Project Lead Jobs in Grand Rapids, MI

INTRODUCTION

fairlife, LLC is a Chicago-based nutrition company that creates great-tasting, nutrition-rich and dairy products to nourish consumers. With over $3B in annual retail sales, fairlife's portfolio of delicious, lactose-free, real dairy products includes: fairlife® ultra-filtered milk; Core Power® High Protein Shakes, a sports nutrition drink to support post-workout recovery; fairlife® nutrition plan™, a nutrition shake to support the journey to better health. A wholly owned subsidiary of The Coca-Cola company, fairlife, LLC has been recognized by both Fast Company and Nielsen for its industry-leading innovation.

JOB PURPOSE:

The Sr. Project Manager, Automation has accountability for leading efforts in the planning and delivery of large, complex, or multi-location capital projects including, but not limited to: Operational Technology (OT) Infrastructures, Manufacturing automation and Engineering. The role will be responsible for leading and managing complex projects involving the integration of engineering systems, automation technologies, construction activities, and programming solutions. This is a challenging and dynamic role that requires strong leadership, technical proficiency, and exceptional project management skills.

Responsibilities:

- Project Planning: Develop project plans, timelines, and budgets; define scope, resources, and key milestones.
- Equipment Selection & Procurement: Select and evaluate processing equipment based on capacity, efficiency, quality, and cost; coordinate vendors and manage procurement.
- Process Design & Optimization: Design and improve processing systems; perform mass balances, address bottlenecks, enhance flow, and drive continuous improvement.
- Project Coordination: Partner cross-functionally (safety, production, maintenance, QA) to execute projects, manage resources, and resolve issues.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure adherence to food safety and quality regulations; collaborate with regulatory bodies throughout the project lifecycle.
- Documentation & Reporting: Maintain accurate documentation (design specs, manuals, signoffs, reports); track progress, costs, and provide stakeholder updates.
- Training & Support: Train operations and maintenance teams on new equipment and processes; develop materials and support troubleshooting.
- Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement improvements to reduce milk losses and enhance efficiency, productivity, and product quality.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

- Bachelor's degree in controls engineering or related discipline required.
- 10+ years' experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
- Aseptic/Dairy experience, including UHT's, homogenizers, separators, filtration plants, mix proof valves, motors, pumps.
- Experience with Automation Products hardware and software product suites (Ignition, ControlLogix, Logix 5000, FT View, FT Historian, and Canary Historian).
- Experience with other automation platforms such as Siemens, B&R, GE, Aveva/Wonderware, etc.
- Experience in automation system project delivery and major capital projects including schedule and cost management.
- Able to understand and utilize engineering drawings, operating manuals, and blueprints to conduct business.
- Ability to update P&ID's, mechanical/electrical prints (CAD/SolidWorks preferred).
- Skilled in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
- Ability to make administrative and procedural decisions and judgments on sensitive, confidential issues.
- Ability to supervise and train staff, including organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.
- Knowledge of computerized information systems used in quality assurance, maintenance, and ERP applications.
- Knowledge of USDA, State, Federal regulations for a dairy manufacturing facility a plus.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

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; Goodyear, AZ

REPORTS TO:

Director, Manufacturing Automation

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

40% - 50%

EXEMPT/NONEXEMPT:

Exempt

Base pay offered may vary depending on geography, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position, is offered. Base pay range: $150,000—$170,000 USD

fairlife, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. All qualified applicants and employees will be given equal opportunity. Selection decisions are based on job-related factors.

In addition to its nondiscrimination commitment, the Company will also provide reasonable accommodation of qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the Company. If you have a disability and would like to request accommodation in order to apply for a position with us, please email careers@fairlife.com.

For Recruitment Agencies

At fairlife, we manage the majority of our hiring internally through our dedicated Talent Acquisition team, which is actively engaged in direct candidate sourcing. Most of our roles are filled through applications submitted via our careers site or through direct outreach by our team.

As our recruitment is primarily handled in-house, we work only occasionally with external agencies, and only those on our existing, pre-approved vendor list. At this time, we are not reviewing or expanding that list.

Unsolicited resumes or submissions from external agencies not authorized by our Talent Acquisition team will be considered direct candidate applications. As such, fairlife will not assume responsibility for any placement fees associated with these submissions.