Senior Project Manager

SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER

Moonachie, New Jersey | Construction | Contract | Remote | $70-$80/hr | Posted 07/17/2025 | Job ID #24413

Summary

We are seeking a hands-on, technically driven Senior Project Manager to lead the full interior fit-out of an existing facility into a large-scale food production and processing operation. This is a boots-on-the-ground role ideal for someone with deep experience in food facility construction, cold storage, and hygienic environments. The Senior Project Manager will oversee the complete buildout, including production lines, utilities, cleanable finishes, MEP, automation systems, and compliance with food safety and operational standards.

Responsibilities

Project Execution & Site Leadership

Lead full-scope interior conversion of existing building into a food production facility, from design through commissioning.

Act as the day-to-day project lead onsite, coordinating construction, engineering, and vendor activities.

Drive project progress proactively, resolving field-level issues and ensuring execution aligns with operational goals.

Maintain constant presence onsite to manage contractors, trades, equipment vendors, and installation teams.

Technical Oversight

Oversee installation of specialized food production systems including process piping, automation controls, and clean-in-place systems.

Direct implementation of cold storage, blast freezers, walk-ins, and temperature-controlled production areas.

Ensure compliance with FDA/USDA guidelines, food safety standards, sanitary design, and hygienic construction practices.

Coordinate closely with MEP and low-voltage contractors to support equipment loads, utility routing, and commissioning.

Construction & Coordination

Lead RFP, procurement, and subcontractor selection for construction, refrigeration, MEP, and process equipment trades.

Manage design-build consultants, engineers, and specialty vendors through construction, turnover, and startup.

Review drawings and submittals for constructability and accuracy; lead coordination meetings and daily field walks.

Develop and maintain detailed construction schedules, tracking critical path items and coordinating phased turnover.

Budget & Compliance

Maintain ownership of budget tracking, cost controls, and change order management.

Ensure project documentation, site safety compliance, inspections, and close-out packages are complete and audit-ready.

Serve as main point of contact with owner leadership, providing regular updates on field progress and issues.

Qualifications

10+ years of project management experience, with at least 5 years in food production, cold storage, or sanitary facility build-outs.

Strong familiarity with food-grade construction, process systems, refrigeration, washdown finishes, and facility commissioning.

Experience converting existing buildings into food production facilities is strongly preferred.

Technically proficient and highly hands-oncomfortable walking job sites, troubleshooting in the field, and directing subcontractors daily.

Knowledge of FDA, USDA, GMP, and hygienic design principles.

Proficient in reading plans across MEP, process, architectural, and structural trades.

Skilled in project tools such as MS Project, Procore, Bluebeam, and Excel.

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field is preferred.