Engineering Lead - Taste Elevation

Kraft Heinz; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Kraft Heinz in Chicago, IL seeks an experienced engineering leader to drive multi-site capital planning and major maintenance projects from concept to startup. You will ensure safety, schedule adherence, and budget compliance while coordinating with cross-functional teams across Food Safety, EHS, and Supply Chain.

You will mentor engineers, implement robust controls, and promote best practices in lean construction and risk management within KHMS guidelines.

Qualifications

• Minimum BS degree in Engineering from an accredited school or related field is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead capital projects from concept through startup with internal and external partners.
• Define budgets and schedules; advocate CAR submissions to capital investment committees.
• Ensure safety, compliance, and alignment with KHMS across projects.
• Develop risk management strategies and implement controls for cost, schedule and quality.
• Maintain communications with sponsors, stakeholders, and project teams throughout the life cycle.

Skills

Capital Planning

Project Management

Leadership / Mentoring

Cross-functional Collaboration

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Job description

Job Description

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

Capital Planning & Budgeting:

Working with global zones sites, SCD and the capital PMO drive the multi-year and annual Maintenance and Growth capital planning process for assigned sites / manufacturing POD. Collaboratively work to prioritize the Maintenance budget across the cross functional team including Food Safety & Quality, EHS, External Suppliers, FM Global, Roofing, PSM, Manufacturing and Supply Chain leads. Ensure capital plans are obtainable, projects do not have unplanned impact to operations/service, and capital and expense cash flows are planned.

Accountable for the health, compliance and successful delivery of Maintenance and Growth projects within assigned plants / manufacturing POD.

Ensure safe construction practices are followed and new equipment installed is safe, effective and in compliance with KHC and applicable industry standards.

Mentor site Engineering and Capital Project Managers on using lean construction teaming, quality, safety, cost and delivery techniques.

Approve project change control request and use of contingency or supplemental funds.

Prepare and provide portfolio status reports to Global and North American committees.

Work with Fixed Asset team monitoring and controlling CWIP.

Project Management:

Lead capital projects consisting of both internal and external partner firms and professionals to achieve approved project objectives from conceptual design through vertical startup. Project objectives include safety, asset or system capability or capacity, budget, schedule, and compliance.

Define and decide the final project budgets and schedules. Lead the Capital Appropriations Requests (CARs) submission serving as the speaker, advocate to capital investment committees.

Determines the project structure, resource needs and associated skills to successfully execute the project securing external resources when appropriate to deliver investments per the agreed timing and scope.

Ensure compliance to safety and environmental policies, procedures, and work rules for project personnel, contractors, and subcontractors from design through operational verification.

Develops a risk management strategy for the project and implements associated processes and tools to ensure effective identification, monitoring and mitigation of project risk.

Develop and maintain effective communication with project team, governance teams, business partners and other stakeholders. Prepares and provides routine progress reports ensuring sponsors and stakeholders remain informed throughout the life of the project.

Implement robust project and financial controls, including procedures for change control / management, cost control / forecasting, physical progress / productivity measurement, and invoice review / payment.

Ensure overall commissioning and vertical start-up aligns with the agreed handover strategy and the committed operations forecast.

Capital Appropriation Requests (CAR)

Audits, health checks

Work with PMO, Global / International on KHMS updates.

Management System (Kraft Heinz Management System internally - KHMS)

Audits, health checks

Work with PMO, Global / International on KHMS updates.

Project Management Standards, Tools

Work with PMO in driving continuous improvement of capital project management activities for all KHC entities, and initiative projects to improve capital business process.

Develop and share best practices and key performance indicators (KPI's) to drive optimal Capex Management and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).

Build, maintain and administer on-boarding and training to site and network Engineering and Capital Project Managers.

Work with plant teams to develop cost savings opportunities and convert the prioritized ideas into projects.

Performance & Talent Management

Manage, coach, mentor direct & indirect reports including on-going feedback and annual reviews.

Work closely with Engineering, Technical Services, 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.

Knowledge Management:

Ensure projects are aligned with the appropriate technical solutions while meeting cost targets and supporting project goals

Support Post Implementation Reviews (PIRs) to ensure change has been embedded into the Ways of Working.

Customer and Contractor / Vendor Management:

Partner with procurement early in project development to align sourcing strategy with scope, schedule and budget objectives.

Ensure the project has clearly defined technical requirements and specs to enable competitive, accurate bidding.

Along with procurement, lead key bid evaluations using KHC tools.

Expected Experience & Required Skills

Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from an accredited engineering school or related field is re