Project Manager, Packaging Commercialization: Large Capital Projects at fairlife in Coopersville, Michigan, United States

Job description

• The Project Manager Packaging Commercialization has accountability for successfully commercializing packaging associated with large capital projects. Responsibility extends from pre-engineering through final acceptance. This role will own commissioning of equipment and packaging materials on large capital projects. The Project Manager Packaging Commercialization will have strong experience in packaging materials and equipment to drive standardization, set up, performance specs, and acceptance of projects.

Responsibilities

• Support pre-engineering phase with spec packet preparation, sample preparation, performance specs, and alignment on validation formats
• Support design phase in providing inputs to OEM selection, packaging supplier performance, and packaging supplier selection
• Support procurement in qualification of any packaging material changes, packaging vendor changes, lab equipment sourcing, and tools needed by Operations associated with large capital projects
• Support FAT plans to confirm packaging performance specs are being met, materials are onsite, and punch lists are closed out.
• Lead onsite packaging commissioning activities to include (pre trial meeting, trial plan, trial schedule coordination, trial execution, trial report, and post-trial action completion
• Lead onsite acceptance testing with clear communication on performance against contracted terms.
• Support documentation turnover and maintenance of dimensional specs, material specs, and performance specs
• Partner with other functions such as Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to pilot and transition ownership

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering with 7+ years of experience packaging machinery, packaging materials, or high‑speed manufacturing environments
• Knowledge of aseptic and high speed beverage filling desired
• Experience leading FAT/SAT, equipment commissioning, aseptic validation, and mechanical qualification
• Strong project management capabilities with strong organizational skills
• Lean/Six Sigma background in developing centerlines, mistake proofing, and troubleshooting
• Experience collaborating with OEMs and suppliers to influence successful outcomes with equipment and packaging material performance

Skills

Required

• Project management
• Organizational skills
• Lean/Six Sigma
• FAT/SAT
• Equipment commissioning
• Aseptic validation
• Mechanical qualification
• Collaboration with OEMs and suppliers

Benefits

• 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.
• $100,000 - $140,000 USD