Project Manager

Marlen, headquartered in Riverside, Missouri, is a global designer and manufacturer of highly engineered food processing equipment and integrated systems. Our solutions support vacuum stuffing and pumping, portioning, size reduction, thermal processing, and food handling. For 70 years, leading food brands have relied on Marlen for quality, performance, and application expertise. Through our global Solution Centers, Marlen food processing technologists partner with customers to develop, test, and validate solutions for their products and processes.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Project Manager leads the successful execution of capital equipment projects from order acceptance through installation, commissioning, customer acceptance, and handoff to ongoing support. This role serves as the primary internal project contact and coordinates closely with customers and cross-functional teams to deliver projects safely, on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with contractual and technical requirements. The Project Manager may also provide technical sales support based on business needs and developmental assignments.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead multiple OEM and customer capital equipment projects of varying scope and complexity through initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and control, and closure.
• Serve as the primary internal project contact, connecting customers with Engineering, Sales, Service, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Product Management, and other stakeholders.
• Develop, maintain, and communicate project schedules, budgets, financial performance, milestones, risks, action registers, change orders, and ERP records, including Syteline or a comparable system.
• Facilitate project kickoff meetings, coordination meetings, design and pre-installation reviews, acceptance testing, installation planning, commissioning, startup, and project closeout activities, including completion of project completion reviews and documentation of lessons learned.
• Drive completion of project deliverables by clarifying ownership, tracking commitments, escalating risks, and coordinating timely issue resolution across internal teams and customers.
• Manage project scope and commercial changes by documenting requirements, evaluating impact, obtaining required approvals, and maintaining accurate change-order records.
• Maintain consistent communication with customers, Sales, Manufacturing, and all supporting departments regarding project status, decisions, risks, and upcoming activities.
• Represent Marlen in customer project meetings and participate in internal strategy and planning discussions.
• Coordinate the procurement of equipment, supplies, materials, and third-party labor when required.
• Prepare and deliver project reports for management, manufacturing teams, and customers, including updates on progress, cost, schedule, risks, and corrective actions.
• Provide technical sales support as needed, including equipment selection and configuration, capabilities, layouts and drawings, feasibility assessments, testing criteria, risk analysis, and contract review.
• Ensure project documentation and records are complete, accurate, and maintained in accordance with Marlen requirements.
• Partner with Service Management and Engineering to develop and maintain pre-installation and installation protocols; review installation reports, submit Quality Improvements identified during installations, and ensure follow-up items are resolved and documented.
• Complete other duties and projects as assigned.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS: 

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Project Management, Business, or a related field required; PMP certification or MBA preferred.
• Minimum of three years of project management experience in capital equipment, manufacturing, industrial automation, or food processing.
• An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain an acceptable driving record.
• Must possess, or be able to obtain, a valid U.S. passport.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 25%, including overnight, weekend, and occasional international travel.

POSITION SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES:

• Strong project management, organization, prioritization, and customer relationship skills.
• Technical understanding of mechanical, electrical, and automation systems.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering, assembly, and equipment layout drawings.
• Proficiency with ERP and project-tracking systems; Syteline experience is a plus.
• Strong analytical, risk-assessment, root-cause analysis, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Ability to communicate technical and project information clearly to customers, operators, maintenance personnel, engineers, manufacturing teams, and leaders.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, influence cross-functional teams, and manage multiple customer priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with industrial robotics, machine vision, and integrated automation solutions is highly desirable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The employee is frequently required to sit for extended periods and use hands and fingers to operate computer equipment, handle paperwork, use a telephone, and work with product-related components. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach. Required vision abilities include close vision and color vision. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in office, manufacturing, customer, and field environments. Noise levels are generally moderate but may be high in production areas. The employee may work near moving mechanical parts, industrial vehicles, and operating equipment. Required personal protective equipment must be worn in designated areas. Travel by airplane and automobile is required on an occasional basis.

WHY YOU SHOUD APPLY:

As a Duravant family company, Marlen offers a collaborative, results-focused environment where employees can build rewarding careers and contribute to meaningful customer solutions. Our total rewards and employee experience include:

• Competitive compensation.
• Comprehensive benefits designed to support employees’ health, well-being, and financial security.
• Paid holidays and paid time off.
• Education, training, and development opportunities, including educational assistance.
• A cross-functional, team-oriented workplace focused on customer success and continuous improvement.
• Opportunities to support our communities through Doing Good volunteer initiatives.
• Core values that guide how we work: Do What’s Right; Champion Customer Success; Respond Fast, Deliver Faster; Work Together, Win Together; and Ignite What’s Next.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Marlen International ("Marlen") maintains a drug-free workplace and is an equal employment opportunity employer. Marlen evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Individuals who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process should contact the Marlen Human Resources Department. Marlen complies with applicable federal, state, and local nondiscrimination laws in each location where it operates. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of applicable pre-employment requirements, which may include a background check, post-offer drug screen, and physical. Marlen participates in E-Verify.