--- title: 'Senior Project Manager, Engineering at Hawaiian Host Group' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/senior-project-manager-engineering-hawaiian-host-group-honolulu-wjhdw32hj0cm' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-10-26' --- # Senior Project Manager, Engineering at Hawaiian Host Group - **Company:** Hawaiian Host Group - **Location:** Honolulu, HI - **Compensation:** $135k–$160k - **Employment:** full-time - **Work type:** onsite - **Posted:** 2026-06-11 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-10-26 - **Apply:** https://jobs.lever.co/hawaiianhost/f6a9acf6-9b93-4b74-911a-a53c2db63296 ## Job description Are you known for exceeding expectations? Do you embrace the Spirit of Hawai‘i? Then please keep reading because we’re looking for people like you at Hawaiian Host Group. Who are we? Hawaiian Host Group (HHG) is a leading Hawai‘i-based consumer goods company with a portfolio of brands that includes Hawaiian Host, Mauna Loa, MacFarms, and Kapua Orchards. Sold in over 23 countries, HHG produces a suite of products ranging from flavored macadamia nuts to premium treats. Our dedicated team of Hosts of Hawai‘i is spread across our headquarters in Honolulu and offices in Hilo, Kona, Los Angeles, and Tokyo. HHG has 3 manufacturing plants in Hawai'i, as well as the state's largest single macadamia farm. We are an excited team of people that all have one vision in common: sharing the Spirit of Hawai‘i with the world. Expect camaraderie, product tastings, and other (virtual and in-person) events that make our culture unique. And more importantly, know that your work contributes to our purpose; to make the Islands’ future flourish. We do this through our Takitani foundation that grants scholarships to deserving local students, our solar farm on the Big Island, and other social & environmental initiatives. That’s enough about us for now, we’d love to learn more about you. Read the job description below and let us know if you’re interested. We can’t wait to meet you! ## POSITION SUMMARY: The Senior Project Manager, Engineering leads the Engineering function for the company’s food-grade CPG and nut harvesting/processing facilities, with responsibility for all capital projects, capital project management, managing contractors, and supporting facility packaging and processing equipment and facility utility infrastructure.   This dynamic role works cross-functionally across the organization and indirectly supports maintenance reliability programs, maintenance strategy, and ensuring projects support human safety, production efficiency, quality, and regulatory compliance. This role partners closely with Operations, Quality, Safety, Supply Chain, and other functions to deliver throughput, cost, and continuous improvement objectives in large scale agricultural operations and a high-speed manufacturing environment. This role reports directly to the Senior Director Manufacturing. ## ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: - Full responsibility to manage the annual capital plan from plan approvals, to oversight of all projects, to leading larger capital engineering projects. - Ensures project management is run effectively delivering projects on time, at or below cost, and succeeding in project deliverables while meeting overall organizational expectations. - Works closely with contractors and OEMs on new technologies, improved equipment performance, and drives overall equipment and manufacturing / processing engineering improvements. - Supports and coaches functions as a technical resource for Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain and all Agricultural Operations. - Implement and optimize processing and packaging lines for husking, drying, cracking, sorting, roasting, seasoning, enrobing, panning, packing, and other associated CPG operations, ensuring OEE and yield targets.​ - Support efficient us of plant utilities and infrastructure (steam, compressed air, refrigeration, water/wastewater, power) with focus on energy efficiency and Hawaii-specific cost/availability constraints in collaboration with Plant Manager and EHS. - Lead capital planning and execution (scoping, justification, vendor selection, installation, commissioning) for new equipment, expansions, and facility upgrades.​ - Tracks and manages cash flow on capital projects working with Accounting and Finance along with other key stakeholders. - Leads with both a Value Engineering mindset and leverages lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles (5S, value stream mapping, SMED, line balancing, waste reduction) to improve line design throughput and reduce cost per pound.​ - Ensure engineering projects comply with OSHA, FDA/FSMA, USDA (if applicable), environmental regulations, and local/state of Hawaii codes and permitting.​ - Partner with Quality and Food Safety to ensure hygienic equipment, allergen control, sanitation-friendly layouts, and support root cause analysis for customer or regulatory issues.​ - Maintain plant layouts, drawings, and documentation; standardize work instructions and change control for process and equipment changes.