Lead Project Engineer

ASR Group is the world’s largest refiner and marketer of cane sugar, with an annual production capacity of more than 6 million tons of sugar. The company produces a full line of grocery, industrial, food service and specialty sweetener products. Across North America, ASR Group owns and operates six sugar refineries, located in Louisiana, New York, California, Maryland, Canada and Mexico. In Europe, the company owns and operates sugar refineries in England and Portugal. ASR Group also owns and operates mills in Mexico and Belize. The company’s brand portfolio includes the leading brands Domino®, C&H®, Redpath®, Tate & Lyle®, Lyle’s® and Sidul®.

OVERVIEW

This role can be classified as Senior level to Advanced level Capital Project Engineer which is based on the candidate’s education and overall industrial and professional experience.

The responsibility of this role includes but is not limited to: developing and managing large-scale and highly complex capital programs and projects related to plant safety, process safety management, infrastructure, process improvement, capacity expansion, compliance, and operational efficiency / capability across the assigned refinery. This role involves both leading cross-functional teams as well as formal and informal mentoring of local capital project engineers, ensuring adherence to safety and environmental standards, and delivering programs on time, within scope, and within budget.

The ideal candidate must have expert knowledge of engineering principles and best practices, project management methodology, and process equipment with the skills and knowledge to effectively implement process changes. This role is responsible for project & program leadership, budget and resource management, risk management, stakeholder communication, technical oversight, and continuous improvement. This position is considered a role model with expert knowledge in the CAPEX business process and a proven mentor and trainer of new project engineers.  Other requirements for this role include familiarity with both regulatory and engineering standards and the willingness to travel (up to 15% annually) while working in an industrial plant environment.

LOCATION OF ROLE

• This role is on site (5 days a week) at the Baltimore, MD refinery with infrequent travel to any of our refinery and/or non-refinery operations as required (up to 15% annually).

DETAILED ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan, execute, and finalize complex projects and programs from initiation to closure, ensuring alignment with company objectives.
• Develop program investment strategies including scope, goals, deliverables, and success criteria in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Lead cross-functional project teams including engineers, procurement, safety, operations and contract labor.
• Prepare and manage program budgets ($2M to $100M), forecasts, and cost controls.
• Secure and allocate resources effectively to ensure project timelines and objectives are met.
• Identify potential project risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations at all project stages.
• Act as the primary liaison between the project teams, executive leadership, and external stakeholders.
• Provide regular updates to senior leadership on program progress, challenges, and financial performance.
• Provide guidance and oversight on technical aspects of projects, including process design, equipment selection, and construction activities.
• Own, contribute to and develop standards of design for ASR’s operations consistent with industry best practices.
• Review peer engineering designs and ensure compliance with industry standards, best practices and company policies.
• Drive the development of best practices and innovative solutions which enhance our operational performance and reduce costs.
• Partner with Procurement to develop key partnerships with key equipment, engineering or construction services.
• Develop & execute Commissioning Plans for programs.  Own the CQV and vertical start-up mentality.
• Manage external resources as needed to conduct detailed engineering designs, construction management and any other supplement project support.
• Oversee and support the execution/project delivery including scope definition and control, project cost control, cash-flow forecasts, schedules, construction management, training, project coordination and post-completion reviews.
• Responsible for process safety and environmental compliance/implementation projects.
• Ensure process PSM requirements are met.
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• 15+ years of experience in the manufacturing process and/or project focused role
• 15+ years of experience managing Capex projects within the manufacturing industry
• Strong knowledge of project management methodology on multiple $5M+ projects
• Ability to communicate and interact with multiple levels within an organization and professionally represent the company with outside vendors and engineering partners
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, work under pressure, and meet deadlines
• Proficiency with Microsoft Project, SAP, and similar project management applications
• Bachelor’s degree in any engineering discipline from an ABET Accredited institution; candidates with other technical degrees will be considered based on relevant process and project experience.

QUALIFICATIONS – PREFERRED BUT NOT REQUIRED

• Master’s in Business Administration
• Advanced degree related to engineering or project management
• Project Management Professional certification
• Experience with Focused Improvement (DMAIC, Six Sigma certifications preferred)
• Experience with all elements of capital disciplines (Mechanical, Electrical, Power Distribution, Control Systems, Civil, Environmental, etc.) 
• Experience with both batch and continuous flow manufacturing processes
• Experience with the OSHA PSM standard and covered processes
• People management (formal or informal) experience a plus

Salary Range - $115,000-214,000 The pay rate for the successful candidate will depend on the candidate's qualifications and prior experience.  

Benefits include healthcare (medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs) available the first of the month following 30 days of employment, 401(k) with match, life insurance, AD&D, short-term disability, vacation, holiday, and sick time.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.