Senior Project Manager - Food & Beverage

At Findorff, we bring expertise and value in construction that extends far beyond building. From humble beginnings in 1890, Findorff has now grown to become one of the region's most trusted construction firms. As an employee-owned company, our staff take pride in shaping communities through a commitment to quality and relationships.

As a Senior Project Manager in Findorff's Food & Beverage sector, you have deep expertise in food and beverage manufacturing construction. This role is ideal for a seasoned leader who understands the rigorous demands of food-grade environments, has delivered successful ground-up or renovation projects for processing plants, cold storage facilities, clean rooms, and packaging operations, and can navigate client expectations in a fast-paced, highly regulated industry.

You'll lead project teams through every phase of food and beverage construction-from preconstruction and permitting through commissioning and closeout. You'll serve as the client's trusted advisor and internal team leader on high-stakes projects that demand precision, speed, and strict compliance with food safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

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  Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with clients, architects, engineers, and trade partners-especially those experienced in the food and beverage industry.

  
  
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  Oversee the full project lifecycle: budgeting, scheduling, procurement, change management, and closeout-with a focus on minimizing downtime and ensuring regulatory compliance (USDA, FDA, SQF, GMP, etc.).

  
  
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  Manage subcontracts, purchase orders, and monthly pay applications; track cost projections and lead project financials.

  
  
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  Lead the development and regular update of project schedules, phasing plans, and logistics that accommodate sanitation cycles, production needs, and safety protocols.

  
  
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  Proactively manage procurement and equipment installation timelines for specialty systems (e.g., clean-in-place (CIP), refrigeration, process piping, utility distribution).

  
  
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  Review and lead submittals, RFIs, and shop drawings with a strong grasp of food-grade materials and hygienic construction practices.

  
  
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  Support the Superintendent with short-duration look-ahead schedules and Top 10 daily task management.

  
  
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  Lead project closeout efforts: commissioning, punch list resolution, O&M documentation, client training, and regulatory handoffs.

  
  
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  Represent Findorff in business development opportunities-supporting proposal development, interviews, and industry networking.

  
  

Qualifications:

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  A proven history of delivering large-scale food manufacturing or food processing projects on time and within budget.

  
  
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  Working knowledge of building systems common in the F&B industry (e.g., process utilities, temperature/humidity controls, sanitary design).

  
  
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  Familiarity with food facility compliance standards and agency coordination (e.g., FDA, USDA, EPA, local health departments).

  
  
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  Strong negotiation, communication, and leadership skills.

  
  
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  A hands-on, solutions-oriented approach to solving challenges and leading teams.

  
  
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  A commitment to safety, quality, and long-term client relationships.

  
  

Education & Experience:

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  Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

  
  
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  Minimum 10 years of progressive experience managing construction projects, including at least 5 years in food & beverage or industrial process facility construction.

  
  
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  Experience with projects exceeding $50 million, preferably involving occupied renovation, phased turnover, or fast-track delivery.

  
  
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  Experience working with a self-perform GC is a plus.

  
  
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  Deep knowledge of construction law, contract terms, risk management, and dispute resolution.

  
  

Perks & Benefits:

• Competitive pay and benefits
• A people-first, inclusive culture
• Onsite fitness center
• Heated, underground parking (Madison office)
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Generous PTO and floating holidays
• Healthy 401(k) and Profit Sharing
• Paid Parental Leave
• Findorff Shop credit to buy company swag
• Career growth and development
• Mentorship and guidance

Diversity matters. Findorff recognizes the talents of all, appreciating the different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives that make us a stronger company and partner for the communities we live and work in.

Findorff provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.