Project Engineer

The Garden Segment is hiring a Project Engineer in the Atlanta, GA office.  This position will initiate, coordinate and own capital project and process improvement initiatives within our Grass Seed and Controls businesses.  This will be accomplished through effective project leadership and development of effective working relationships with facility plant managers, operations, S&OP, finance and marketing business leads.  The Project Engineer will utilize problem-solving and lean/six sigma tools as well as training, coaching, and influencing skills to achieve specific organizational change, financial objectives, and drive manufacturing innovation as well as new product development.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist facility managers with equipment capital expenditure (CAPEX) requests, track payment schedules and ensure cost/budget adherence; work with Operations to optimize our manufacturing footprint
• Build, mobilize, and lead cross-departmental project teams to meet CAPEX project objectives within the given time frame and within budget; have a strong project management mindset
• Organize and lead a cross-departmental project team for managing new product development, implementation and timeline management
• Interact with business owners and stakeholders to develop process documentation and execute manufacturing plans, as related to annual new product development efforts
• Use Lean and DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control) methodologies to understand current processes, identify impacts to current processes of proposed system enhancements, and work with the various stakeholders to propose and develop process and/or technology modifications
• Gather, collect, organize, prioritize, conduct statistical analysis, and present data concerning business and/or project opportunities
• Goal alignment and prioritization - Clearly define the business case for projects that have been proposed, and validate the opportunity, scope, and importance of a project.  Ensure identified projects align with business goals and that highest value projects are prioritized 
• Be familiar with the next evolution of manufacturing / processing equipment (automation) and analyze areas where it might be most beneficial

QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills
• Commitment to deadlines, accuracy, and professionalism
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a plus
• Strong Microsoft Office capabilities (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project)
• Ability to travel 10-20%
• Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION 

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Industrial Engineering with preference to Mechanical Engineering; MBA is a plus
• 2-4 years relevant experience
• Experience working in both manufacturing and business office environments
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast paced, rapidly changing environment

BENEFITS PACKAGE & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Free Life and Disability Insurance
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401k with 3% company match and annual employer discretionary contribution
• Paid vacation, holidays and sick time
• Employee Assistance Program
• Access to thousands of free online courses
• Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more!
• Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications)
• Referral Program with cash bonus
• Access to on-demand pay
• Paid parental leave

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) is a leading consumer goods company in the pet and garden industries. Guided by the belief that home is central to life, the Company's purpose is to proudly nurture happy and healthy homes. For over 45 years, its innovative and trusted solutions have helped lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a diversified portfolio of market-leading brands including Amdro®, Aqueon®, Best Bully Sticks®, Cadet®, C&S®, Farnam®, Ferry-Morse®, Kaytee®, Nylabone®, Pennington®, Sevin® and Zoёcon®. With fiscal 2025 net sales of $3.1 billion, Central has strong manufacturing and logistics capabilities supported by a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. The Company is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, and employs over 6,000 people, primarily across North America. Visit www.central.com to learn more.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.

 Mona - #LI-MJ1