Senior Project Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Manus works across industries and value chains to accelerate the transition to BioAlternatives – better performing and more sustainable versions of complex molecules traditionally sourced from plants, animals, or fossil fuels. Our platform is proven to work across scales, bridging the Valley of Death between lab and manufacturing more efficiently and more reliably to deliver the benefits of synthetic biology today.

We are seeking a seasoned Senior Project Manager to oversee and lead large-scale projects, particularly within the food applications and bioprocessing sectors. This role requires over 10 years of experience managing high-budget projects (over $50MM), with expertise in CAPEX and asset management. PMP or equivalent certification is required. The ideal candidate will be skilled in yearly cashflow and budget control, asset capitalization, and cost control using SAP. This role will drive projects from concept through completion, ensuring adherence to quality, budget, and regulatory standards.

Why work at Manus:

• Opportunity – For motivated, results-oriented team members, our growth creates opportunities for personal and professional advancement.
• Accountability – You are given the resources you need to succeed and the freedom to make it happen; in return, we hold each other accountable for our high expectations.
• Passion – We love what we do and enjoy working with others who feel the same way. We embrace the challenge and hard work that come with working on the cutting edge.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the full lifecycle of complex engineering projects, from initial planning and design to execution, monitoring, and close-out. Lead cross-functional teams, ensuring projects meet their scope, budget, and timeline goals.
• Manage projects and lead a team of technical experts towards delivering the objectives of the company through appropriate project management.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date project documentation, including technical drawings, specifications, and progress reports.
• Leads project scope, safety, design and construction reviews by plant personnel in accordance with the Capital Project Review Process, OSHA Process Safety Regulations 29 CFR 1910.119, and applicable environmental and safety regulations.
• Collaborate with project stakeholders to define project objectives, scope, and deliverables, to provide project definitions, cost estimations, justification reports, schedules, and capital funds requests.
• Prepare comprehensive project reports, including cost analysis, risk assessments, and lessons learned. Communicate project status updates to key stakeholders and provide timely reports on project metrics.
• Provides startup testing protocols and project operational certifications to indicate equipment functionality, mechanical integrity, performance specifications, and conformance to project objectives. Provides technical support for the pre-startup safety review meeting and subsequent punch list items. Provide project close out documentation.
• Collaborate with project stakeholders to define project objectives, scope, and deliverables, to provide project definitions, cost estimations, justification reports, schedules, and capital funds requests.
• Prepare comprehensive project reports, including cost analysis, risk assessments, and lessons learned. Communicate project status updates to key stakeholders and provide timely reports on project metrics.
• Manage CAPEX budgets with a focus on yearly cashflow and budget control, ensuring alignment with financial goals. Develop, monitor, and adjust budget plans to meet project requirements and company targets.
• Manage overall CAPEX budget for the company, controlling Commitments and overall Forecast, as well as the Appropriation documentation for proper approval and control including project close out and Capitalization.
• Oversee asset capitalization processes, ensuring project assets are accurately identified, tracked, and reported. Ensure all capitalized assets align with accounting standards and organizational policies.
• Implement and monitor cost control measures, utilizing SAP for detailed tracking and reporting on project expenses. Ensure that all financial data is accurate, up-to-date, and accessible for stakeholders.
• Provide technical leadership, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements, particularly in food safety and bioprocessing. Troubleshoot issues and provide hands-on guidance for complex technical challenges.
• Collaborate closely with internal departments (e.g., R&D, Operations, Quality) and external stakeholders, including contractors and vendors, to maintain alignment on deliverables, timelines, and budgets. Act as the primary contact for project-related communication.
• Lead, mentor, and support a team of engineers, fostering a culture of professional growth, continuous improvement, and adherence to safety and quality standards.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies to address project challenges. Promote continuous improvement practices and identify opportunities for enhancing project management processes.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, or related field), Project Management, or a relevant discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in large-scale industrial project management, preferably in food applications or bioprocessing.
• Proven experience managing projects over $50MM.
• PMP certification or equivalent required.
• Strong proficiency in CAPEX management, including yearly cashflow and budget control, asset capitalization, and cost control via SAP.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.