Packaging Project Manager

Packaging Project ManagerExperience: 12–15 yearsFunction: Engineering / Capital Projects / ManufacturingRole Type: Project Management
Role OverviewWe are looking for an experienced Packaging Project Manager to lead the end-to-end delivery of two new packaging lines, from project planning and equipment design through installation, commissioning, startup, and performance ramp-up. The role will be responsible for coordinating suppliers, site execution teams, engineering functions, and other stakeholders to ensure safe, timely, cost-effective, and high-quality project delivery.
Key Responsibilities1. Packaging Line Project DeliveryLead the end-to-end execution and delivery of two new packaging lines.Develop and manage project execution plans, milestones, deliverables, and project governance.Coordinate engineering, procurement, equipment manufacturing, installation, commissioning, and startup activities.Ensure projects meet agreed scope, quality, schedule, cost, and safety objectives.2. Supplier & Equipment ManagementManage equipment suppliers and system integrators throughout the project lifecycle.Coordinate supplier activities covering design, engineering, fabrication, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), delivery, installation, commissioning, and performance validation.Review and challenge supplier schedules, technical deliverables, drawings, specifications, and documentation.Drive resolution of technical, commercial, and execution issues with suppliers.Monitor supplier performance and ensure contractual commitments are met.3. Site Execution & InstallationCoordinate site activities involving suppliers, contractors, engineering, maintenance, production, quality, EHS, and other stakeholders.Manage installation and integration of packaging equipment with existing site infrastructure and utilities.Ensure site readiness, installation sequencing, construction coordination, and commissioning plans are aligned with the overall project schedule.Proactively identify and resolve site execution constraints and interface issues.4. Project ControlsOwn project budget, schedule, risks, issues, and change management.Track project progress against approved milestones and establish recovery plans where required.Manage project risks and dependencies, escalating critical issues appropriately.Control project scope and ensure effective management of changes and deviations.Provide regular project status updates to senior management and key stakeholders.5. Startup & Performance Ramp-UpLead equipment startup, commissioning, and production ramp-up activities.Coordinate with operations and technical teams to achieve stable production performance.Drive resolution of startup issues, equipment deficiencies, and performance gaps.Ensure packaging lines achieve agreed capacity, throughput, quality, reliability, and performance targets.Support final acceptance, project closeout, and handover to operations.
Required Qualifications & ExperienceBachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Automation, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.12–15 years of relevant project management experience, preferably in manufacturing, FMCG, pharmaceuticals, food & beverage, consumer products, or other process/packaging-intensive industries.Proven experience delivering packaging lines, automated production lines, or large-scale manufacturing capital projects.Strong experience managing equipment suppliers through design, FAT, installation, commissioning, and startup.Demonstrated experience in managing project budgets, schedules, risks, contractors, and multiple stakeholders.Hands-on experience with site execution and production startup/ramp-up.Strong understanding of automated packaging equipment, line integration, and manufacturing environments.
Key CompetenciesEnd-to-end capital project managementPackaging line and automation project experienceSupplier and contractor managementFAT/SAT and commissioningSite execution and installation coordinationBudget and schedule controlRisk and change managementStakeholder managementProblem-solving and decision-makingStrong communication and negotiation skillsAbility to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment
Key Success MeasuresOn-time delivery of both packaging linesDelivery within approved project budgetSuccessful FAT, installation, commissioning, and startupAchievement of agreed line capacity and performance targetsEffective management of project risks and supplier performanceSafe and smooth transition of the lines to operations