Sr. Engineering Manager

Kraft Heinz; Muscatine (IA); On-site; USD 120,800 - 151,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonus

Affordable healthcare access

Wellbeing programs

Job summary

Kraft Heinz in Muscatine seeks a Sr. Engineering Manager to oversee engineering projects and drive operational excellence. The role aims to transform the factory into the future through strategic planning, risk management, and cross-functional collaboration.

Candidates should have a strong engineering background, leadership skills, and experience in managing capital projects. The position offers a competitive salary range along with performance bonuses and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of reliability engineering principles and maintenance practices.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate, coach, and empower team members.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Create and execute an investment strategy for operational excellence.
• Lead cross-departmental initiatives to improve efficiency.
• Establish and oversee a robust risk management framework.
• Implement advanced performance monitoring systems.

Skills

Reliability engineering principles

Analytical and problem-solving

Interpersonal leadership

Project Management

Communication

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering or related field

Job description

Provide first-level, day-to-day administrative and technical supervision for a staff of professional engineers and technicians within an engineering department unit to accomplish specific engineering projects. Review technical feasibility of proposed solutions to engineering problems. Specialize in areas of competence (electrical, mechanical, etc.) depending on the function, according to the type of product or process. Responsible for the results of the unit's efforts and for the effectiveness of their overall integration within other units. Direct work assignments, scheduling, and reviews of work in progress. Handle personnel actions, including performance reviews, salary recommendations, and coordination of training and development. Help solve difficult technical problems. Typically lead a staff of five to ten professionals.

Job Description

The Sr. Engineering Manager will play a critical role in transforming the site into the factory of the future by developing and executing a comprehensive investment strategy that addresses food and safety compliance, risk management, growth strategies, cost reduction, and equipment replacement.

This role will lead cross-functional initiatives, establish a robust risk management framework, develop and execute a strategic capital expenditure plan, and implement advanced performance monitoring systems to drive operational excellence and automation.

Responsibilities

• Comprehensive Strategy Development: Create and execute an investment strategy to transform the site into the factory of the future addressing food and safety compliance, risk management, growth strategies, cost reduction and equipment replacement integrating automation and digital solutions to maximize operating income and factory efficiency.
• Cross-Functional Leadership and Collaboration: Lead cross-departmental initiatives by collaborating with finance, maintenance, operations, supply chain, and other stakeholders to identify inefficiencies, streamline processes, and align organizational efforts towards achieving financial recovery, operational excellence, and automation.
• Enhanced Risk Management Framework: Establish and oversee a robust risk management framework that assesses and mitigates both operational and financial risks, ensuring that all capital investments and project decisions align with the facility's long-term sustainability and profitability goals.
• Strategic Capex Planning and Oversight: Lead the development and execution of a strategic capital expenditure (Capex) plan that prioritizes high-impact projects and aligns with the facility's recovery objectives, effectively managing budgets and resource allocation.
• Performance Monitoring and Reporting: Implement advanced performance monitoring systems that provide real-time insights into project execution, financial metrics, and operational efficiency, enabling timely decision-making and accountability across the organization.
• Budgeting and Cost Management: Develop, monitor, and control the annual capital budget, maintenance expenses, and utility budgets. Identify opportunities to reduce utility and energy costs.
• Asset Management: Oversee maintenance of plant equipment, buildings, and other assets to protect these assets and reduce equipment-related downtime, while managing capital and facility maintenance projects and resources.
• Process Improvement and Innovation: Research and develop new processing techniques to improve product quality and production efficiencies and assist in implementing process improvement initiatives (Six Sigma/Lean/TPM/KHMS) in partnership with business leaders.
• EHS & Quality and Food Safety: Integrate quality, food safety, and personal safety considerations into the design planning and execution of capital projects, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and company requirements and regulations, while prioritizing ergonomic issues and employee safety.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of reliability engineering principles, maintenance practices, and process safety management, including knowledge of PSM, mechanical integrity, and FMEA methodologies.
• Analytical, problem‑solving skills & digital literacy: strong analytical capabilities to assess project performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and develop effective strategies that enhance operational efficiency and productivity. Familiarity with digital tools enhances continuous improvement.
• Interpersonal leadership, coaching & team development: demonstrated ability to motivate, coach, and empower team members, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment while effectively managing conflict and promoting teamwork and engagement.
• Project Management: strong project management skills to effectively oversee reliability initiatives, budget management, and resource allocation.
• Communication, change management & collaboration: excellent verbal and written communication skills for effectively conveying information and engaging with employees at all levels. Ability to lead change and foster a culture of continuous improvement and employee engagement. Ability to effectively collaborate with cross‑functional teams, stakeholders, and leadership, ensuring alignment and support for initiatives.
• Continuous improvement and growth mindset: a commitment to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and a growth mindset, encouraging team members to embrace change and seek innovative solutions for operational challenges.
• Strategic planning & thinking: ability to champion continuous improvement and lead cross‑functional teams towards achieving operational excellence. Ability to develop and implement comprehensive strategies that align with organizational goals and drive capacity expansion and transformation initiatives.
• Bachelor of Science in Engineering or related field is preferred.
• Minimum of 5+ years of increasing responsibility in plant engineering and project management in manufacturing.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience with full‑cycle capital project management from appropriation preparation to field start‑up.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience working with process and high‑speed/automation equipment.
• Previous experience managing a long‑term capital project plan.
• Clear understanding of engineering economics and project justification.
• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices, OSHA safety regulations, EPA regulations, and other related codes and regulations applying to the operation of a food products factory.
• Working knowledge of boiler and compressed air operations to evaluate operating efficiencies.

Location

Muscatine Factory

Equal Opportunity Statement

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact [e-mail] for assistance.

Compensation and Benefits

New Hire Base Salary Range: $120,800.00 - $151,000.00

Bonus: eligible for performance‑based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.

Benefits include coverage for employees and eligible dependents through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and savings plans. Additional wellbeing programs and resources are available to support a healthy, social, emotional, and financial lifestyle.