Universal Forest Products Inc

Senior Project Manager

Universal Forest Products Inc$85K — $100K *
US-Anywhere
+ 2 other locationsRemote
Food & Beverages
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 10+ years of project management experience, ideally in Food Service programs.
  • Experience managing large, complex, multi-divisional projects.
  • Strong knowledge of production environments including wood, metal, and acrylic.
  • Expertise in architectural and fixture design development.
  • Proficiency with ERP systems, preferably Epicor.
  • Advanced skills in Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel and Project.
  • Bilingual proficiency required.

Responsibilities

  • Manage all phases of large-scale customer programs from proposal to installation.
  • Lead multi-divisional initiatives while navigating complex organizational structures.
  • Develop and maintain project timelines, ensuring client approval and progress monitoring.
  • Serve as the primary contact for clients, ensuring strong relationships and exceptional service.
  • Facilitate clear communication between customers, vendors, and internal teams.
  • Identify business development opportunities within existing accounts based on client needs.
  • Oversee financial performance and support budgeting and forecasting efforts.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Health savings account with company contributions.
  • Life and disability insurance options.
  • 401(k) plan with company match.
  • Paid vacation and holidays.
  • Educational reimbursement programs.
  • Wellness initiatives and challenges.
Full Job Description
Senior Project Manager - Food Service Programs

About the Role

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Project Manager to lead and coordinate large, complex customer programs for our Food Service clients. This role is responsible for managing all aspects of customer programs while achieving operational excellence and financial targets. The position requires a high level of autonomy, customer engagement, and the ability to collaborate across multiple divisions.

This is a remote position with required travel to customer sites and manufacturing locations.

Key Responsibilities

Program & Project Leadership
  • Manage and coordinate all phases of large-scale customer programs, including RFPs, order confirmations, sales orders, detailing, purchasing, production, delivery, and installation.
  • Lead large divisional programs as well as multi-divisional initiatives, navigating complex organizational structures internally and externally.
  • Operate at a senior executive level with customers and internal leadership to ensure alignment, accountability, and successful outcomes.
  • Develop, manage, and maintain critical project timelines, obtaining customer approval and monitoring progress through completion while proactively adjusting as needed.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned customers, delivering exceptional customer service and maintaining strong, long-term relationships.
  • Communicate clearly and effectively with customers, vendors, and internal teams, ensuring transparency when scope, timing, or priorities change.
  • Cultivate opportunities for business development within existing accounts by understanding customer needs and company capabilities.


Financial & Operational Management
  • Understand and manage the financial performance of accounts, including budgets, P&L, margin analysis, and forecasting.
  • Support estimating and costing of programs, including participation in cost-reduction and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Partner with Sales and Operations to drive revenue growth and gross margin performance.
  • Monitor project production through physical review of work-in-progress and analysis of labor and cost reporting data.


Design, Manufacturing & Supply Chain Coordination
  • Review and approve architectural and fixture design/detail drawings prior to customer release.
  • Read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings to ensure design intent and constructability.
  • Coordinate with domestic and international vendors, including collaboration with China-based engineering teams, while maintaining quality, cost, and schedule priorities.
  • Actively manage customer inventories, re-orders, and finished goods inventory related to assigned accounts.
  • Assist in identifying and implementing corrective actions when quality, cost, or timeline issues arise.


Process Improvement & Leadership
  • Identify opportunities and lead continuous improvement initiatives related to quality, cost, delivery, and internal processes.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional and multi-divisional teams to align execution and best practices.
  • Mentor, motivate, and develop junior-level project managers and cross-functional team members.
  • Demonstrate leadership through accountability, urgency, integrity, and a results-driven mindset.


Qualifications
  • 10+ years of project management experience, preferably within consumer environments and Food Service programs.
  • Proven experience managing large, complex, multi-divisional programs.
  • Strong background in wood, metal, and acrylic manufacturing environments preferred.
  • Critical knowledge of architectural, interior design, and fixture development.
  • Demonstrated experience working with ERP systems (Epicor preferred).
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, Word, and Microsoft Project.
  • Ability to implement, maintain, and manipulate complex Excel spreadsheets.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to conduct margin and financial analysis.
  • Highly effective written and verbal communication skills.
  • Bilingual proficiency required (languages to be specified).
  • Willingness and ability to travel as needed.


