Manufacturing Engineering Project Leader – Multi-Plant Impact

Conagra Brands; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 109,000 - 159,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Wealth benefits

Growth opportunities

Work-life balance

Job summary

Conagra Brands is seeking a seasoned Engineering Project Manager to oversee capital projects from conception to completion. You will direct safety, scope, cost estimates, forecasting, and scheduling while guiding cross-functional teams across manufacturing locations.

The role requires 8+ years in engineering with at least 3+ years managing projects valued at $10 million+, strong knowledge of process safety, utilities, and regulated manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical preferred).
• 8+ years of engineering experience, including 3+ years of capital project management experience managing projects valued at $10 million or greater.
• Strong technical understanding of engineering principles and practices, including utilities, maintenance, process safety management, and manufacturing processes within a regulated environment.
• Experience within food manufacturing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, or consumer packaged goods environments preferred.
• Demonstrated success managing multiple projects across multiple plant locations.
• Proven leadership skills with experience influencing and leading cross-functional teams.
• Strong project planning, budgeting, forecasting, and risk management capabilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Willingness and flexibility to travel approximately 50%, primarily Monday through Friday, based on project requirements.
• Position may be based remotely east of Denver, Colorado and within reasonable proximity to a major airport, with regular travel to manufacturing facilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage engineering projects while ensuring alignment on project objectives and deliverables.
• Develop detailed project plans, including timelines, budgets, resource allocation, and risk management strategies.
• Coordinate, collaborate, and provide technical guidance to internal cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, maintenance, operations, and quality assurance.
• Partner with equipment vendors, construction contractors, and engineering service providers to support project execution.
• Monitor project progress, identify risks and issues, and implement corrective actions.
• Communicate project status, key updates, risks, and milestones to stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, food safety requirements, and applicable regulatory expectations, including USDA and FDA requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and foster a culture of innovation across project teams.
• Manage multiple capital projects simultaneously across multiple manufacturing locations.
• Support project commissioning, startup, and operational handoff activities.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

Budgeting

Risk management

Communication

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Job description

Conagra Brands is seeking a seasoned Engineering Project Manager to oversee capital projects from conception to completion. You will direct safety, scope, cost estimates, forecasting, and scheduling while guiding cross-functional teams across manufacturing locations.

The role requires 8+ years in engineering with at least 3+ years managing projects valued at $10 million+, strong knowledge of process safety, utilities, and regulated manufacturing.