Regional 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 17,000 people globally.

Overall Purpose and Objective of Position

This position is responsible for the delivery of assigned industrial projects as set forth by the company’s resource committee; these project plans include specifications, cost and schedule. This position will be a key part in the project plan formulation process prior to approval, along with other departments within the company. This position will work with internal and external resources as necessary in the design and construction of new facilities and modification of existing facilities as required meeting commercial expectations, maximizing operating efficiencies and maintaining compliance with all federal, state and local regulatory requirements.

In the near term, this position will be the primary LDC project lead at site for the new soybean processing plant in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, US, including integrated vegetable oil refining, lecithin production and packaging facilities, to increase our North American exposure to growing edible oil (or RBD oil) and animal feed markets.

Louis Dreyfus Company Announces Construction of a Soybean Processing Plant in Ohio, US || Louis Dreyfus Company (ldc.com)

Primary Responsibilities/Essential Functions

Project Validation

During the investment validation stage this position will be responsible to:

• Validate the Projects technical and CAPEX budget assumptions as put together by the Business Development team, during the due diligence for the acquisition of an asset or during the evaluation of a project before its validation by the Resource Committee, within the company’s standards.
• Review the company deliverables and makes sure that conceptual design, front end engineering and detailed engineering studies including the projects criteria are achievable in the set forth timeline.
• Validates project budget estimates for CAPEX / OPEX budgets for the annual company budget process.

Project Execution and Controls

Once the investment has been fully approved by the Company this position will be responsible to:

• Develop the Project Construction Management Team organization.
• Responsible for preparing / reviewing equipment specifications and preparation and review of RFQ’s.
• Oversees the selection of strategic process, construction, EPCm, and design to build suppliers.
• Validates the project cost and delivery schedules before the beginning of construction.
• Ensures that project management controls (SHE, Quality Assurance, project control, project budget and implementation schedule, commissioning and start-up programs) are in place throughout project’s development. This would include weekly and monthly reporting on both Regional and Global levels.
• Oversees the operation’s start-up and hand-over of the asset to the operations team.
• Ensures the roll out of the project according to agreed specifications, cost and delivery lead time.
• Validates the project’s CAPEX / OPEX annual budget during Budget and Reforecast processes.

Project Processes and Procedures

• Select and develop relations with strategic partners.
• Develop or enhance appropriate reports, templates and procedures for project controls.
• Keep track of industry or Project Execution best practices.
• Contributes to the development of LDC industrial standards (process design / standard components / maintenance / continuous improvement).

Additional Responsibilities

• Serve as one of the primary interfaces for engineering on technical issues with operations.
• Problem solving and troubleshooting as requested by the plants on an as-needed basis.
• Conducts feasibility studies for oilseed processing, refining, packaging, grain, milling and biofuels facilities.
• Works with the Safety, Health, and Environmental (SHE) staff to assure regulatory certifications and compliance on capital and process improvements, normal operating practices regarding SHE.
• Participate in the development and administration of project policies and programs.
• Supervise Company and Contractor work force for all assigned capital improvement projects to ensure that project goals are met while meeting company quality and cost standards.
• Lead in the project development, design and budgeting process to establish accurate costing for management.  Manage assigned projects to ensure monetary budgets and scheduled timelines are accomplished.
• Participates in long-range planning decisions, recommends capital projects.
• Reviews plant operations for potential process / procedural improvements for higher throughput and / or costs savings.
• Maintains good working knowledge of SHE policies, rules and procedures applicable to area of responsibility and ensures all applicable requirements are adhered to. 
• Ensures employees are provided required training for area assigned, and jobs and tasks prior to assigning work. 
• Ensures area of responsibility is maintained in orderly and safe manner. 
• Ensures unsafe working conditions are remedied as soon as practicable
• Follows construction completion criteria and construction requirements with the maintenance manager.
• Assists in the project start-up with local management.
• Additional projects and duties as assigned.

Education/Professional Certifications/Licenses

The following is the basic qualification:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering; Civil, Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical or Agricultural
• Professional Engineer (P.Eng) is preferred.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) is desired.

Experience

The following is the required qualification:

• 5+ years of industrial Senior Project Management/Engineering experience.

The following is the preferred qualification:

• Experience and direct involvement in the construction and start-up of plant improvement projects.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (including any physical demands)

• 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 safety, health and environmental management to ensure compliance and accomplish the safe and timely completion of capital projects and / or process changes.
• Familiarity with the basics of oilseed processing, edible oils, grain and milling operations or biofuels is desired.
• Proficiency with applicable computer software packages including AutoCAD, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Project.
• Knowledgeable with applicable software packages such as Wonderware, RSLogix, and PowerLogic.
• Exposure to plant operations, maintenance and safety
• Knowledge of design codes and governmental regulations affecting the industry including but not limited to NFPA 36, OSHA and EPA standards and requirements
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and interest with strong problem-solving skills
• Excellent organizational and planning capabilities with the ability to handle multiple assignments at the same time.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills
• Ability to work as a team member in a team environment.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills.
• High sense of urgency
• Financial analysis skills.
• Procurement/ contract negotiations skills
• PHA/HAZOP implementation
• Tolerance for ambiguity.
• Comfortable working with individuals at all organizational levels.
• Ability to climb stairs

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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
- Hybrid 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