Management Professional (PMP)

Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.