Senior Engineering Project Manager

Dessert Holdings; Saint Paul (MN); Remote; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Dessert Holdings is seeking a Senior Engineering Project Manager to lead large-scale capital projects with a focus on automation, robotics, and equipment innovation. This role is based remotely with occasional trips to manufacturing facilities in the US and Canada.

Under the VP of Engineering & Reliability, you will drive end-to-end project execution, develop CapEx plans, and collaborate with plant operations, vendors, and cross-functional teams to deliver cost-effective, reliable manufacturing

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering required; equivalent experience considered.
• 5+ years of experience managing large-scale engineering or automation projects.
• Strong understanding of engineering design, construction practices, and scheduling.
• Experience with engineering economics, project financials, and capital budgets.
• Proficient in AutoCAD and MS Office.
• PMP, Lean Six Sigma (Green or Black Belt), and engineering licensure (PE) preferred.
• Willingness to travel 60–75% across the US and Canada.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end execution of multimillion dollar capital projects, including facility expansions, equipment automation, capacity increases, and new construction.
• Develop and support 35 year CapEx plans aligned with corporate business strategy and plant operational needs.
• Champion robotics, automation, and control technologies to drive efficiency, quality improvements, and cost reductions.
• Develop preliminary engineering designs, layouts, specifications, and cost estimates; ensure regulatory and safety standards are met.
• Conduct feasibility studies, engineering economic evaluations, and pre-project reviews for viable solutions.
• Determine and apply appropriate design criteria, engineering codes, and standards.
• Validate fieldwork accuracy and maintain complete as-built documentation.
• Oversee vendor and contractor performance, guiding them through technical expectations and commissioning.
• Prepare and manage RFPs, evaluate bids, and administer project contracts.
• Coordinate with plant personnel, management, vendors, and cross-functional teams for seamless implementation.
• Maintain documentation including manuals, drawings, parts lists, and vendor records.
• Monitor progress against scope, timelines, and budgets with financial controls.

Skills

Project management

Mechanical engineering

Electrical engineering

Industrial automation

Vendor management

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

Dessert Holdings is the leading premium dessert company in the world. We craft artisanal, scratch-made desserts at scale, combining culinary innovation with the finest real ingredients. With a rich heritage spanning seven distinctive brands, we bring unmatched expertise and tailored solutions to our Retail and Foodservice partners.

Dessert Holdings is looking for a Senior Engineering Project Manager to be based Remotely with supporting trips to our manufacturing facilities as necessary. Under the direction of the VP of Engineering & Reliability, the Senior Project Engineering Manager is a strategic technical leader responsible for driving large scale capital projects, with a specialized focus on automation, robotics, and equipment innovation.

A trusted authority in project engineering, this individual collaborates closely with plant operations, cross functional teams, and external partners to deliver reliable, cost effective, and technologically advanced solutions that elevate manufacturing capabilities across Dessert Holdings.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end to end execution of multimillion dollar capital projects, including facility expansions, equipment automation, capacity increases, and new construction.
• Develop and support 35 year CapEx plans aligned with corporate business strategy and plant operational needs.
• Champion emerging technologiesspecifically robotics, industrial automation, and controlsto drive efficiency, quality improvements, and cost reductions.
• Develop preliminary engineering designs, layout concepts, specifications, and detailed cost estimates. Ensure all designs meet applicable regulatory, safety, and industry standards (OSHA, FDA, EPA, GMP).
• Conduct feasibility studies, engineering economic evaluations, and pre project operational reviews to ensure cost effective and viable solutions.
• Determine and apply appropriate design criteria, engineering codes, and standards.
• Validate fieldwork accuracy and develop/maintain complete "as built" documentation.
• Apply sound engineering principles across mechanical, electrical, refrigeration, automation, and processing systems.
• Oversee vendor and contractor performance, guiding them through technical expectations, installation requirements, scheduling, and equipment commissioning.
• Prepare and manage Requests for Proposals (RFPs), evaluate bids, and administer project contracts.
• Coordinate with plant personnel, management, vendors, and cross functional teams to ensure seamless implementation.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation including equipment manuals, drawings, parts lists, specifications, and vendor contact records.
• Monitor project progress against scope, timelines, and budgets, ensuring compliance with project approvals and financial controls.
• Prepare and submit detailed management reports, budget analyses, schedules, and justification packages.
• Continuously enhance robotic, controls, and automation expertise to deliver innovative technological solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering required (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or related); equivalent experience in lieu of education will also be considered
• 5+ years of experience managing large-scale, multi-million dollar engineering or automation projects, preferably in food manufacturing or industrial processing
• Strong understanding of engineering design principles, construction practices, and project scheduling as well as engineering codes and standards
• Prior experience with engineering economics, project financials, and capital budget management
• Proficient in AutoCAD and MS Office products
• Project Management Professional (PMP), Lean Six Sigma (Green or Black Belt), and engineering licensure (PE) are preferred
• Strong communication, organizational, and analytical skills demonstrated in a fast-paced, dynamic, and collaborative environment
• Ability to travel up to 60% to 75%, depending on project needs, throughout the US and Canada

About Dessert Holdings

Dessert Holdings is a collection of premium dessert companies and brands: The Original Cakerie, Lawler's Desserts, Atlanta Cheesecake Company, Steven Charles, Dianne's Fine Desserts, Kenny's Great Pies, and Willamette Valley Pie Company. Dessert Holdings is owned by Bain Capital, is headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, employs more than 3,500 people across ten manufacturing facilities, and is continuing its journey of rapid growth.

EEO Statement

Dessert Holdings and its related entities provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristics protected by law.