Assistant Principal Project Engineer, COE

The ASR Group® family of companies make up the world’s largest refiner and marketer of cane sugar. The companies produce a full line of grocery, industrial, foodservice and specialty sweetener products. Across North America, ASR Group® companies operate five sugar refineries, located in California, Maryland, Louisiana, Canada and Mexico. In Europe, ASR Group® companies operate sugar refineries in the United Kingdom, Portugal, and, with a joint venture partner, Italy. The companies also farm sugarcane and own sugar mills in Mexico and Belize. The ASR Group® portfolio includes the leading brands Domino®, C&H®, Florida Crystals®, Redpath®, Tate & Lyle®, Lyle's®, Sidul® and Whitworths®. ASR Group® companies also produce and market Tellus®, a single-use, compostable tableware and foodservice product made from plant fibers, including sugarcane.

OVERVIEW:

This position serves as a senior-level Project/Program Manager responsible for leading capital project portfolio management, project controls, and continuous improvement initiatives across the organization. The role oversees project prioritization, reporting, cost and schedule performance analysis, forecasting, risk management, budgeting, and the development of processes, tools, and software solutions that improve decision-making and project delivery.

Acting as a key liaison between project sites, corporate partners, and stakeholders, this role drives portfolio transparency and supports predictive analysis to improve cost and schedule certainty. The position is responsible for developing and maintaining project prioritization processes, portfolio reporting, and standardized workflows while ensuring systems and tools are streamlined, automated where possible, and aligned with business objectives.

The role supports large and complex capital projects and programs involving safety, infrastructure, compliance, process improvement, capacity expansion, and operational efficiency. Responsibilities include leading cross-functional teams, mentoring project engineers and business partners, managing budgets and resources, communicating with stakeholders, and ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, within scope, and within budget.

The ideal candidate is an expert in project management, project controls, engineering principles, and capital project processes, with demonstrated experience implementing process improvements, advanced workflows, and innovative tools. This individual is recognized as a subject matter expert, trusted advisor, mentor, and role model who influences stakeholders at all levels of the organization. Travel of approximately 25–50% may be required.

LOCATION OF ROLE

• This role is remote (5 days a week) with travel to any of our refinery and/or non-refinery operations as required.

DETAILED ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Senior level Project Manager executing complex projects across the enterprise at any location. In addition, Leader, Trainer and Mentor of project management delivery tools and processes. Implements and builds tools and systems to execute and manage complex projects and programs from initiation to closure, ensuring alignment with company objectives. Provides support and/or manages COE projects.

• Develops new or advances current software programs to support corporate initiatives, investment strategies, capital efficiency, cost accuracy and create project transparency while reducing work.
• Develops process and workflows that advance project management, provides insight to decision makers, and reduces human error traps.
• Advances and governs the cost and forecast reporting process, workflows, and tools.
• Streamline cost, forecasts, and budget processes to be more automated, robust, and insightful.
• Collects, governs, analyzes, forecasts, and reports portfolio budgets ($170M to $300M). Includes: trend analysis, risk standpoints, committed vs. actual, under and overrun potential.
• Leads the effort to utilize advanced portfolio tools such as Power BI and SAP add-ons.
• Own the project prioritization process, runs list reviews and project addition meetings producing portfolio level reporting/insights.
• Identify potential portfolio risk and implement mitigation strategies.
• Reviews Project Charters and AFE documents to ensure the majority level is met and all cost s and risks are validated.
• Acts as the primary liaison between the project teams, executive leadership, and external stakeholders.
• Provides regular updates to senior leadership on portfolio progress, challenges, and financial performance.
• Reviews and provide guidance on project deliverables for gate review documents challenging Total Installed Cost and the entirety of the business exposure.
• Driver the development of best practices and innovative solutions which enhance our operational performance and reduce costs.

QUALIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• 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.
• 12+ years of experience in the manufacturing process and/or project focused role
• 12+ 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 Suite, Microsoft Project, SAP, and similar project management applications
• Proficiency in developing reporting and utilizing emerging software such as Power BI and AI tools.
• Proficient in technical writing and presentation creation.
• Proficient in budget and forecast creation, analysis and reporting.

QUALIFICATIONS – PREFERRED BUT NOT REQUIRED

• 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

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.