Associate Director - Project (Greenfield Manufacturing)

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ABOUT THE COMPANY

Founded in 1888, Lee Kum Kee, a Hong Kong-based global food company, specializes in creating condiments and sauces that promote Chinese cuisine worldwide. With more than 300 products to choose from, Lee Kum Kee takes the mystery out of cooking authentic and delicious Asian foods in the comfort of your kitchen. Lee Kum Kee is committed to providing authentic and innovative condiments and sauces featuring the highest quality ingredients. Armed with a unique management culture, stringent quality control, superb and innovative products, coupled with the century long brand reputation, Lee Kum Kee has achieved unanimous recognition and won numerous prestigious awards. Lee Kum Kee (USA) Inc., a division of Lee Kum Kee International Holdings Ltd., has its headquarters and manufacturing facilities in Southern California with more than 500 employees (Americas Zone Region). We are looking for the best and brightest talents to join our company and work together to bring the next level of success!

POSITION SUMMARY

Lead the end-to-end lifecycle of Lee Kum Kee's new greenfield manufacturing facility in LaGrange, Georgia, delivering a fully operational food production site on time, within budget, and with uncompromising safety standards. This role is based out of our Newnan, Georgia office, with frequent travel to the LaGrange construction site. This is a high-impact role where you will drive complex capital projects from strategic planning to final construction handover.

What you'll be doing

• Spearhead the end-to-end lifecycle of the LaGrange, GA greenfield manufacturing capital project, overseeing everything from initial planning and design to construction delivery and final commissioning.
• Define comprehensive project roadmaps, establishing clear milestones, deliverables, and resource allocation plans to ensure seamless project progression and timely delivery within the allocated budget.
• Manage external Design-Build firms, General Contractors, and consultant teams to ensure design integrity, construction quality, and strict compliance with contractual terms and project timelines.
• Drive a "Safety First, Quality Always" culture across all project sites, enforcing strict safety protocols to achieve zero-incident performance throughout the construction phase.
• Lead Design-Builder/General Contractor and consultants in navigating Troup County and Georgia state authority requirements, securing all necessary permits, and ensuring full regulatory compliance for facility operation.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, diverse stakeholders, and matrix reporting lines to align project objectives with overarching business strategies.
• Travel frequently between the Newnan, GA office and the LaGrange, GA project construction site to oversee daily operations, troubleshoot on-site challenges, and ensure successful project execution.
• Report directly to senior leadership while managing dotted-line communications, ensuring transparent updates on project milestones, budget tracking, and risk mitigation.

What we're looking for

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of overall professional experience, including at least 5 years of dedicated experience managing large-scale construction projects and budgets.
• Proven track record of successfully delivering at least 5 industrial projects, with a minimum of one project valued at over $100M USD. Prior experience managing large-scale greenfield projects with a total investment exceeding $300M USD is highly preferred.
• Strong background in the food manufacturing/FMCG industry, engineering design-build sector, or large-scale industrial construction management.
• Professional proficiency in English (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) to effectively communicate with local regulatory authorities, community stakeholders, and contractors.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a proven track record of collaborating effectively across cross-functional teams and with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving, logical thinking, and analytical skills to navigate complex project challenges with sound judgment and a practical, results-oriented approach.
• Willing to relocate to or currently reside in the Newnan/LaGrange, GA area, or willing to commit to a long-term on-site assignment.
• Commitment to upholding the highest standards of quality and integrity in all aspects of the role.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

It is Lee Kum Kee’s policy to seek and employ the most qualified persons in all jobs in a manner which will ensure equal employment opportunity as well as administer personnel actions in a manner as to not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability or protected veteran status. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.