Director Capital Project Management

Job Location: Hershey, PA

Note: Ideal location for this role is Hershey, PA but would consider remote/travel to Hershey 2-3 times per month from an East Coast location.

Under the direction of the Sr Director Capital Engineering, the Director of Capital Project Management will be responsible for planning, executing and successfully completing The Hershey Company’s capital programs and strategies. Through this work, they will ensure the delivery of capabilities and capacities to support The Hershey Company’s goals. The Director of Capital Project Management will lead a team of professional project managers, collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders, and ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope and within budget. The Director will develop and use key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure project delivery. They will implement commissioning verification to improve project delivery and turnover.

Further, the Director of Capital Project Management will report on progress to senior leadership and play a pivotal role in delivering capital projects based on near-term and long-term goals that contribute to the growth and success of our business.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive capital project management strategy aligned with the organization's goals and objectives.
• Lead the project management team, ensuring the successful delivery of projects that contribute to the company's growth and success.
• Lead the end-to-end project management process, from project initiation to closure, ensuring adherence to best practices, methodologies and project management standards.
• Establish clear project objectives, scope and success criteria in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Hire, mentor and develop the talent needed for a high-performing project management team.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative team environment that encourages knowledge sharing and professional growth.
• Collaborate closely with senior leadership, department heads and external partners to align project goals with overall business objectives.
• Facilitate effective communication and engagement with stakeholders to ensure project expectations are met.
• Develop and manage project budgets, ensuring accurate cost estimation, allocation and tracking throughout project lifecycles.
• Research and use the latest digital technology and tools for process simplification and efficiency.
• Optimize resource allocation to ensure efficient project execution.
• Identify potential risks and issues that could impact project timelines, budget or outcomes and develop mitigation strategies.
• Ensure the implementation of effective risk management practices across projects.
• Establish KPIs to track project performance and provide regular status reports to leadership.
• Evaluate project outcomes and processes to drive continuous improvement.
• Champion change management efforts associated with project initiatives, ensuring successful adoption of new processes, technologies or systems.
• Ensure that all projects adhere to regulatory requirements, industry standards and company policies.
• Implement quality assurance processes to maintain the highest standards of project deliverables.
  
  

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management or related field

Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent highly desirable

8-10 years of successfully managing complex capital projects from initiation to completion, preferably within the food and beverage industry or consumer packaged goods

5+ years of experience in a leadership role overseeing project management teams

Demonstrated technical knowledge of unit operations used in the foods manufacturing industry (Processing, Packaging and Utilities)

Strong leadership, communication and interpersonal skills

Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making abilities

Proficiency in project management software and tools

Solid understanding of budgeting, financial analysis and resource management

Ability to navigate ambiguity and adapt to changing priorities