Engineering Project Manager

Newly Weds Foods; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k

Employee Incentive Plan

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Paid Time Off

Company Holidays

Flexible Work Arrangements

Training

Job summary

Newly Weds Foods is seeking a Corporate Engineering leader to drive capital projects from concept to commissioning. You will own scope development, budgeting, facility design, equipment procurement, construction, and startup across multiple facilities, including relocation flexibility.

The role is fully on-site at the Chicago Campus with 60-70% travel; relocation to preferred locations is encouraged for qualified candidates.

Qualifications

• BS or BA in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management or equivalent experience.
• Travel up to 50-70% with domestic and international travel (project needs).
• Experience in food manufacturing is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead capital projects from concept through completion: scope, budgeting, design, procurement, construction, commissioning.
• Develop capital budgets, cost estimates, equipment specs, drawings, bid docs, schedules.
• Ensure compliance with FDA, BRC, OSHA, EPA, and other standards.
• Coordinate with Finance, Operations, R&D, IT, Quality, and Safety teams.
• Oversee site startup, commissioning, and training for equipment.

Skills

Project management

CAD knowledge

Multi-project management

Process & electrical controls

Food manufacturing experience

Willing to travel

Education

BS/BA in Engineering, Construction Management, or Project Management

Tools

CAD

Job description

Are you passionate about leading capital projects that drive innovation, efficiency, and growth?

Join our Corporate Engineering team and take ownership of projects from concept through completion, including scope development, cost estimation, facility design, equipment procurement, construction, installation, and commissioning. You'll have the opportunity to make a lasting impact by delivering strategic investments that support the future of our operations.

This position is fully on-site at our Chicago Campus.

Travel Required: 40-60%.

Open to relocation and/or based at a Newly Weds Foods facility, with preferred locations including Chicago, IL; Erlanger, KY; Memphis, TN; or Springdale, AR.

What You’ll Do

• Responsible for the capital budget by collaborating and developing capital appropriation requests with facility staff for submission to NWF management for approval.
• Manages capital projects of different scale by leading cross-functional teams with internal and external resources. Develops scope of work, preliminary budgets, detailed cost estimates, equipment specifications, drawings, bid documents, bid tabulations from vendor proposals and schedules for NWF management approval.
• Oversees the project design and development to ensure that the project delivers all project objectives on time, and within the approved capital budget as effectively and efficiently as possible.
• Works with equipment vendors to obtain and evaluate competitive proposals for equipment required on projects. Prepares purchase requisitions and approves project-related invoices for payment. Schedules equipment deliveries, services, or trades.
• Ensures compliance of equipment, construction, and safety standards with governing agencies such as FDA, , BRC, OSHA, EPA, etc.
• Works cross-functionally with Finance, Operations, R&D, IT, Quality, Sanitation, Health & Safety, Legal, and other departments as required.
• Oversees contractors, building construction, and field installation of processing systems - including ensuring equipment and workmanship meet or exceed project requirements, preparing reports on fieldwork, initiating any required change orders, through to start-up, and commissioning.
• Complete Factory Acceptance Tests or Pre-Delivery Inspections at supplier’s site as required. Oversee and coordinate equipment start-up, commissioning, and training.
• Oversee development of supporting set-up, run, and change-over documentation for equipment, including Process Specifications, Standard Operating Procedures, and Work Instructions. May use appropriate input from the machine operators, supervisors, and other technical personnel.
• Protects company assets, confidential information, and intellectual property.
• Performs other duties or special projects as needed.

What You Bring

• BS or BA in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management or equivalent experience Required to travel – up to 50% with both domestic and international travel (pending project needs)
• 5-10+ years of project management /project engineering experience.
• CAD knowledge (experience a plus).
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
• Knowledge of process and electrical controls. Strong mechanical aptitude
• Experience in food manufacturing
• Open to relocation and/or position be based out of a NWF facility, preferably Chicago, Erlanger, KY, or Cleveland TN.
• Must be willing to travel 60-70% of the time.

Work Environment:

• General office setting.
• Periodic exposure to (1) a loud environment, (2) airborne particles with stronger odors associated with spicy food ingredients, (3) cold, hot, wet, and humid conditions, (4) walking and standing on concrete, (5) climbing steps, ladders, (6) standing on elevated surfaces (on occasions greater than 50’)
• Fast-paced environment.
• On-Site 5 days a week with travel 60-70% of the time.

Compensation: $150,000 - $180,000 / year

Why Join Newly Weds Foods?

• Stable, growing company with a long history of success
• Collaborative and supportive team environment
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits
• A culture that values integrity, teamwork, and continuous improvement

Benefits

AtNWF, we prioritize the well-being of our employees. We understand and appreciate that each person’s needs are unique and ensure our benefits & well-being programs reflect that. Employees are eligiblefor the following benefits:

• Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision
• Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training, Events
• Emotional – Employee Assistance Program, Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs
• Financial – 401k, Employee Incentive Plan, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Disclaimer:The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. New Weds Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Newly Weds Foods will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States without assistance or support from Newly Weds Foods. Any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen.