Engineering Manager

  • All Posting Locations: Champaign, IL, US
  • Job Functions: Manufacturing
  • Date Published: April 14, 2025
  • Ref#: R-91944

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About the Role

Job Description

The Engineering Manager will play a critical role in transforming the site into the factory of the future by developing and executing a comprehensive investment strategy that addresses food and safety compliance, risk management, growth strategies, cost reduction, and equipment replacement. This role will lead cross-functional initiatives, establish a robust risk management framework, develop and execute a strategic capital expenditure plan, and implement advanced performance monitoring systems to drive operational excellence and automation.

Key Responsibilities of the Role

• Comprehensive Strategy Development: Create and execute an investment strategy to transform the site into the factory of the future addressing food and safety compliance, risk management, growth strategies, cost reduction and equipment replacement integrating automation and digital solutions to maximize operating income and factory efficiency.

• Cross-Functional Leadership and Collaboration: Lead cross-departmental initiatives by collaborating with finance, maintenance, operations, supply chain, and other stakeholders to identify inefficiencies, streamline processes, and align organizational efforts towards achieving financial recovery, operational excellence, and automation.

• Enhanced Risk Management Framework: Establish and oversee a robust risk management framework that assesses and mitigates both operational and financial risks, ensuring that all capital investments and project decisions align with the facility's long-term sustainability and profitability goals.

• Strategic Capex Planning and Oversight: Lead the development and execution of a strategic capital expenditure (Capex) plan that prioritizes high-impact projects and aligns with the facility's recovery objectives, effectively managing budgets and resource allocation.

• Performance Monitoring and Reporting: Implement advanced performance monitoring systems that provide real-time insights into project execution, financial metrics, and operational efficiency, enabling timely decision-making and accountability across the organization.

• Budgeting and Cost Management: Develop, monitor, and control the annual capital budget, maintenance expenses, and utility budgets. Identify opportunities to reduce utility and energy costs.

• Asset Management: Oversee maintenance of plant equipment, buildings, and other assets to protect these assets and reduce equipment-related downtime, while managing capital and facility maintenance projects and resources.

• Process Improvement and Innovation: Research and develop new processing techniques to improve product quality and production efficiencies and assist in implementing process improvement initiatives (Six Sigma /Lean /TPM/KHMS) in partnership with business leaders.

• EHS & Quality and Food Safety: Integrate quality, food safety, and personal safety considerations into the design planning and execution of capital projects, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and company requirements and regulations, while prioritizing ergonomic issues and employee safety.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of reliability engineering principles, maintenance practices, and process safety management, including knowledge of PSM, mechanical integrity, and FMEA methodologies.

• Analytical, Problem-Solving Skills & Digital literacy: Strong analytical capabilities to assess project performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and develop effective strategies that enhance operational efficiency and productivity. Familiarity with digital tools enhances continuous improvement.

• Interpersonal Leadership, Coaching & Team Development: Demonstrated ability to motivate. coach and empower team members, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment while effectively managing conflict and promoting teamwork and engagement.

• Project Management: Strong project management skills to effectively oversee reliability initiatives, budget management, and resource allocation.

• Communication, Change Management & Collaboration: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effectively conveying information and engaging with employees at all levels. Ability to lead change and foster a culture of continuous improvement and employee engagement. Ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams, stakeholders, and leadership, ensuring alignment and support for initiatives.

• Continuous Improvement and Growth Mindset: A commitment to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and a growth mindset, encouraging team members to embrace change and seek innovative solutions for operational challenges.

• Strategic Planning & Thinking: Ability to champion continuous improvement and lead cross-functional teams towards achieving operational excellence. Ability to develop and implement comprehensive strategies that align with organizational goals and drive capacity expansion and transformation initiatives.

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering or related field is preferred

• Minimum of 5+ years of increasing responsibility in plant engineering and project management in manufacturing

• Minimum of 5 years of experience with full cycle capital project management from appropriation preparation to field start up

• Minimum 5 years’ experience working with process and high speed/automation equipment

• Previous experience managing a long-term capital project plan

• Clear understanding of engineering economics and project justification

• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices, OSHA safety regulations, EPA regulations, and other related codes and regulations applying to the operation of a food products factory

• Working knowledge of boiler and compressed air operations to evaluate operating efficiencies

Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz’ strategy and values.

New Hire Base Salary Range:

$137,400.00 – $171,700.00

Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.

The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors

Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.

Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.

You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:

  • Physical – Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments

  • Social – Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training

  • Emotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs

  • Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)

Champaign Plant

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com for assistance.

Digital at Kraft Heinz

The
Builders

Our Digital team empowers every aspect of our business.

Discovering what’s next in food using Python, Azure ML and Alteryx. Building and designing apps. Improving our supply chain.

We’re bringing agility to beloved brands across the globe — making life delicious for our customers and communities, today and tomorrow.

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HR at Kraft Heinz

The
Facilitators

People are what makes Kraft Heinz great. Today. And tomorrow.

In Human Resources, we’re finding and developing great talent to continue our legacy. We’re here for every colleague, for their performance and their wellbeing.

Together, we’re helping everyone to grow their own way.

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Manufacturing at Kraft Heinz

The
Makers

Our Manufacturing team is a fully-integrated end-to-end supply chain. We’re the backbone of Kraft Heinz. The people behind the products, delivering the highest quality and value.

Whether you’re a seasoned manufacturing veteran or new to the world of plants, there’s tons of opportunity for career growth and development.

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Marketing at Kraft Heinz

The
Strategizers

Our Marketing team are the voice of our consumers. Connecting the right people, to the right products, with the right messages and campaigns.

We’re the architects of category growth, making sure our brands are front and center — winning the battle for attention in the minds of people everywhere.

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R&D at Kraft Heinz

The
Creators

Our Research and Development team creates high-quality products that push the boundaries of what’s possible. Innovation is what gets us up in the morning!

Whether you want to develop your technical skills or grow as a people manager, there’s a place for you here to advance your career.

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Sales at Kraft Heinz

The
Connectors

Our Sales team drives multibillion dollar distribution strategies. And we do this across channels and across the whole world!

We thrive wherever consumers can meet iconic and innovative brands — in retail, on-trade, and B2B. We’re the closest people to our customers, getting our products to the right people, in the right places.

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Hear from
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“Kraft Heinz doesn’t just talk about their values, they live it every day.”

Traci
Senior Customer Sales Manager

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Hear from
our people

“The best is yet to come at Kraft Heinz. I’ve experienced the launch of a new purpose, new vision and values. Now I’m seeing all of those things truly take shape and that is very exciting.”

Michael
Associate Director Pension

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Hear from
our people

“The best thing about working at Kraft Heinz are the benefits and opportunities for growth and career development.”

Manetta
Talent acquisition Specialist

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About Us

Kraft Heinz is a global food company with a delicious heritage.  Our emerging and iconic food and beverage brands deliver the best taste, fun, and quality to every table we touch. Worldwide.

We’re on a mission to disrupt not only our own business, but the global food industry. Consumer obsession and unexpected partnerships fuel our progress. As we drive innovation company-wide.

Our people are connected by a culture of ownership, agility and endless curiosity. We believe in being good humans — working to improve our company, communities, and planet.

We’re proud of where we’ve been and even more thrilled about where we’re headed as we nourish the world and lead the future of food.

Why Us

We grow our people to grow our business. We champion great people who bring ambition, curiosity, and high performance to the table as the guardians of our iconic and nostalgic brands.

Good isn’t good enough. We choose greatness every day by making bold decisions and challenging what’s ordinary. All while celebrating our wins – and failures – as we work together to transform the future of food.

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