Project Manager (Pellet Mills)

Job Summary

The Project Manager – Pellet Mill Operations is responsible for providing project management leadership and technical coordination for capital improvement initiatives across pellet mill manufacturing facilities in Hope, Arkansas and Peebles, Ohio. This role partners closely with the Senior Manager to plan, execute, and deliver capital projects that improve safety, capacity, reliability, efficiency, and product quality.

The position supports engineering design, contractor coordination, budgeting, scheduling, procurement, installation, commissioning, and project closeout activities. This role ensures projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with company safety standards and operational objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities

Capital Project Management

• Support the development, planning, and execution of capital projects across pellet mill operations.
• Assist in defining project scope, objectives, timelines, and deliverables in collaboration with engineering and plant leadership.
• Develop detailed project plans including schedules, milestones, and resource requirements.
• Manage capital project budgets, track expenditures, and report on financial performance.
• Coordinate procurement of equipment, materials, and contractor services.
• Ensure projects are completed on time and within approved budget parameters.
• Maintain accurate project documentation including drawings, specifications, contracts, and change orders.
• Lead project meetings and provide regular progress updates to senior leadership.

Engineering and Technical Support

• Collaborate with the Senior Manager on equipment selection, system design, and process improvements.
• Support layout development, equipment installation planning, and plant integration efforts.
• Review engineering drawings and equipment specifications.
• Assist with commissioning, startup, and performance validation of new systems and equipment.
• Support optimization projects related to dryers, hammer mills, pellet presses, coolers, bagging lines, and material handling systems.
• Coordinate integration of electrical, mechanical, structural, and automation systems during project execution.

Contractor and Vendor Coordination

• Manage contractors and vendors performing installation, construction, and technical services.
• Ensure contractor compliance with site safety policies and procedures at both facilities.
• Review bids, proposals, and technical submissions for accuracy and alignment with project requirements.
• Monitor contractor performance, timelines, and quality of work.
• Support negotiation and administration of contracts and change orders.

Operational Collaboration

• Partner with plant management, maintenance, production, and reliability teams to minimize production disruption during project implementation.
• Coordinate outage planning and shutdown schedules for major installations.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and long-term plant modernization strategies.
• Provide technical guidance to operations teams during project transition and startup phases.

Safety and Compliance

• Ensure all project work complies with OSHA standards, environmental regulations, and company safety policies.
• Promote safe work practices for employees and contractors during all phases of project execution.
• Participate in hazard assessments, risk evaluations, and pre-task planning activities.
• Ensure proper documentation, permitting, and regulatory compliance for capital installations.

Qualification Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Industrial Technology, or related field preferred. Equivalent experience considered.
• Minimum three to five years of experience managing capital projects in manufacturing or heavy industrial environments.
• Experience in pellet manufacturing, wood processing, or similar industrial operations preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing project budgets, schedules, and contractors.
• Strong understanding of mechanical systems, material handling systems, and industrial equipment installations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and project scheduling software

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to travel between Hope, Arkansas and Peebles, Ohio as required to support project execution. Up to 50% travel is required.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with competing priorities.
• Strong financial acumen related to capital budgeting and cost tracking.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, P&IDs, and technical documentation.
• Problem-solving mindset with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Strong leadership presence and ability to influence without direct authority.
• Ability to maintain a visual acuity of 20/20 with or without aide
• Ability to maintain regular and predictable attendance
• Ability to work in a constant state of alertness

Physical Requirements

Industrial Manufacturing Environment

• Comfort working in hot, cold, dusty, or noisy conditions.
• Ability to work at heights and around operating industrial equipment using proper personal protective equipment.