Project Manager

Louis Dreyfus Company is a leading merchant and processor of agricultural goods. Our activities span the entire value chain from farm to fork, across a broad range of business lines, we leverage our global reach and extensive asset network to serve our customers and consumers around the world. Structured as a matrix organization of six geographical regions and ten platforms, Louis Dreyfus Company is active in over 100 countries and employs approximately 18,000 people globally.

This position has a responsibility for assisting in the development and implementation of Capital Improvement Projects and Operational Improvement projects, following construction criteria and construction requirements with the Plant Manager, assisting plant startup, analysis of existing operations and/or future facilities for the Plant, meeting quality and cost standards. Also to provide daily direction and efficient performance of Project related activities/functions and supervision of contractors on a daily basis in the attainment of short and long-term facility objectives. Provide an environment conducive for change and innovation. To be the site leader for all CAPEX related activities of the facility.

• Works with the SH&E staff to assure regulatory certifications and compliance on capital and process improvements, normal operating practices regarding all Safety and Environmental

• Participate in the development and administration of project policies and programs.

• Supervise Company and Contractor work force for all assigned capital improvement projects to insure that project goals are met while meeting company quality and cost standards

• Ensures area of responsibility is maintained in orderly and safe manner. 
• Participates in long-range planning decisions, recommends capital projects.
• Reviews plant operations for potential process / procedural improvements for higher throughput and  costs.
• Is an active member of the facility SHE Program. 
• Maintains good working knowledge of SHE policies, rules and procedures applicable to area of responsibility
• Ensures employees are provided required training for area assigned, and jobs and tasks prior to assigning work.

Additional Responsibilities

• Follows construction completion criteria and construction requirements with the project / plant manager.
• Assists in the project start-up with local management.

•     Operate in a fully responsible manner and comply with the law and Company policy.

Prepare commitments/estimates for approval:

o    Mass balance and process preparation,   Layout proposal, Risk Analysis,  Preliminary P&ID’s for automation and process control purposes

o    Budget estimation and project schedule

o    Project Scope of Work

o    Work Breakdown Structure

Manage a project after approval:

o    Stay within the authorized budget and schedule;

o    Deliver the project according the expected quality;

o    Organize regular meetings with stakeholders and project team

o    Report projects status to the plant manager on a weekly basis

Organize basic and detail engineering:

o    Prepare packages for execution;

o    Co-ordinate design, layouts, drawings;

o    Specify material, select suppliers and prepare data sheets.

Prepare and specify ordering Materials and Labor contracts:

o    Request for quotations and prepare requisitions;

o    Gather input from project team, including maintenance and automation;

o    Include specifications and best practice information

Co-ordinate construction activities:

o    Plan and schedule construction activities;

o    Coordinate activities with production management

o    Contractors co-ordination;

o    Maintain safety during construction

o    Supervise execution in field

o    Prepare for the Job Hazard Analysis and Safe Work Permit

Ensure the proper implementation of engineering best practices and SHE regulations:

o    Implement best practices;

o    Work with local authorities to obtain building permits, environmental permits, etc.

•     Assist in improving the overall status of the plant:

o    Assist production team in solving complex technical problems

o    Makes plant tours, collects and handles improvement ideas and promotes an innovative environment.

o    Communicate with all departments regarding projects issues. 

o    Utilizes technical skills and projects experience to promote the identification and solution of workplace problems; stays current with changes.

Commissioning for new projects:

•     Lead PSSR for the commissioning of new projects or plant modifications

•     Manage and organize the central file with all Plant PI&D’s, Plant Layouts, Construction drawings

o    Create and keep a central register updated for all Plant PI&D’s, Plant Layouts,   construction drawings, etc.

o    Organize and file efficiently all AutoCAD (or other types) drawings for the LDC Plant.

o    Assign new file names for new drawings.

Basic qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering; Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical or Agricultural

Experience

The following are the basic qualifications:

More than 5 years’ experience in industrial processing environment

Experience in projects engineering and management

Experience in construction and design of projects

Preferred qualification:

• Performed a critical role in start-up planning, construction monitoring and commissioning of an agricultural / food / chemical processing plant or major upgrade to a similar type plant.
• Experience with oilseeds extraction, Biodiesel process is a plus.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (including any physical demands)

Basic qualifications:

• Knowledge of applicable government regulations and personnel policies to ensure compliance and accomplish the safe and timely completion of capital projects and / or process changes.
• Knowledge of state and federal regulations regarding EEO, safety, health and environmental management to ensure compliance and accomplish the safe and timely completion of capital projects and / or process changes.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency with MS Word and Excel
• Self-starter with an aptitude for problem solving
• Ability to influence others especially who are not directly reporting to this position
• Must be able to demonstrate communication and interpersonal skills, combined with a focus on customer service
• Language: English Fluent

Equipment Used

• Typical office equipment: PC, telephone, fax machine.
• Typical software familiarity: Office, Wonderware, RS Logix, AutocadLight, Power logic,

Working Conditions

• Primarily climate-controlled office environment.  Periodic visits to industrial operations areas are necessary with exposure to variety of temperatures and prevailing weather conditions.  Regular exposure to gases, vapors, dust and odors.  Occasional exposure to areas with wet floors and high volume of noise. 
• Climbing stairs and ladders is an essential function of this position as most operational areas are above ground level. 
• Extensions of regular working hours are occasionally necessary to complete time-sensitive projects or to respond to emergencies.

Employee Supervision

• None

Decision Making/Accountability

• Able to work unsupervised and make critical decisions on project and plant process management that have direct implications to budgets and profitability of an agricultural processing plant. Ability to work in a fast paced environment with multiple levels of management to make recommendations on capital projects and process improvements.

What We Offer

We provide a dynamic and stimulating international environment, which will stretch and develop your abilities and channel your skills and expertise with outstanding career development opportunities in one of the largest and most solid private companies in the world.

- Comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental and vision care coverage, flexible spending account plans, employee assistance program, life insurance and disability coverage
- 401k with Company Match
- Family Friendly Benefits including childbirth and parental leave, fertility and family building benefits
- Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays
- Flexible work available (not applicable to all roles)

Diversity & Inclusion

LDC is driven by a set of shared values and high ethical standards, with diversity and inclusion being part of our DNA. LDC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity, equity and inclusion.

LDC encourages diversity, supports local communities and environmental initiatives. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

Equal employment opportunity (EEO)

Louis Dreyfus Company 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.

Sustainability

Sustainable value is at the heart of our purpose as a company.

We are passionate about creating fair and sustainable value, both for our business and for other value chain stakeholders: our people, our business partners, the communities we touch and the environment around us