Chemical / Plastics Manufacturing - Project Manager

Salary: $90,000 - $120,000 + Relocation Benefits

We are currently seeking an experienced Project Manager to join our client's team in Hazleton, PA. This position will be responsible for managing various chemical and plastics projects in a manufacturing facility.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the implementation of new capital projects, process improvements, root cause analyses (RCA), and smaller-scale initiatives with a focus on seamless integration into operations.
• Supervise and oversee all stages of installation, qualification, and validation (IQOQPQ) activities.
• Ensure the assessment of current operations is completed and implemented by facilitating risk evaluations (FMEA) to verify operational readiness.
• Act as a liaison between engineering, operations, and continuous improvement teams to coordinate the planning, construction, and deployment of new capital projects, emphasizing efficient start-up and cost management throughout the project lifecycle.
• Coordinate and manage site preparations to ensure all operational readiness checklist items and deliverables are completed for a successful start-up.
• Define key project success metrics and start-up performance targets, seeking approval from leadership.
• Create and execute a detailed start-up plan in collaboration with plant management and other stakeholders.
• Assign specific tasks to team members, manage their activities, and ensure timely and effective completion of start-up tasks.
• Secure support for the start-up plan and maintain clear communication with all involved parties through a well-defined communication strategy.
• Develop and implement training programs, material plans, and a Daily Management System (DMS) to drive long-term operational success.
• Maintain a detailed start-up log to document losses, causes, actions, and resolutions, ensuring comprehensive records are kept. Conduct post-project review meetings to evaluate outcomes and identify lessons learned during the verification phase.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of a bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or a related field.
• Proficiency in project management is a must.
• Prior experience in process engineering or continuous improvement is advantageous.
• Proven ability to overcome challenges and drive projects to completion within specified timelines.
• 2-5 years of hands-on experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• 1-3 years of direct or indirect involvement in continuous improvement initiatives, with familiarity in methodologies such as FMEA, TPM, VSU, EEM, 5S, 5-Why, SMED, and PM.
• Experience in scoping, planning, and executing capital expenditure (CapEx) projects.
• Background in maintenance strategies, including Time-Based Maintenance (TBM) and Total Predictive Maintenance (TPM), and/or Lean Six Sigma (LSS).
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail are vital.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to adapt messages to different audiences, actively listen, and provide constructive feedback.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities with the capability to inspire and guide teams effectively.
• Flexibility to adjust and respond to shifting priorities.