We are a Biology Company
Plantible, backed by Astanor Ventures, Lerer Hippeau, Piva Capital, Kellogg’s, and Vectr Ventures, is a vertically integrated biology company that is unlocking the power in plants in service of people & planet. Our mission is to create solutions that empower customers to make sustainable and regenerative choices without compromising on quality. We are beginning with the food industry. Please visit our website to learn more about our mission and continued success: https://www.plantiblefoods.com/
How you will contribute:
We are looking for a Construction Project Manager to join our growing company. In this role you will efficiently manage and optimize the construction processes of Plantible’s greenhouses and growing infrastructure. Key deliverables are ensuring timely and cost-effective completion of large-scale projects, while fostering innovation and resolving challenges to meet overall project goals. You will have the opportunity to make an immediate and sustainable impact in the development of the company, while having the opportunity to grow along with Plantible’s expansion.
What you will be working on:
- Oversee the construction of large-scale metal structures (specifically greenhouse modules), managing all phases from initial dirt work to final installations.
- Lead construction crews, ensuring safe and efficient completion of projects and day-to-day work.
- Coordinate project timelines and activities, managing multiple construction stages in parallel.
- Plan and allocate resources, including labor, materials, and equipment effectively.
- Regularly report on project progress and adjust plans as necessary based on practical experiences, site learnings and feedback from operations and engineering.
- Navigate and promptly resolve any unforeseen emergencies or challenges, such as weather impacts or resource shortages.
- Handle conflict resolution within teams and efficiently manage relationships with vendors, and contractors including temp labor agencies and subcontractors.
- Maintain control over project budgets, ensuring cost-effective resource utilization.
- Collaborate with engineering and design teams to optimize construction methods, improve construction methods and incorporate innovative solutions.
Key Details about Plantible's Eldorado, TX Project:
- The commercial production facility based in Eldorado, TX is a greenfield development project, completely designed and built by Plantible.
- The facility “Ranchito” is Plantible’s first commercially sized production facility that produces Rubi Protein and sells to a number of well known food and feed companies.
- Ranchito is built following a modular design and operations philosophy; it is an operational example of what much larger facilities will look like.
- The facility has an approximate footprint of 140 acres, and includes a series of greenhouses and cultivation infrastructure, as well as a processing facility and all utilities required to support the operation.
- The processing facility and support utilities have been completed to their final capacity.
- Greenhouse construction has been in progress since early 2023, and has scaled along the timeline of the processing facility’s commissioning, while undergoing a number of iterations and improvements.
- Further build-out towards full greenhouse capacity is planned over the course of 2024, after which Ranchito as a fully operational module at capacity will be completed.
- Several process improvements in both the cultivation and processing infrastructure are planned to be implemented over the next 12 months, after which the company will focus on the detail engineering of rapidly scalable cultivation and processing modules based on the design and operational performance of Ranchito.
- Our greenhouses are built using a metal frame, covered with a poly roof. The Greenhouse covers a raceway shaped pond with a geomembrane liner that gets installed on site. Typical trades and skills involved in greenhouse construction:
- Basic metal working (including cutting, drilling, welding)
- Dirt work (staking, excavation, leveling, compacting)
- Fence building (post driving)
- Geomembrane (pond liner) wedge welding and extrusion welding
- Underground and above ground plumbing
- Electrical wiring and automation control installation
- Concrete work (pads, foundations)
- This role provides a unique opportunity to take accountability for the construction of the remainder of Ranchito’s greenhouses, and offers a strong path of professional growth within the company towards further modular expansion in Texas, as well as other production locations around the world.
What you bring to Plantible:
- BSc / MSc in civil engineering, construction engineering, construction management
- 10+ years experience in construction management
- Must have on-site construction management experience (you are no desk engineer)
Strong basis to grow to lead construction project engineer in next years to manage construction projects at much larger scale and more rapid pace of construction
Ability to lead construction labor crews, manage construction superintendents and construction engineers once teams grow and middle layer needs to be built
Report to management on construction planning, progress, budgeting, resource allocation
Travel Requirement:
Candidates should be aware of the travel commitment & on-site presence required for this position. Regardless of the candidate’s current location, the expectation is that the candidate will be present to manage construction operations on site in Eldorado, Texas until 2024 end. Trips to Eldorado will typically last 1-2 months at a time, and would include company housing and rental car accommodations during the work travel period. Candidates who embrace this opportunity will receive relocation support from Plantible.
Choose Plantible Foods
Joining Plantible means contributing to a sustainable future for all. We are a venture backed startup that is both spreading happiness amongst our employees and to current and future generations. We believe diversity creates uniqueness. Our team is composed of highly talented people with different interests and hobbies, which makes for a rich working environment.
At Plantible we are continually working on our offerings to foster the best team. Check it out!
- Competitive health and wellness benefits
- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Discretionary Unlimited PTO Program
- Paid Holidays
- 401k Program
- Career Stipend
- Career development and growth opportunities
- Working in a rapidly growing, flexible and entrepreneurial environment
- Team building and company-wide events
- Financial support with your relocation, if necessary, ensuring a smooth transition
- And of course, lots of beautiful land for outdoor activities!
Plantible Foods is an equal employment opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, liability for military service, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you are interested in learning the status of your application, please note you will be contacted directly by the appropriate human resources contact person if you are selected for further consideration. Plantible Foods reserves the right to defer or close a vacancy at any time.
If you feel your skill set does not meet all listed qualifications for the role, we still encourage you to apply. As we continue to grow our company, we are seeking a range of candidates and would gladly consider you for other current or upcoming roles that may be a fit!