MFG ENGINEERING MANAGER

Kroger Co.; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Employee discounts

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Kroger Co. in Cincinnati is seeking a senior engineering leader to guide the strategic capital plan for assigned plants.

You will train plant engineers, lead maintenance and sustainability efforts, and drive safety, quality, and reliability across operations. You will oversee large-scale capital projects, manage budgets, and mentor teams, aligning with Kroger’s High Performance Work System and Customer 1st strategy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or electrical engineering.
• 10+ years of progressive engineering experience in food manufacturing.
• 5+ years mechanical systems experience (power plant, steam, boiler, refrigeration).
• 15+ years of progressive engineering leadership experience.
• Capital project management >$25MM experience.
• Leadership of Maintenance Excellence team.
• Ability to make major decisions with limited information.

Responsibilities

• Leverage engineering expertise to design and implement manufacturing food processing systems.
• Develop and refine workforce scheduling, preventive maintenance, training, and regulatory programs.
• Evaluate new business and line extension opportunities to support outside sales.
• Direct regulatory compliance for safe systems operation per regulations.
• Travel to manufacturing locations and vendors to support projects and expansions.
• Oversee feasibility studies and specifications for equipment purchases with partners.
• Ensure SQF 2000 systems and Kroger safety/quality principles are followed.
• Coach and develop direct reports; conduct performance reviews.

Skills

Project management

Strategic planning

Leadership

Budget management

Regulatory compliance

Mechanical systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical or electrical engineering

Tools

Automation networks

Refrigeration systems

HVAC systems

Sanitary design

Job description

Lead the development, planning, organization, direction and implementation of the strategic capital plan for assigned plants. Provide strategic direction and training to plant engineers and teams for project development and implementation. Provide guidance to plant teams for maintenance of assets and processes and leadership for sustainability and utilities usage reduction. Perform all jobs safely, efficiently and accurately to maintain and improve the performance of the entire plant in the areas of Safety, Quality, Reliability (SQR) and our Customer 1st strategy. Provide leadership that embodies our 7 Kroger Manufacturing High Performance Work System principles. Demonstrate the companys core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion and safety.

Responsibilities

Essential Job Functions:

• Leverage engineering expertise to design and implement manufacturing food processing systems
• Leverage engineering expertise to help plants establish and refine effective workforce scheduling techniques, as well as preventive maintenance, employee training, efficiency improvement and regulatory compliance programs
• Aid in evaluating new business and line extension opportunities to support outside sales efforts
• Work with the Regulatory Compliance team to provide the direction necessary to ensure safe systems operation in compliance with all state and federal regulations
• Travel frequently to manufacturing locations and vendors to support day-to-day operations and assist in the development and implementation of new facility planning, expansion and constructionOversee feasibility and engineering studies conducted in-house and by outside architects and engineers
• Develop clear specifications and guidelines for equipment purchases and working agreements with outside architects, engineers, construction managers and contractors
• Follow established programs, policies and practices to produce safe, quality foods that meet regulatory and company requirements
• Support the development, implementation, maintenance, and ongoing improvement of the SQF 2000 Systems
• Accountable to the Kroger Manufacturing Food Safety and Quality Principles
• Supervise and coach direct reports in the performance of their duties; complete performance reviews and provides feedback to direct reports
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation

Qualifications

Desired Previous Job Experience:

• Project Management certification
• Capital project management >$5MM
• 5+ years mechanical systems experience (power plant, steam, boiler, refrigeration)
• 15+ years of progressive engineering leadership experience
• Division capital plan management, reconciliation of spending to budget, and interaction with capital management
• Leadership of mechanical systems and sustainability
• Leadership of Maintenance Excellence team
• Leadership/tracking of Engineering department budget
• Oversight of engineering internship or career training programs
• Capital project/program management >$25MM

Minimum Position/Education Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in mechanical or electrical engineering
• 10+ years of progressive engineering experience in food manufacturing
• Ability to make major decisions with limited information
• Technical expertise with Kroger manufactured products, ammonia refrigeration systems, compressed air system, steam systems, HVAC, building standards and codes, construction methods, sanitary design, controls and automation network infrastructure

Job Info

• Job Identification 244853
• Job Category Manufacturing
• Posting Date 10/26/2026, 02:15 PM
• Locations 1015 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH, 45202, US (On-site)

The Kroger Family of Companies offers comprehensive benefits to support your Associate Well-Being, including Physical, Emotional, Financial and more. We'll help you thrive, with access to:

• A wide range of healthcare coverage, including affordable, comprehensive medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage, through company plans or collective bargaining agreement plans.
• Flexible scheduling in full- and part-time roles with paid time off, including holiday and sick pay based on eligibility and length of service.
• Emotional and financial support with free counseling through our Employee Assistance Program and free, confidential financial tools and coaching.
• Valuable associate discounts on purchases, including food, travel, technology and so much more.
• Up to $21,000 in tuition reimbursement over your career, through our industry-leading Continuing Education program.
• Vast potential for growth, through an abundance of industry-leading training programs and diverse career pathways.

From one tiny Cincinnati grocery store more than a century ago, we’ve grown into what today is the nation’s largest grocer with nearly 2,800 stores in 35 states operating under 28 different names. As America’s grocer, we take pride in bringing diverse teams with a passion for food and people together with one common purpose: To Feed the Human Spirit. With a history of innovation, we work tirelessly to create amazing experiences for our customers, communities AND each other, with food at the heart of it all.
Here, people matter. That’s why we strive to provide the ingredients you need to create your own recipe for success at work and in life. We help feed your future by providing the value and care you need to grow. If you’re caring, purpose-driven and hungry to learn, your potential is unlimited.
Whether you’re seeking a part-time position or a new career path, we’ve got a fresh opportunity for you.