Project manager

At JBT Marel, what we do matters, we know that the contribution of our employees leads to the success of our business.

Our purpose is to transform the future of food; this guides our vision of being the global leader in food and beverage technology, by harnessing the full power of JBT Marel to partner with our customers and pioneer sustainable innovation.

Our values show who we are at our best. As we Create with Collaboration, Serve with Integrity, Grow with Excellence, and Advance with Innovation.

As a Project Manager within the Formova Division of JBT Marel, you will lead Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) system projects from design through implementation at customer facilities across North America and internationally. You will serve as the primary leader responsible for delivering complex automation solutions that improve safety, productivity, and operational efficiency for our customers.

In this role, you will act as the central point of coordination between customers, sales, engineering, manufacturing, automation, and installation teams to ensure successful project execution from contract award through commissioning and final acceptance.

Project Leadership

As a Project Manager, you will lead customer-facing automation projects ranging from individual vehicle deployments to large-scale AGV systems serving manufacturing, food and beverage, healthcare, automotive, and consumer products facilities.

Project types may include:

• New AGV system implementations
• Fleet expansions and system upgrades
• Proof-of-concept projects and new product initiatives

You will own project execution from contract award through customer acceptance, balancing technical requirements, commercial objectives, schedule commitments, and customer expectations to deliver successful automation solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead AGV projects from kickoff through customer acceptance, managing scope, schedule, budget, resources, and risk throughout the project lifecycle
• Serve as the primary customer contact, ensuring alignment on project specifications, objectives, deliverables, and performance expectations
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including Engineering, Controls, Manufacturing, Procurement, and Field Service
• Develop and maintain project schedules, financial forecasts, status reports, and performance metrics
• Monitor project performance, proactively managing risks, issues, and corrective actions to achieve project objectives
• Manage project change requests and ensure appropriate documentation, approvals, and customer communication
• Coordinate installation, commissioning, and startup activities, including management of third-party contractors and subcontractors
• Ensure compliance with project governance requirements, quality standards, and documentation processes
• Provide regular project status updates to customers and internal leadership teams
• Partner with Finance and Operations to support forecasting, resource planning, and portfolio visibility
• Support continuous improvement of project management tools, templates, and best practices

Required

• Bachelor's degree (engineering or technical discipline preferred)
• Minimum of 5 years of project management experience plus demonstrated success delivering complex technical projects with accountability for financial performance, schedules, and customer outcomes
• Experience managing external customer projects in an OEM, systems integration, automation, robotics, material handling, or industrial equipment environment
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and coordinating multiple stakeholders across engineering, manufacturing, and field operations
• Strong customer-facing communication and relationship management skills
• Experience managing contractors and installation activities in industrial environments
• Ability to develop, maintain, and report project financial budgets and forecasts
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 25%

Preferred

• MBA or PMP certification or equivalent project management certification
• Experience delivering AGV, AMR, robotics, warehouse automation, or material handling solutions in customer-facing environments
• Familiarity with system integration, controls, commissioning, and startup activities
• Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously

Qualifications for Success

We are looking for a leader who can successfully balance customer expectations, technical requirements, project economics, and execution priorities. The ideal candidate is comfortable operating in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment and can effectively manage complex automation projects from concept through deployment.

You should be someone who:

• Communicates clearly and effectively with customers, project teams, and leadership
• Takes ownership and drives projects to successful completion
• Anticipates risks and proactively solves problems
• Builds strong relationships internally and externally
• Thrives in a collaborative, cross-functional environment
• Demonstrates strong business acumen and customer focus
• Maintains attention to detail while managing multiple priorities
• Drives accountability and delivers results

Location

Formova offices are in Chalfont, PA. This position may be remote.

Why work at JBT Marel

We are committed to our employees and provide development opportunities to allow you to be the best version of yourself as our colleague, with our customers and within communities. We seek to understand and include diverse perspectives and cultures enjoying collaborative working across our global teams to deliver world-class projects. We foster growth as we courage you to challenge yourself and others, staying curious and dreaming big as you feed your growth here at JBT Marel.

Benefits

JBT Marel offers benefits on day 1 of your employment. Including: Medical, Dental, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, family leave, vision coverage, and a matched 401(k) plan.

Commitment to Diversity

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging are fundamental values to JBT and critical to our future success. A thoughtful, focused, and sustained effort to work towards our DEIB goals is not just a principled choice, but also a business imperative.

Use of Technology in Our Hiring Process

JBT Marel uses technology-assisted tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), to support the review of applications. These tools help our recruiting teams identify skills and experience relevant to the role based on job-related criteria. All applications are reviewed by people, and AI is not used to make hiring decisions independently. We are committed to fair, consistent and inclusive hiring practices globally.

Equal Opportunity Employment

JBT Marel provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and qualified applicants for employment. We will not tolerate any form of discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. At JBT Marel, we apply this policy to all our employment practices, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, benefits, and training. We make hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit and business needs at the time. JBT Marel will reasonably accommodate applicants who need adjustments to participate in the application or interview process. If you require assistance or accommodation during the application process, please contact JBT Marel at 844-286-4524.