Success Factors & Core Competencies
  • Organization & attention to detail
  • Customer focus & service orientation
  • Vendor & process coordination
  • Intuition & problem solving
  • Clear, effective communication
  • Collaboration & teamwork
  • Drive, accountability & sense of urgency
  • Leadership & employee development
  • Continuous improvement mindset
  • Integrity & professionalism


Working Environment
  • Remote work environment with travel to manufacturing facilities, customer locations, vendor sites, and company divisions as required.


Salary Pay Range:

$85,000 - $100,000 annually dependent on experience*

*pay range may be adjusted depending on cost of living

Bonus/Incentive Pay:

Annual performance bonus opportunity based on Company and specific business unit ROI and PBOP achievement criteria and individual job responsibility and performance.

Benefits currently offered to our employees:
  • Medical insurance
  • Health savings account with company contribution
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Basic and voluntary life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • 401(k) plan with company match
  • Paid vacation and holidays
  • Stock purchase program with employee discount
  • Educational reimbursement
  • Wellness programs and challenges
  • Other supplemental benefits


About Universal Forest Products Inc

Since 1955, there’s one thing that Universal Forest Products has consistently done: grow. We’ve grown our brand portfolio. We’ve grown our product lines. But, most importantly, we’ve grown our reputation—based on our commitment to grow brands by delivering the absolute best products and service possible. Not only because it’s what you expect, but also because it’s what we demand. Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Mich., with facilities throughout North America, Universal Forest Products is strategically positioned to deliver a wide variety of products to nationwide retailers that cater to both consumers and contractors. Universal Forest Products is a holding company that provides capital, management and administrative resources to subsidiaries that design, manufacture and market wood and wood-alternative products for the retail, construction and industrial markets. To explore all our products, like our outdoor living products or our framing services for the site-built market or our forming products for concrete construction.

Universal Forest Products Inc Careers

Join the dynamic team at Universal Forest Products Inc, a leader in the wood product manufacturing industry, and propel your career to new heights. As part of our commitment to innovation and leadership, we are continuously seeking skilled professionals eager to drive growth and embrace challenges in a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Why Work with Us?

At Universal Forest Products Inc, you are not just taking a job; you are embarking on a fulfilling career. We offer a range of job opportunities that allow you to utilize your skills, from entry-level positions to leadership roles. Our team is our greatest asset, and we invest in their growth through comprehensive training programs and professional development opportunities.

Explore Our Job Opportunities

Whether you're a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, Universal Forest Products Inc offers a variety of career paths in areas such as operations, sales, marketing, and technology. Our internship programs provide a robust foundation for students and recent graduates, offering hands-on experience and networking opportunities that often lead to full-time employment.

Our Culture and Benefits

At Universal Forest Products Inc, we pride ourselves on a culture that fosters innovation, leadership, and teamwork. We understand that job satisfaction extends beyond the workplace, which is why we offer competitive benefits that enhance the lives of our employees and their families. From health and wellness programs to retirement plans, we ensure our team members are supported both personally and professionally.

Join Our Team

Ready to advance your career with Universal Forest Products Inc? Explore our current openings and find the position that matches your skills and interests. Our hiring process is designed to be transparent and engaging, ensuring that all candidates can showcase their strengths from the resume submission to the interview stage.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity is integral to our company ethos. Universal Forest Products Inc is committed to creating an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We believe that diversity drives innovation and makes our team stronger.

Develop Your Career

Universal Forest Products Inc is dedicated to the continuous professional development of our employees. With access to cutting-edge training and leadership programs, you can expand your knowledge, enhance your skills, and take on new challenges within the company.

Stay Connected

Don’t miss out on the exciting career opportunities at Universal Forest Products Inc. Stay updated with the latest company news, job openings, and industry insights by joining our career network. Tailor your job alerts to match your career preferences and be the first to know about new positions that fit your profile.

Apply Now

Are you ready to make a significant impact in your career and help shape the future of the wood products industry? Apply today and join a team that values hard work, creativity, and a commitment to excellence. At Universal Forest Products Inc, your future is in your hands.

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Embark on your journey with Universal Forest Products Inc and transform your professional life in a company that values growth, leadership, and diversity.
Learn more about Universal Forest Products Inc
Size
15,000 employees
Market Cap
$4.9 billion
Industry
Net Income
$246.7 million
Founded
1955
5 Year Trend
+21.7%
Revenue
$5.1 billion
NASDAQ

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