Plant Optimization Project Manager

Location: On-Site | Mattoon, IL (central Illinois manufacturing hub)

Work Authorization: US work authorization required (TN visas considered)

A global, diversified producer of agricultural-based ingredients is modernizing one of its flagship Midwest facilities. They need a Plant Optimization Project Manager to steer capital projects ranging from $5 million to $50 million, elevating throughput, reliability, and sustainability across the site. You will own full project life-cycle responsibility, from early FEL packages through commissioning, while partnering with senior leadership who are eager to invest in mechanical upgrades and large decarbonization initiatives that will define the plant’s future.

What’s In It For You

• Competitive compensation with performance bonus potential up to 20 percent and relocation assistance
• High-impact work: Direct line of sight to VP-level leaders and the ability to influence decarbonization projects that set enterprise-wide standards
• Career runway: Exposure to multiple business units and a clear path toward senior project or plant leadership
• Community & lifestyle: Enjoy small-town living with excellent schools while being a short drive from larger metro amenities

Key Responsibilities

• Champion a proactive safety culture for employees and contractors, using preventive action plans and field audits
• Develop project scope, work-breakdown structures, and comprehensive FEL deliverables that keep cost, schedule, and risk tightly controlled
• Lead on-site reviews to identify constructability clashes and implement mitigation strategies; typical travel to sister plants is ≤ 20 percent
• Provide monthly reporting, capital forecasts, and gate reviews through commissioning and capitalization
• Coordinate EPC firms and multi-discipline trade partners, ensuring all permitting, GMP, HACCP, and process-safety regulations are satisfied
• Drive scope-change and risk-escalation processes, keeping executive stakeholders informed and engaged

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, Chemical, Industrial, or Civil Engineering (or similar technical field)
• Proven track record delivering multiple industrial capital projects valued at $5M–$50M within processing or heavy-manufacturing environments
• Expertise in stage-gate or FEL methodologies, cost engineering, and resource-loaded scheduling tools such as Primavera or MS Project
• Hands-on experience with mechanical systems, utilities, and start-up / commissioning procedures for brownfield or revamp work
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to influence cross-functional stakeholders and external partners

Preferred Qualifications

• PMP certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Success leading multi-year programs or managing portions of larger greenfield builds
• Familiarity with agricultural-process, chemical, pulp-and-paper, or similar continuous-process industries

About Blue Signal:  

Blue Signal is an award-winning, executive search firm specializing in various specialties. Our recruiters have a proven track record of placing top-tier talent across industry verticals, with deep expertise in numerous professional services. Learn more at bit.ly/46Gs4yS