Sr Manager, Engineering Services

Aspire Bakeries LLC; Swedesboro (NJ); On-site; USD 125,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) match

Paid time off

Life insurance

Job summary

Aspire Bakeries LLC is seeking a Sr. Manager, Engineering Services for the Swedesboro, NJ site. You will lead capital projects, drive automation, and manage a multi-year investment plan to improve reliability and cost efficiency.

The role supports other bakery locations and contributes to a robust capital program across North America. We value safety, productivity, and teamwork, with a strong emphasis on leadership, budgeting, and stakeholder coordination to ensure successful delivery and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent.
• 10+ years of project management experience in food manufacturing or food engineering environments.
• Demonstrated experience leading automation projects in high-speed manufacturing operations.
• Proven success managing capital projects from concept through startup and performance validation.
• Knowledge of personnel safety, food safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance in manufacturing.
• Strong leadership, project management, analytical, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, stand, walk, and climb for extended periods in a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full lifecycle execution of capital projects from feasibility through commissioning and handoff.
• Manage and optimize the site's multi-year capital program, including planning, budgeting, reporting, and resource allocation.
• Drive automation and manufacturing improvement initiatives to enhance reliability, productivity, and cost performance.
• Develop capital investment proposals and secure stakeholder alignment with strong business cases.
• Oversee external vendors, contractors, and equipment suppliers to ensure successful project delivery.
• Coach and develop engineering team members with leadership and mentorship.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, supply chain, corporate teams, and business partners to implement best practices.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Automation projects

Food manufacturing experience

Safety and regulatory compliance

Budgeting and cost control

Stakeholder management

Capital project lifecycle

Team coaching and mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

B.S. in Mechanical / Electrical / Automation Engineering

Job description

Hungry for a career that's as rewarding as it is delicious?

At Aspire Bakeries, we don't just bake breads, cookies, and cakes - we create foods that bring people together. From La Brea Bakery artisan breads to Otis Spunkmeyer cookies, our products are enjoyed by millions of people every day. And behind every bite are talented manufacturing and support teams who take pride in their work and our food.

We're looking for hard-working people who will bring integrity, creativity, and a passion for excellence to everything they do - whether that's on the bakery floor, in the office, or supporting customers. In return, we offer a workplace culture built on care, ownership, and growth - where your contributions matter and your career can rise as high as our bread loaves!

With 13 commercial bakeries across North America and a reputation as an industry leader, Aspire Bakeries is rising together with our people and our customers to be the best all-around bakery solution. If you're ready to grow with us, we'd love to hear from you

Why You'll Love Working At Aspire Bakeries

• Culture - Our culture thrives on collaboration, diversity, and a shared passion for excellence. We support team members, empower growth, and encourage everyone to bring their authentic selves to work.

• Health & Wellness - Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus company-paid life insurance and additional voluntary options to fit your needs.

• Work-Life Balance - Paid parental leave, generous paid time off, and holidays so you can recharge and spend time on what matters most.

• Financial Security - A competitive 401(k) with immediate company match, plus short- and long-term disability coverage for peace of mind.

• Growth & Development - Opportunities to build skills, grow your career, and develop expertise through Aspire Bakeries' learning and development programs.

• Flexibility & Support - HSA and FSA plans to help you manage everyday expenses.

• Recognition & Rewards - Performance incentive plans that celebrate achievements across sales, bakery performance, and individual contributions.

About the Role

We are seeking a Sr. Manager, Engineering Services to join our team at our Swedesboro, NJ. Bakey. As a Sr. Manager, Engineering Services, you will lead project management, capital program management, other related engineering areas in line with business needs. This position will focus primarily on the Swedesboro bakery but may also lead large projects at other bakeries as the business needs. This role supports the bakeries in the management of large and complex capital projects meeting objectives for safety, schedule, budget, maintaining sanitary design of equipment, and with a result of meeting or exceeding design performance requirements. In addition, the role will provide support to the bakeries to enhance existing equipment reliability as measured by downtime, adherence to production standards, and service response times. This position will be key in the development and execution of a 3-year capital plan to automate, reduce downtime, add capacity, improve cost structure, and maintain the Swedesboro facility.

Compensation

Salary Range: $125,000-$170,000

Core Accountabilities (What You'll be Doing)

• Lead the full lifecycle execution of capital projects from feasibility through commissioning and operational handoff.

• Manage and optimize the site's multi-year capital program, including planning, budgeting, reporting, and resource allocation.

• Drive automation and manufacturing improvement initiatives that enhance reliability, productivity, and cost performance.

• Develop capital investment proposals and secure stakeholder alignment through effective business case development.

• Oversee external vendors, contractors, and equipment suppliers to ensure successful project delivery.

• Coach and develop engineering team members while providing leadership, mentorship, and technical guidance.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, supply chain, corporate teams, and business partners to implement best practices and continuous improvement initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications (What You Bring to the Table)

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent technical discipline, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• 10+ years of project management experience within food manufacturing or food engineering environments.

• Demonstrated experience leading automation projects in high-speed manufacturing operations.

• Proven success managing capital projects from concept development through startup and performance validation.

• Knowledge of personnel safety, food safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance requirements in manufacturing.

• Strong leadership, project management, analytical, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, regularly stand, walk, and climb for extended periods, and work in a manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications (Extra Ingredients for Success)

• B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related discipline.

• Experience supporting new product development and commercialization within food manufacturing environments.

• Demonstrated success leading complex, multi-site capital projects and engineering programs.

• Ability to work flexible schedules, including occasional weekends or shift support as required.

• Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% based on project needs.

Aspire Bakeries LLC values the contribution each Team Member brings to our organization. The final determination of a successful candidate's starting pay will vary based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to location, shift, education, skill, and experience within the job or the industry. The pay scale listed for this position is generally for candidates that meet the specified qualifications and requirements listed in this specific job description. Additional pay may be determined for those candidates that exceed these specified qualifications and requirements. We provide a competitive compensation package that recognizes your experience, credentials, and education alongside a robust benefits program to meet your needs. For union-represented postings, wage rates and ranges are governed by applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Aspire Bakeries is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to screen, assess, or select applicants.