Job Description

Plant Engineering Manager at Schwan's summary:

The Plant Engineering Manager leads capital project execution and operational improvements across two frozen food manufacturing facilities, ensuring alignment with budgets, schedules, and business priorities. Responsibilities include project planning, vendor selection, resource management, and cross-functional coordination to enhance infrastructure, EHS, and food safety standards. The role requires extensive engineering experience in manufacturing, budget oversight, and project management within the Food and Beverage industry.

Schwan’s Company, a U.S. affiliate of the global lifestyle brand CJ CheilJedang Corporation, is a leader in manufacturing and marketing quality foods enjoyed nationwide. We have beloved brands like Red Baron®, Tony’s®, Big Daddy’s®, Villa Prima™ and Freschetta® pizzas; bibigo®, Pagoda® Asian-style snacks and we can’t forget Mrs. Smith’s® and Edwards® pies ! We bring families and communities together through great food. Join our team and see the opportunities are real, and the sky is the limit; this isn’t just a job, it’s a seat at the table!

As the Engineering Manager at our frozen food manufacturing facility in the Houston, TX area (specifically Pasadena and Deer Park) you will play a pivotal role in driving operational excellence across two food manufacturing facilities by leading the evaluation and execution of capital projects. From infrastructure upgrades to critical EHS and food safety improvements, you'll serve as a strategic gatekeeper—ensuring project scopes, budgets, timelines, and outcomes align with business priorities.

Responsibilities:

• Partner with Plant Project Engineers across multiple sites to scope, plan, and execute capital projects, ensuring alignment on budget, schedule, cash flow, procurement, and risk mitigation.
• Serve as the capital approval gatekeeper, reviewing project scopes and execution plans to ensure feasibility and compliance with standards.
• Provide coaching on vendor selection, engineering standards, and resource planning; support talent development and succession planning.
• Ensure adherence to project management best practices and escalate high-risk issues as needed.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams (Production, Maintenance, Sanitation, HR, Logistics) to integrate operational needs into project plans.
• Collaborate with Finance to review capital allocation, validate cash flow forecasts, and ensure accurate project closeouts.
• Support capital planning by providing project performance insights and developing long-term investment strategies with site leadership.
• Lead select capital projects directly, managing execution and deliverables from concept through completion.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science or Master’s degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical or Process preferred).
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in Process, Packaging equipment, Infrastructure, and/or Maintenance. Previous experience with Food and Beverage or Consumer Packaged Goods companies required. Previous experiences with budgeting in a manufacturing multi-site capacity required.
• Significant experience and skill related to project cost controls and measuring conformance to project management best practices.
• Prior experience executing bid process, defining sub-contractor performance criteria and managing subcontractors, required.

Compensation and Benefits:

The base salary range for this position is $90,750 to $151,250 annually with eligibility for a 15% annual incentive bonus, that is based on organizational performance. The pay range represents the numerous factors considered in the hiring decisions including, but not limited to educations, skills, work experience, certifications, geography etc. As such, starting pay for the successful candidate(s) could fall anywhere within the stated range.
Beyond base salary, we offer a competitive Total Rewards package focusing on your overall well-being. We are proud to offer a strong foundation of health benefits, retirement and financial wellbeing, time off programs, wellbeing support programs.

CJ Schwan's and its employing subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, age, race, color, religion, gender, veteran status, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by law. Schwan’s Company also provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities or based on a sincerely held religious belief, in accordance with applicable laws. If you need to inquire about an accommodation, or need assistance with completing the application process, please email career.search@schwans.com

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Keywords:

plant engineering manager, capital projects, food manufacturing, project management, engineering leadership, infrastructure upgrades, food safety, budget management, process engineering, vendor management

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