​ - Possess a range of analytical and mechanical skills with a high tolerance for uncertainty in dynamic conditions. - Develop and manage departmental budget (labor, MRO, capital) and report performance via KPIs (downtime, OEE, MTBF, maintenance cost, energy use).​ - Prepare monthly reports for the business, including productivity metrics and budget costs, partnering with finance and accounting. - Fulfill any additional duties or projects assigned, demonstrating flexibility and an initiative-taking approach to meeting organizational needs. - Adhere to Company policies and procedures in all duties, reflecting Company values in behavioral conduct both on-site and off. EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: - Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related Engineering field; advanced degree or PE license preferred but not required. - 5+ years of project management in manufacturing/operations.  Food, CPG, or nut/agribusiness processing experience strongly preferred. - Project Management certification is preferred but not required. - Strong knowledge of lean/continuous improvement tools and reliability-centered maintenance practices. - Familiarity with food safety and quality systems (HACCP, GMPs, FSMA, SQF/BRC or similar) and designing sanitary/hygienic equipment installations. - Experience managing capital projects from concept through commissioning, including vendor management and contractor oversight. - Strong leadership, communication, and change management skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and work effectively in a multicultural Hawaii workforce. - Possession of a valid driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle. - Must have strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities. - Capacity to work with and relate to employees at all levels of the organization. - Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills. - Competency in computer systems and software applications. ## PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: - The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. - While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and vibration and will occasionally be required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop; kneel; crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell.  The employee must occasionally lift, and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. - Also, sitting for extended periods, often during meetings or computer work. - Maintains regular and punctual attendance. - Ability to work longer hours, including nights and weekends as needed. - Standing and walking during work, meetings, events, presentations, or while on facility visits. - Regular use of hands/fingers to operate computers, telephones, and standard office equipment. - Close visual acuity for analyzing data, viewing a computer screen, and preparing presentations/ reports. - Hearing and speaking clearly in person, over the phone, and when giving presentations. - Occasional lifting or carrying of materials (such as product, promotional items, or equipment) up to 50 pounds. - Reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling, or crouching when handling files or work materials. - Occasional interisland travel between Oahu and the Big Island is required to support multi-site operations and capital project execution. ## BENEFITS: - Medical - Dental - Vision - Vacation Pay - Holiday Pay - Sick Leave - Floating Holiday - Company‑paid life & disability - 401(k) with company match - Flexible Spending Accounts - Employee Assistance Program - Employee product discounts ## NOTE: This job description is not intended to cover or contain a complete listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice. Hawaiian Host Group is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. HHG may communicate with candidates via text message regarding job applications and related recruitment activities. Text messaging is optional. For more information on how we use and protect your information, please review our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions: https://www.hawaiianhostgroup.com/privacy-policy/#SMS-Program-Privacy-Policy ## About Hawaiian Host Group ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: Hawaiian Host Group is a Hawai‘i-based agricultural, manufacturing, and consumer goods company that is the world’s largest branded macadamia nut company. - **Entity Type**: Private (established, family-founded, no recent funding rounds) - **Headquarters**: Honolulu, Hawai‘i, United States - **Founded**: 1927 - **Founders**: Mamoru Takitani and Aiko Takitani ## Core Business - **Primary industry/industries**: Agriculture, Manufacturing, Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), Food & Beverage - **Target customers**: B2C (direct consumers), B2B (retailers, club stores, food service), B2B2C (partnerships with organizations like schools and nonprofits) - **Mission or purpose**: “Exceed expectations with the Spirit of Hawai‘i – in everything we do.” The company also states, “We are the hosts of Hawai‘i. It is our job to make the Islands’ future flourish.” ## Products & Services - **Hawaiian Host**: Iconic chocolate-covered macadamia nuts and chocolates (brand flagship) - **Mauna