Project and Facilities Manager

A day in the life: The project and facilities manager of AFF (American Fruits and Flavors) Brazil is responsible for ensuring the warehouse conversion project is completed to AFF standards and to what our contractor agreement outlines. You will ensure the manufacturing facility expansions, equipment installations, and renovations, are maintained within strict timelines and budgets while ensuring compliance with all safety, environmental, and building codes. Key project management responsibilities include managing project scope, budget, schedule, reviewing construction material specifications and risk; coordinating with internal teams and external contractors; overseeing construction and maintenance activities; and ensuring all operations are safe and efficient for manufacturing processes. This role will be required to provide status reports and any deviations or questions back to key stakeholders from the AFF corporate location. Key facilities management responsibilities include overseeing the building's daily operations, ensuring its physical infrastructure, safety, and services (like maintenance, cleaning, security, door access, CCTV, Networking infrastructure (IT) and space utilization) meet health/safety standards. This will include managing staff and third-party vendors, coordinating renovations and repairs, handling budgets and contracts, ensuring compliance with regulations, and optimizing space for efficiency. We’re looking for someone who can maintain a positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in ways that foster good relationships with employees, co-workers and managers, while achieving performance standards. This person will partner closely with US based project manager to ensure alignment between AFF facilities. ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES: Project Planning & Management: Ensure comprehensive project plans, scope, budget, and schedules for manufacturing-related facility projects are being met. Define project requirements and manage the allocation of resources and labor. Monitor project execution, track progress, and implement corrective actions to stay on schedule and within budget. Sign off on all installation to ensure it meets defined specifications. Contractor Management: Manage project finances, including budget development, forecasting, and cost control. Approve invoices, manage change orders, and monitor overall project spending. Select, coordinate, and manage external contractors and vendors to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness. Safety, Compliance, & Operations: Ensure all facilities adhere to federal, state, and local codes, as well as industry regulations. Stakeholder Coordination: Serve as a liaison between internal departments, senior management, and external stakeholders. Communicate project status, risks, and issues to relevant parties, fostering effective working relationships. Maintenance & Operations: Ensure the building's heating, cooling, plumbing, and other critical systems are functioning correctly and safely. Safety & Security: Implement and oversee security procedures, conduct safety inspections, and ensure the facility complies with all health, safety, and environmental regulations. Space Management: Maximize the efficient use of the company's space and equipment, coordinating renovations and refurbishments as needed. Vendor & Contractor Management: Hire, supervise, and manage third-party vendors for services such as cleaning, landscaping, repairs, and maintenance. Strategic Planning: Contribute to long-term strategic planning for facility maintenance, growth, and improvements. REQUIREMENTS: Fluent in English and Portuguese (both written and verbal) Project Management Expertise: Experience managing three (minimum) similar new build and processing installation projects. Proficiency in project planning tools, scheduling software, and risk management techniques. Technical Knowledge: Understanding of building systems (mechanical, electrical, structural) and food manufacturing processes. Financial Acumen: Experience in budgeting, cost management, and invoice processing. Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with environmental regulations, food manufacturing licensing and permitting and construction codes. Leadership & Communication: Ability to manage cross-functional teams, resolve conflicts, and communicate effectively with diverse groups. Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills to assess situations, identify issues, and implement solutions.