Director, Engineering – Meat, Cheese, Coffee, Snacks

Kraft Heinz; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 190,300 - 237,900; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k

Medical benefits

Paid Time Off

Wellbeing programs

Job summary

A leading food company is seeking a Head of Engineering in Chicago to oversee engineering operations across multiple plants. Responsibilities include leading CapEx processes and ensuring project alignment with financial objectives. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and 10-15 years of relevant experience in the food manufacturing industry. Strong leadership and analytical skills are essential for driving effective engineering solutions and influencing senior leadership.

Qualifications

• 10-15 years’ experience in engineering, project management or technical leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior leaders.
• Food manufacturing background desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct the Engineering function with CapEx process responsibilities.
• Act as liaison resolving technical problems related to design and product performance.
• Develop the capital plan for the business unit.

Skills

Influencing senior leaders

Analytical reasoning

Leadership

Project management

Technical expertise in food manufacturing

Education

Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering

Job description

The Head of Engineering for a Business Unit reports to the Head of CapEx and PMO North America. This position is responsible for 10 KraftHeinz plants producing meats, cheeses, coffee and snacks. Responsible for developing the short‑and‑long‑term goals and objectives of engineering that are incorporated in the overall strategic plan to achieve successful financial and operational results. The Head of Engineering has a wide scope on technologies and infrastructure to these factories and requires a strong understanding of manufacturing best practices and a strong background in process and packaging equipment for the food industry and plant facility engineering.

Primary Responsibilities

• Leads and directs the Engineering function with direct responsibility to CapEx process, which includes deep technical case, project management and financial cost management.
• Acts as a liaison with departments, sub-contractors and vendors in resolving problems related to design, manufacture, product acceptance from a technical standpoint, product performance, competitive cost and quality assurance
• Although not a design function, it is expected that the Head of Engineer can constructively challenge the technical solves presented and drive optimal and sustaining solves to projects to the applicable factories
• The BU head of Engineering is responsible for developing the 1 to 3 year capital plan for the overall business unit in collaboration with the BU lead and Zone Technical Leader equating, cost, resources and timelines
• Responsible to accurately scoping the financial components of the project and its cash flow in collaboration with the Finance department
• Adherence to the CapEx stage gate process with leading roles in the technical peer reviews before project CAR submission
• Approval of the CAR document (when whenever needed by a project) and ability to concisely and convincedly present the project CAR to different executive approval committees
• Assigns engineering design, program, project review and job release activity to technical project engineers. Assists various engineering staff in coordination of all engineering activities, including the CAPEX Projects & Systems process.
• Strong analytical reasoning and critical thinking to propose project options and evaluate trade-offs necessary to deliver the best technical project solve
• Ability to factor other key areas such as EHS and FQS as part of the project requests
• Ability to understand and incorporate maintenance requirements as part of capital projects
• Develops and formally documents, improved processes, procedures and standards.
• Develops performance guidelines/standards for engineering staff; defines and sets departmental and individual staff goals in support of management objectives. Evaluates staff performance in relationship to the established goals and objectives.
• Serves as an advisor to other technical personnel and plant project engineers

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from an accredited engineering school or related field is required
• Minimum of 10-15 years’ experience in engineering, project management and /or technical leadership
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior leaders of the organization
• Food manufacturing background and desirable understanding of meat processing, cheese manufacturing and refrigeration overall
• Possess a credible authority both internal and external
• Excellent knowledge of the Kraft Heinz Operation processes and Engineering Playbook
• Experience leading cross functional initiatives across multiple plants / businesses – preferred
• Experience implementing improvement strategies across multiple plants / businesses – preferred
• Ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, analysis of variance, correlation techniques, sampling theory, and factor analysis

New Hire Base Salary Range

$190,300.00 - $237,900.00

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.

Long-Term Incentive (LTI):

In addition to base salary and bonus, this role is eligible for additional compensation in the form of equity.

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 Programs

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)

Chicago/Aon Center

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer that prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants who require an accommodation to participate in the job application or hiring process should contact [e-mail].