Manager, Engineering Services

Aspire Bakeries LLC; Chaska (MN); On-site; USD 108,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Life insurance

Disability coverage

Paid time off

Retirement plans

Job summary

Aspire Bakeries LLC in Chaska, Minnesota is seeking an Engineering Project Manager to lead capital projects that enhance equipment performance, reduce downtime, and boost operational efficiency across the bakery network.

This onsite role requires 5+ years in engineering and project management within food manufacturing, travel up to 50%, and strong stakeholder communication to deliver on time and within safety standards.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of engineering and project management in food manufacturing.
• Experience leading capital projects from concept through startup.
• Knowledge of safety, food safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead capital engineering projects from feasibility through commissioning, ensuring safety and cost control.
• Manage scope, timelines, budgets, and vendor performance.
• Drive equipment improvements to reduce downtime and improve performance.
• Develop CERs and project portfolio updates.
• Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, and vendors on projects.

Skills

Engineering

Project management

Food manufacturing

Safety compliance

Stakeholder comms

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

SAP

AutoCAD

Job description

Hungry for a career that’s as rewarding as it is delicious?

At Aspire Bakeries, we don’t just bake breads, cookies, and cakes - we create foods that bring people together. From La Brea Bakery® artisan breads to Otis Spunkmeyer® cookies, our products are enjoyed by millions of people every day. And behind every bite are talented manufacturing and support teams who take pride in their work and our food.

We’re looking for hard‑working people who will bring integrity, creativity, and a passion for excellence to everything they do - whether that’s on the bakery floor, in the office, or supporting customers. In return, we offer a workplace culture built on care, ownership, and growth - where your contributions matter and your career can rise as high as our bread loaves!

With 13 commercial bakeries across North America and a reputation as an industry leader, Aspire Bakeries is rising together with our people and our customers to be the best all‑around bakery solution. If you’re ready to grow with us, we’d love to hear from you

Why You’ll Love Working At Aspire Bakeries

• Culture - Our culture thrives on collaboration, diversity, and a shared passion for excellence. We support team members, empower growth, and encourage everyone to bring their authentic selves to work.
• Health & Wellness – Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus company-paid life insurance and additional voluntary options to fit your needs.
• Work‑Life Balance – Paid parental leave, generous paid time off, and holidays so you can recharge and spend time on what matters most.
• Financial Security – Competitive retirement plans, plus short‑and‑long term disability coverage for peace of mind.
• Growth & Development – Opportunities to build skills, grow your career, and develop expertise through Aspire Bakeries’ learning and development programs.
• Flexibility & Support – HSA and FSA plans to help you manage everyday expenses.
• Recognition & Rewards – Performance incentive plans that celebrate achievements across sales, bakery performance, and individual contributions.

About The Role

We are seeking an Engineering Project Manager to join our team at our Bakery in Chaska, Minnesota. As an Engineering Project Manager, you will be accountable for leading capital projects that enhance equipment performance, reduce downtime, and improve operational efficiency across our bakery network. This role requires you to be onsite in Chaska, Minnesota, giving you hands‑on collaboration with the team and daily exposure to the pulse of the business.

Compensation

Salary Range: $108,000 - $145,000 per year

Core Accountabilities (What You’ll Be Doing)

• Lead capital engineering projects from feasibility through commissioning, ensuring safety, quality, and cost effectiveness
• Manage project scope, timelines, budgets, and vendor performance to deliver successful outcomes
• Drive equipment improvements to reduce downtime and optimize operational performance
• Develop and present capital expenditure requests (CERs) and project portfolio updates
• Partner cross‑functionally with Operations, Maintenance, and vendors to execute projects and continuous improvement initiatives
• Implement preventative maintenance and engineering solutions to sustain long‑term asset performance
• Oversee contractors, ensure regulatory compliance, and promote safety, sanitation, and environmental standards

Minimum Qualifications (What You Bring to the Table) (Required to be considered)

• 5+ years of engineering, project management experience (including experience in food manufacturing)
• Proven experience leading capital projects from concept through startup
• Knowledge of safety, food safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance standards
• Strong project management and stakeholder communication skills in a fast‑paced environment
• Ability to travel up to 50% and work off‑shift or weekends as needed
• Ability to perform physical requirements including lifting up to 50 pounds

Preferred Qualifications (Extra Ingredients for Success) (Nice‑to‑haves that could set candidates apart)

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or related field)
• Experience in bakery or food manufacturing environments
• Working knowledge of SAP systems
• Proficiency in AutoCAD
• Experience supporting new product development and commercialization

Aspire Bakeries LLC values the contribution each Team Member brings to our organization. The final determination of a successful candidate’s starting pay will vary based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to location, shift, education, skill, and experience within the job or the industry. The pay scale listed for this position is generally for candidates that meet the specified qualifications and requirements listed in this specific job description. Additional pay may be determined for those candidates that exceed these specified qualifications and requirements. We provide a competitive compensation package that recognizes your experience, credentials, and education alongside a robust benefits program to meet your needs. For union‑represented postings, wage rates and ranges are governed by applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Aspire Bakeries is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to screen, assess, or select applicants.