POSITION SUMMARY: The Senior Engineering Project Manager leads the development and execution of complex, multifunctional capital projects across Balchem's manufacturing network, with a primary focus on capacity expansion, process improvement, safety, quality, and compliance initiatives within food and ingredient manufacturing environments. This role provides end-to-end project leadership from concept development, feasibility assessment, scope definition, budgeting, scheduling, procurement, construction, commissioning, start-up, and handover to Operations.
Working closely with Operations, Maintenance, Safety, Quality, R&D, Procurement, external engineering firms, equipment suppliers, and construction contractors, the Senior Engineering Project Manager ensures projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and in alignment with business objectives. The position requires strong technical knowledge of chemical processes, hygienic food manufacturing design, utilities, automation/controls, process safety, risk management, and change control. The role is expected to drive disciplined project governance, transparent communication, effective stakeholder alignment, and sustainable solutions that improve plant reliability, manufacturing capability, food safety, product quality, and operational performance.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: - Follows and enforces all safety policies and procedures including use of safety equipment (PPE) and equipment safeguards. Performs Job Hazard Analyses, Safety Observations, and training as required. Responsible for the safe performance of contract work in the facility. Works to advance and promote the safety culture of the site.
- Leads the project governance process for their projects, including scheduling/conducting routine stakeholder reviews, managing change control, and monitoring project execution metrics.
- Determines the feasibility of proposed projects and recommends structural, mechanical, electrical, operational or other requirements, for Sr. management approval.
- Coordinates cross-functional scope, design, and project reviews.
- Designs, develops, and installs approved construction and manufacturing projects
- Coordinates and supervises the implementation process for priority projects. Responsible for performance to budget and timeline for his or her projects.
- Submits recommendations on Safety, Quality, and Efficiency initiatives and projects to Senior Management for approval
- Coordinates and supervises the work of contractors, design engineers, and specialists
- Ensures that specifications, material requirements, drawings and estimating of project costs are completed, compiles the results and prepares recommendations / capital appropriations.
- Prepares purchase requisitions for equipment and services to ensure the completion of projects
- Ensure the preparation of activity reports to keep others informed about the status of projects and activities.
- Submits periodic budget and status reports on capital items under his or her control
- Develop / submit project lists, justifications and cost estimates for the capital planning process.
- Prepares SOP's for engineering functions, production operations, plant processes, and general procedures.
- Prepares and organizes engineering drawings and standards for buildings, equipment and processes.
- Monitors plant procedures, plant processes, equipment maintenance and makes informed recommendations for improved operations.
- Provides engineering assistance to other departments as needed.
REQUIREMENTS: - Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering (Chemical, Electrical, or Mechanical preferred) with a detailed knowledge of process design, controls, project management, mechanical design, and construction methods and their practical application
- A minimum of 7 years (10 years - ideal) of experience including project management and scheduling, plant operations, equipment maintenance and process control equipment and theory.
- Previous experience leading large capital projects ($2-10M+)
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Confidence and aptitude to communicate with a broad range of teams from executives, engineering, and operations core team / construction workers.
- Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft business software (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). Experience with project management software (MS Project, Primavera) is desired
- Travel to other Balchem locations is expected as business needs require. It is estimated that travel could be on the order of 50%.