Loa**: Dry-roasted and flavored macadamia nuts (acquired in 2015) - **MacFarms**: Macadamias sold exclusively in club stores (acquired in 2023) - **KOHO**: Luxury artisan chocolate bon bons and island-inspired chocolates (launched 2021) - **Kapua Orchards**: One of the world’s largest macadamia orchards (4,000 acres, acquired in 2023) All products are consumer packaged goods. The company also operates manufacturing plants in Honolulu and Kea‘au, and a farm south of Kona. ## Market Standing - **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly available (private company) - **Key Metric**: ~500 employees (~430 based in Hawai‘i); operations support an additional 3,000 jobs across the state - **Notable Investors/Partners**: Partners include DSD Renewables (solar), No Ka Oi Energy, Arc of Hilo, Keiki Rise, Mana Up, Digital Ready Hawai‘i, Kamehameha Schools, University of Hawai‘i - **Growth Signals**: Acquired Mauna Loa (2015), launched KOHO luxury brand (2021), acquired MacFarms and Kapua Orchards (2023); installed 1.2 MW solar farm capable of powering 85% of its Mauna Loa processing plant; named one of Hawai‘i’s most charitable organizations multiple years ## Competitive Advantages - **Largest branded macadamia nut company globally**, with a vertically integrated supply chain (own orchards, processing, manufacturing) - **Strong brand portfolio** covering mass market (Hawaiian Host, Mauna Loa), club/channel (MacFarms), and luxury (KOHO) - **Deep cultural authenticity** (“Spirit of Hawai‘i”) and community roots, providing a unique differentiator in the food industry - **Sustainability leadership**: Solar farms, wastewater system, sustainable packaging, and carbon footprint reduction efforts ## Strategic Focus - **Sustainability**: Expanding renewable energy (solar farm, 100% renewable energy capability at Mauna Loa facility), reducing environmental impact through packaging and wastewater initiatives - **Community & Education**: Growing the Takitani Foundation (over $12.5M in scholarships/grants), supporting local entrepreneurs through Mana Up and Keiki Rise, and strengthening partnerships with Hawai‘i schools - **Product Innovation**: Growing the luxury KOHO brand (already voted Best Luxury Chocolates Made in Hawaii by Honolulu Magazine) and continuing to expand distribution in over 23 countries - **Vertical Integration & Orchard Ownership**: Recent acquisition of Kapua Orchards secures supply and quality control ## Why Work Here - **Culture**: The company emphasizes the “Spirit of Hawai‘i” — warmth, connection, humor, and pride. Employees report a fun, collaborative environment with company events, product tastings, and learning workshops (e.g., speakers from Hawaiian Airlines, Central Pacific Bank, Olympic gold medalists) - **Hybrid/Remote Policy**: Optional work from home Fridays; flexible scheduling based on needs - **Benefits**: Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, 401(k) with employer match (via Fidelity), paid vacation, 10 paid holidays + float day(s), aloha Friday dress code - **Perks**: Employee product discounts, flash sales, new product tastings, parking benefits, bus pass program, onsite perks vary by location - **Talent Development**: Bi-annual growth conversations, learning workshops, and internal career mobility (openings in engineering/maintenance, production, corporate functions) ## Sources 1. [hawaiianhostgroup.com/about](https://www.hawaiianhostgroup.com/about/) 2. [hawaiianhostgroup.com/careers](https://www.hawaiianhostgroup.com/careers/) 3. [wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawaiian_Host_Group](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawaiian_Host_Group) 4. [jobs.lever.co/hawaiianhost](https://jobs.lever.co/hawaiianhost) 5. [hawaiianhostgroup.com/](https://www.hawaiianhostgroup.com/) ## Other roles at Hawaiian Host Group - [Mechanic II](https://feeny.ai/job/mechanic-ii-hawaiian-host-group-captain-cook-04wpcfr01ype) — Captain Cook, HI - [Customer Service Representative](https://feeny.ai/job/customer-service-representative-hawaiian-host-group-honolulu-2qryxc9yhymt) — Honolulu, HI - [Seasonal Sales Associate (Part-Time)](https://feeny.ai/job/seasonal-sales-associate-part-time-hawaiian-host-group-honolulu-rdjhv2xh4cry) — Honolulu, HI - [Seasonal Sales Merchandiser (Part-Time)](https://feeny.ai/job/seasonal-sales-merchandiser-part-time-hawaiian-host-group-honolulu-jz31gpfex017) — Honolulu, HI - [Nut Picker](https://feeny.ai/job/nut-picker-hawaiian-host-group-captain-cook-67ff6krfxw7h) — Captain Cook, HI - [Utility Worker](https://feeny.ai/job/utility-worker-hawaiian-host-group-honolulu-rs6g2nffedk1) — Honolulu, HI - [Candy Packer (Day Shift)](https://feeny.ai/job/candy-packer-day-shift-hawaiian-host-group-honolulu-q6ka9896zm2z) — Honolulu, HI - [Machine Operator (Day Shift)](https://feeny.ai/job/machine-operator-day-shift-hawaiian-host-group-honolulu-hdg45r4dscxv) — Honolulu, HI - [Retail Packaging Machine Operator](https://feeny.ai/job/retail-packaging-machine-operator-hawaiian-host-group-kea-au-v2jhqvk1nm64) — Kea'au, HI - [FSQA Manager, Kapua Orchards](https://feeny.ai/job/fsqa-manager-kapua-orchards-hawaiian-host-group-captain-cook-d5dr6h230mch) — Captain Cook, HI