Senior Engineering Manager

Kerry Group; Rome (GA); On-site; USD 102,000 - 168,000; Full time

Job summary

Kerry Group in Rome, GA is hiring a Senior Engineering Manager to lead packaging and process improvements, and capital projects across the plant network. This role reports to the Director of Engineering & Maintenance and travels 50% within the USA.

You will work hands-on on packaging equipment, silos, conveyors, and automation, collaborating with site teams to deliver reliable operations and sustainable solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering mandatory
• 10+ years of progressive plant engineering experience
• Experience in multi-site engineering role preferred
• Food, consumer goods or chemical manufacturing experience preferred
• Ability to work on factory floor and climb stairs/silos when needed

Responsibilities

• Drive packaging and process improvements across the plant network.
• Lead capital projects in packaging, process and plant infrastructure improvements.
• Troubleshoot and install packaging equipment (25-50lb bagging, sealing, conveying, palletizing).
• Manage powder handling equipment – silos, pneumatic conveying, mixing, dust collection.
• Oversee scope, budgets, schedules and risk for $100K–$1M capital projects.
• Support plant automation including PLCs, robotics, IT/OT.
• Collaborate with site personnel to deliver reliable operations and improvements.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-site coordination

Project management

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

PLC systems

Robotics

IT/OT

Microsoft Office

Job description

Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.

About the role

We are hiring a Senior Engineering Managerto lead packaging and process improvements, and capital projects across the Coatings and Proteins plant network.

This role will be based out of Rome, GA plant; however, other locations (Melrose Park IL, Evansville, IN) are possibilities, too. This is an individual contributor role and reports to the Director of Engineering & Maintenance. Travel (within USA 48 states) is expected to be 50%, to the various plants.

Key responsibilities

• Drive packaging and process improvements across the plant network by collaborating with plant personnel
• Lead capital projects in the realm of packaging, process and plant infrastructure improvement
• Deep technical skills and hands‑on experience with troubleshooting and installing packaging equipment - 25-50lb bagging, heat sealing, conveying and palletizing (conventional and robotic arm)
• Experience with powder handling processes and equipment - silos, pneumatic conveying, mixing, dust collection
• Basic project management skills with experience leading $100K-$1M capital projects – scope development, budget management, schedule and risk mitigation
• Basic knowledge of plant automation, such as PLCs, robotics, IT/OT
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
• Basic knowledge of AI (Copilot, Claude, Gemini, etc.) is a bonus
• Result‑oriented and ability to clearly understand & articulate what it takes to deliver successful outcomes
• Ability to follow‑up promptly and successfully execute plans
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills, ability to influence (up, down, sideways)
• Able to coach and mentor plant personnel
• Able to work autonomously across multiple sites and stakeholders

Qualifications and skills

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, Industrial or similar) is mandatory
• 10+ years of progressive experience in plant engineering
• Experience in multi‑site engineering role preferred
• Food, consumer goods or chemical manufacturing experience preferred
• Able to work on factory floor for extended periods, climb multiple floors and silos when needed.

The pay range for this position is $102,400 - $168,250 in Annual Salary. Kerry typically does not hire an individual at the top or near the top of the range, as we are a pay‑for‑performance company, and this range is set to continue to reward performance annually while in role. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The specific compensation offered to a candidate within the above range may be influenced by a variety of factors including skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity. In addition, this position is also eligible to earn a performance‑based incentive compensation. Kerry offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, a 401(k) plan with employee and company contribution opportunities, Employee Share Plan, Life, disability, and accident insurance, and tuition reimbursement. This job posting is anticipated to expire on 10/15/2026.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Kerry is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for employees and applicants. We prohibit discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, military service, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. This commitment applies to all employment practices, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, training, and career development. Kerry also takes affirmative action to ensure that minorities, women, disabled veterans, and other protected groups are introduced into our workforce and considered for promotional opportunities.