Engineering Manager

Perfetti Van Melle; Erlanger (KY); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO package (vacation, sick, personal)

13 paid holidays

401k with company match up to 8%

Annual bonus potential

Comprehensive Health Insurance

Annual well-being subsidy

Parental leave options

Tuition-Free College Program

Candy allotment

Job summary

Perfetti Van Melle is seeking an Engineering Manager to lead the plant site engineering functions in North America. You will develop the capital plan, manage project engineers, and collaborate with vendors to deliver projects on time and within budget.

The role focuses on cost reduction, lean manufacturing initiatives, and SOP development to improve efficiency and quality across the Erlanger site.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering required.
• MBA preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage plant site engineering functions and lead project engineers in the NA region.
• Develop capital plans and ensure projects are delivered on time and within cost.
• Lead cost-reduction and continuous improvement initiatives to improve efficiency and quality.

Tools

ACAD/3D software

MS Office (Excel, Word, Project, PowerPoint)

Job description

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Date: Sep 8, 2026

Location: Erlanger, KY, US, 41018

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WHAT YOU WILL DO

The Engineering Manager is responsible for managing the plant site engineering functions and is accountable for developing appropriate structure, work systems, standards, and people capabilities to deliver the North America capital plan. This position manages internal resources by effectively leading, managing, coaching and developing the assigned project engineers in the region. This role also works with vendors and consultants as required, to deliver approved projects on time and within cost. The Engineering Manager identifies, leads and implements cost reduction or operational continuous improvement initiatives, supporting efficiency improvement for the plant. This role will handle project responsibilities ranging from equipment upgrades to lean manufacturing projects to reduce waste as well as the development and documentation for training on standard operating procedures (SOPs) to reduce product operating costs and improve efficiency and quality. Additional responsibilities include:

• Create and execute 3 year site strategic capital plan, ensuring an acceptable return on investment, replacement of worn or obsolete equipment, expansion of capacity to meet sales growth, equipment modification or replacement related to packaging changes or cost reduction, as well as development of expanded productive capacity for innovations and new products.
• Execute capital changes needed to achieve sustainability goals around utilities, water, power, and solid waste.
• Oversee capital project activities for the plant including defining scope and cost, securing funding approval, developing project plans, documenting and managing projects and budget through implementation and review, and reporting on progress toward business objectives.
• Prepare and manage investment approval forms activities for the plant while delivering annual capital budget.
• Provide operational and financial analysis required for capital project justifications. Develop and provide engineering analysis and recommendations, technical drawings, and equipment layouts.
• Coordinate selection, design and layout of processing equipment, packaging machinery, and control systems to ensure efficiency and reliability.
• Align with global engineering and incremental projects and provide updates to NA Supply Chain Leadership and Global Engineering teams.
• Support plant continuous improvement initiatives by initiating design changes and modifications to improve process reliability, meet cost reduction goals and reduce dependencies on manual labor on an ongoing basis.
• Ensure compliance with established plant safety, quality & food safety rules, policies, and processes.

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU

• Bachelors degree in Engineering required. MBA preferred.
• 4-6 years demonstrated experience in process or production environment.
• 3-5 years experience with machine/part design to develop mechanisms or equipment for improving production efficiency.
• Technical System Analysis and Understanding.
• Familiarity with OSHA Regulations, Familiarity with FDA Regulations, and Presentation & Documentation Skills.
• Process equipment knowledge, including background in dosing, mixing, filling, and conveying of powders and liquid ingredients. Ability to develop capital justification for process and end of line packaging equipment.
• Solid background in lean manufacturing or Six Sigma improvement programs, with a proven track record of leading teams in improvement or quality projects.
• Working knowledge of plant engineering processes, including steam generation, sewage treatment, HVAC and power transmission. Must understand manufacturing methods and procedures, preventive maintenance program, and process improvement.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Project, PowerPoint), and drafting / design software (ACAD/3D software).
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, for troubleshooting / problem solving, coaching and training other production team members.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and changing priorities and easily adapt to changing situations.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment: exposure to heavy machinery, dust, and machining processes.

WHAT WE OFFER

At Perfetti Van Melle, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, where all individuals, regardless of background or identity, are valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives to the sweet success of our candy-loving community. Additionally, we have a core value ofCare For Our Peopleand we are proud to offer benefit programs that support our team members' goals and well-being including:

• PTO package including vacation, sick, personal, and pay it forward time off
• 13 paid holidays
• 401k with Company Match up to 8%, ranking in the top 1% of the country
• Annual Bonus potential and merit-based increases
• Comprehensive Health Insurance
• Annual well-being subsidy
• 20 weeks Maternity & 12 weeks Paternity leave options
• Sam's Club or Costco annual membership reimbursement
• Tuition-Free College Program or Free Continued Education (BA, Masters, etc.)
• Modest monthly candy allotment (Airheads, Airheads Xtremes, and Mentos)

Perfetti Van Melle, USA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.