Associate Director, Engineering - HDM

Kraft Heinz; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 164,200 - 205,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Kraft Heinz is seeking an Engineering Associate Director for the North America zone to lead capital projects across manufacturing sites, coordinating with Manufacturing Directors, R&D, and Supply Chain. This role emphasizes asset lifecycle management, reliability, and continuous improvement in a highly regulated food environment.

The position requires 10+ years in engineering leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and strong presentation skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering required; MBA preferred.
• PMP certification preferred.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and coaching staff.
• 10+ years in engineering, project management, or technical leadership in a regulated industry.

Responsibilities

• Capex portfolio management across plants, coordinating with COE, PMO, and functions.
• Lead engineering workstream on large, strategic capital projects with $20M+ annual spend.
• Provide technical guidance on lean construction, quality, safety, and cost control.
• Mentor and develop both direct and dotted-line reports; support career development across teams.

Skills

People management

Cross-functional leadership

Presentation skills

Influence and communication

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

MBA preferred

PMP certification preferred

Job description

As part of the Zone Technical Excellence (ZTE) organization, the North America Engineering Execution Team plans and delivers new and renovated production assets, systems and innovations at internal and external manufacturing sites and operations across the North American zone. Reporting directly to the Head of Engineering for the Hydration Desserts & Meals department, the Engineering Assoc. Director is a key technical and strategic leader accountable for efficient planning and execution of capital projects across assigned manufacturing facilities (internal and/or external manufactures), as well as managing large-scale projects. The Engineering Assoc Director is responsible for strongly establishing internal linkages with Manufacturing Directors, Plant Operations, Research and Development, Supply Chain Development, Quality, EHS, Risk Reduction, Program Managers, Finance, and Procurement. As a leader that embraces and models ownership, you will empower, coach and mentor your direct and/or indirect reports and contract staff in all aspects of manufacturing engineering and capital portfolio management, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and collaboration. Your thorough understanding of asset lifecycle management related to food production will be pivotal in the design, installation, qualification, and startup of new assets as well as optimizing performance, operation, maintenance, and reliability of existing assets and systems. This position is integral to promoting technical and business process innovation and ensuring continuous optimal compliance with Kraft Heinz corporate standards.

Job Description

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

Capex Portfolio Management

• Work cross-functionally with Global Engineering/COE, PMO, Food Safety & Quality, EHS, ESG Maintenance, Supply Chain development, R&D and external consultants and partners to proactively identify, prioritize and include capital projects in strategic plans (5YP, 3YP, 1YP).
• Ensure assigned plants routinely perform Facility / Property Condition Assessments, site master plan and related inspections to identify long and current year capital needs.
• Prepare and provide routine portfolio status reports to Global and North American committees.
• Takes an active role in the process of utilization of contracted services and contributes to the design and delivery of appropriate contracts and agreements to provide an adequate labor pool for all the services needed.
• Manage & Lead the Engineering Workstream on large, strategic capital projects.

Capital Engineering & Project Management

• Ensure all work carried out and equipment installed is safe, effective and in compliance with KHC and applicable industry standards.
• Serve as Engineering representative for all Technical Peer Reviews (TPR’s) within assigned portfolio advocating projects are right-sized and fit-for-purpose. Review and / or approve Demand Requests and Capital Appropriations Request (CARs).
• Provide technical guidance and support to the engineering teams and Capital Project Managers on using lean construction teaming, quality, safety, cost and delivery techniques.
• Oversee the planning, execution, and completion of all capital projects for the BU, including new equipment installations, new products, facility upgrades, and process improvements.
• Develop and share best practices and key performance indicators (KPI's) to drive optimal Capex Management and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
• Drive innovation by exploring and implementing new technologies and methodologies to improve efficiency, product quality, and safety.

Performance & Talent Management

• Manage and mentor direct & dotted line reports including on-going feedback and annual reviews.
• Work closely with Engineering, Operations, and HR partners to develop team members and help them reach career goals. Provide inputs, suggestions, and feedback on development plans to help your team members reach the next level.
• Accountable for organizational change management and pulling in cross functional partners (HR) where needed.

Expected Experience & Required Skills

• A Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from an accredited engineering school or related field is required. An advanced degree in Engineering or an MBA is preferred.
• PMP certification is preferred.
• Prior people management experience with demonstrated success in performance management and development is required.
• Prior experience managing multiple-site capital portfolios is required.
• A minimum of 10 years’ experience in engineering, project management and /or technical leadership in a regulated industry is required. Experience working within or for CPD - food manufacturing is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to Direct/Lead/Manage cross functional teams on large capital project/programs with $20MM or more of spend per year.
• Deep experience in asset reliability and lifecycle management with knowledge of asset lifecycle data analytics is strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to influence both site and enterprise levels.
• Strong presentation skills and the ability to convey complex technical concepts.

Work Environment & Schedule

This position is considered a Field based environment; role requires frequent travel to customer locations, stores, manufacturing facilities, etc. Additionally, this role requires willingness to travel to locations outside of home state for extended periods (up to 50%) as needed and the demonstrated ability to work remotely with little supervision. Ability to work to flexible schedule including days, afternoons, nights and overtime as needed.

Physical Requirements

Physical demands include but not limited to:

• This role requires inspection of sites to detect safety concerns. Occasional need to scale heights and traversal of workplace.
• Must be able to complete tasks in a noisy environment.

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

$164,200.00 - $205,200.00

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.

Benefits

• 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)

Chicago/Aon Center

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 [e-mail] for assistance.