Project Manager

The Project Manager is responsible for leading the planning, development, and implementation of projects related to coconut oil milling operations. The role integrates business development, strategic planning, and operational management to ensure efficient project execution, optimal plant performance, and sustainable growth of the coconut oil mill business.

The position oversees feasibility studies, plant operations coordination, project implementation, and stakeholder management while ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with company objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Project Planning and Development

• Lead feasibility studies covering technical, financial, operational, and market viability of agribusiness and food manufacturing projects.
• Develop detailed project plans, timelines, budgets, manpower requirements, and resource allocation.
• Coordinate with engineering, procurement, construction, and operations teams during plant setup, commissioning, and expansion.
• Monitor project progress, milestones, and deliverables to ensure timely completion within approved budget.
• Identify project risks and implement mitigation and contingency plans.
• Manage contractor and supplier performance during project execution.

Food Manufacturing and Processing Operations

• Oversee operational planning for coconut oil milling and agricultural product processing facilities.
• Ensure efficient processing, production scheduling, and plant utilization.
• Monitor production efficiency, yield, product quality, and operational performance.
• Recommend and implement process improvements to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and optimize operational costs.
• Coordinate raw material sourcing, inventory management, and distribution activities.
• Ensure adherence to food safety standards, sanitation protocols, and manufacturing best practices.
• Support product development and downstream processing initiatives for value-added agricultural products.

Business Development and Market Expansion

• Identify business opportunities within agribusiness, food manufacturing, and agro-processing sectors.
• Conduct market research, competitor analysis, and industry assessments.
• Develop strategic partnerships with suppliers, distributors, investors, and key stakeholders.
• Prepare business proposals, investment presentations, feasibility reports, and financial projections.
• Assist in negotiation of contracts, supplier agreements, and partnership arrangements.
• Support expansion initiatives for new products, processing lines, or manufacturing facilities.

Financial and Budget Management

• Prepare and manage project budgets, operational forecasts, and cost monitoring reports.
• Monitor expenditures and implement cost-control measures.
• Conduct financial analysis for operational improvements and expansion projects.
• Prepare regular financial and operational reports for management review.

Compliance, Quality, and Regulatory Management

• Ensure compliance with environmental, food safety, health, and occupational safety regulations.
• Coordinate with government agencies for permits, licenses, and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure compliance with GMP, HACCP, ISO, and other food manufacturing standards where applicable.
• Implement operational safety standards and quality assurance procedures.
• Ensure product quality consistency and compliance with company standards.

Stakeholder and Team Coordination

• Coordinate with cross-functional teams including engineering, operations, QA/QC, procurement, finance, and logistics.
• Manage relationships with contractors, consultants, suppliers, and external partners.
• Provide regular project and operational updates to senior management.
• Facilitate communication and alignment across departments to ensure smooth project implementation and operational continuity.

Qualifications

Educational Background

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial, Agricultural, or related field), Food Technology, Agribusiness Management, Business Administration, or other related disciplines.
• Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA), Project Management, Operations Management, or related field is an advantage.
• Specialized training in food manufacturing, agro-industrial processing, supply chain management, or plant operations is highly desirable.

Work Experience

• At least 5–8 years of relevant experience in project management, food manufacturing, agribusiness, agro-processing, or industrial plant operations.
• Proven experience managing manufacturing or processing plant projects from feasibility study to operational turnover.
• Experience in processing agricultural commodities, coconut oil milling, food production, or related manufacturing industries is highly preferred.
• Background in business development, operational planning, and supply chain management is an advantage.
• Experience in handling plant operations, production efficiency, and process optimization.

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of food manufacturing processes, agricultural product processing, and industrial plant operations.
• Familiarity with coconut oil milling, copra procurement, and downstream product processing is an advantage.
• Proficiency in project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and monitoring tools.
• Strong analytical and financial evaluation skills.
• Knowledge of GMP, HACCP, ISO standards, food safety regulations, and environmental compliance.
• Ability to analyze operational performance and implement process improvement initiatives.

Certifications / Licenses

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent is an advantage.
• PRC License for Engineering graduates is preferred.
• Certification in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Operations Management, or Process Improvement is a plus.
• Food Safety, HACCP, GMP, ISO, or Quality Management certifications are beneficial.

Other Requirements

• Willing to travel frequently to project sites, production facilities, and sourcing locations.
• Capable of working in plant, manufacturing, and field environments when required.
• Strong understanding of Philippine agricultural commodity markets and food manufacturing operations is an advantage.
• Possesses strong leadership, communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and commitment to organizational goals.