Manager, Engineering Project Execution

Barry Callebaut Group; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Unlimited PTO

Paid holidays

Job summary

Barry Callebaut Group in Chicago seeks a Senior Project Engineer to lead major capex projects in the US. You will guide internal and external engineering teams, develop scope, estimates and schedules, ensure safety and regulatory compliance, and report progress to senior leadership.

Travel ~30% and collaboration across functions is essential. The role requires 12+ years in engineering, strong budgeting skills and TPM/Stage-gate experience, with a track record of delivering start-ups and

Qualifications

• Bachelor/Master’s degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical or Electrical) required.
• Advanced level of English.
• 12+ years of experience in an engineering environment, food process or CPG industry.
• Extensive experience in major capex project development, execution and start‑up.
• Experience managing engineering departments or multiple technical teams.
• Strong leadership and development capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead internal and external engineering teams to deliver major capex projects.
• Develop engineering scope, estimates and project schedules.
• Apply TPM/Stage‑gate project management methodologies.
• Interface with authorities for permits and regulatory compliance.
• Report progress to senior leadership and track KPIs.

Skills

English level

Leadership

Ambiguity tolerance

Budgeting skills

Education

Bachelor/Master’s in Engineering

Tools

MS Office Suite

SAP

Engineering software

Job description

About The Role

Barry Callebaut is a global organization poised for growth; a company which has embraced the vision to delight its customers, while out‑performing its competitors, a business which is committed to sustainability, has innovation in its DNA, is a leader in complex manufacturing and supply chain solutions and is focused on being a best‑in‑class employer. Barry Callebaut seeks diverse and passionate people who thrive in a dynamic environment, focused on continuous learning, living Barry Callebaut’s Values and of course loving chocolate.

As part of Americas’ footprint strategy and supply network optimization, Barry Callebaut (BC) has planned recently to expand and upgrade Chocolate Manufacturing sites in the US. In collaboration with our broader engineering and technical teams, the major project engineering manager (US) will be supporting the engineering execution in the US: Cost, Schedule, Safety, Permitting, Technical Readiness and others. He or She will be guiding both the internal and external engineering team, developing engineering scope, estimates and schedule, applying stage‑gate project management process, interfacing with external authorities regarding permit applications, executing construction and installation activities, collaborating with the start‑up team, and reporting/tracking engineering deliverables with key stakeholders which include senior leadership.

Key Responsibilities Include

It is expected that the candidate has extensive experience in major capex project execution at blue‑chip companies and have also experienced initiative/project start‑ups applying TPM Early Management methodologies including CQV/IQOQPQ. He or She will provide guidance on setting up and driving an engineering project team (internal & external) that has as end goal the delivery of VSU and other critical KPIs, with support of start‑up teams and program director, to deliver a smooth start‑up of various projects, covering SC balanced score cards across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, People and Environment.

Typical Deliverables Are

• Zero TRIR and compliance process safety/people safety standards
• Zero quality defects and compliance with BC and local Food Safety Standards
• Meeting Ramp‑up curve up to OEE +85%
• Adherence to schedule (no delay)
• Adherence to Capex budgets (no overruns)
• People engagement survey +90%
• Compliance to energy/CO2 reduction targets
• Compliance to BC and local Environmental requirements.
• Overall manage and deliver our network transformation project(s) in the US from an engineering standpoint.
• Manage/guide the engineering teams (internal & external), interface with other internal & external stakeholders, report/track progress of the engineering execution, organize and lead regular technical steering team meetings and other including senior leadership.
• Be member and contributor to Global Eng Community, setting and agreeing directions to be deployed as part of his/her role.
• Cross‑function collaboration with Food Safety/ Quality, SHE, Sourcing and Manufacturing

About You

• Bachelor/Master’s degree required in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical or Electrical)
• Advanced level of English
• 12+ years of experience in an engineering environment, food process or CPG industry
• Extensive experience in major capex project development, execution and start‑up
• Experience in managing engineering department or different technical departments
• Team leadership and development experience
• Technical skills to understand and develop all core processes
• Accounting & budgeting skills
• Knowledgeable in MS Office Suite, SAP and engineering software
• In‑depth expertise in methodologies, such as: TPM, IM (Imitative Management) and Stage‑gate Project Management
• Ability to work with ambiguity, breakthrough thinking, keep people accountable and directing them to right paths
• In principle fully allocated to Network Transformation project in the US, also expected to travel for global meetings – 30% average travel depending on project cycle.

What You Can Expect From Barry Callebaut

• Salary Range of $130,000 - $150,000, depending on factors such as experience and location, plus annual bonus and our comprehensive benefits package.
• MyFlex PTO (unlimited!) and Paid Holidays
• Hybrid work environment
• An atmosphere where diversity is embraced, and inclusivity is second nature. We call it #OneBC! Just ask our champions with the Americas Women’s Forum and the Racial Equality Forum!
• Ability to grow personally and professionally within an organization that values development and internal career growth.
• Be part of our mission in making sustainability the norm through Forever Chocolate with priorities centered around prospering farmers, zero child labor, carbon and forest positive, and creating 100% sustainable ingredients in all of our products.

At Barry Callebaut, we are committed to Diversity & Inclusion. United by our strong values, we thrive on the diversity of who we are, where we come from, what we’ve experienced and how we think. We are committed to nurturing an inclusive environment where people can truly be themselves, grow to their full potential and feel they belong. #oneBC - Diverse People, Sustainable Growth.