Project Engineer
KIND Snacks - Chicago, IL
Apply NowJob Description
Who are we?Since Day 1, KIND has had a vision for a kinder and healthier world. A world in which people never have to choose between what tastes good, feels good, and does good when it comes to their snacking. Our iconic KIND® bars - made with real, recognizable ingredients - sparked the growth of an entirely new healthy snacking category back in 2004. Now, KIND has a family of more than 80 snacks that offer solutions for a variety of occasions. All of KIND's products lead with a nutrient-dense first ingredient - like nuts or whole grains - and do not contain genetically engineered ingredients, sugar alcohols or artificial sweeteners. We're looking for passionate collaborators to help us become the foremost leader in health & wellness and positively impact society along the way. If you're looking to be a part of an inspiring, energetic and entrepreneurial environment, you've found the right place.What you'll doAs a collection of brands including KIND, Nature's Bakery, and tr fr within the Health and Wellness Division of Mars Snacking, we are proud to offer healthy snacking options to our consumers. From granola to snack bars and better for you hyper-chilled and hyper-dried chocolate covered fruit, we believe that the choice to snack healthier should be an easy and desirable one. With real, recognizable ingredients in every bite, we're on a mission to inspire everyone to snack better.We're on the lookout for a passionate Project Engineer to join our dynamic, growth-oriented team! If you're someone who loves to dive in and make things happen, we want you!Reporting to Director Project Engineering, Mars Health & Wellness Platform, the Project Engineer will plan, organize, and lead engineering functions that will drive us to achieve, KIND North America AOP strategy, productivity initiatives within current and future network, influence and direct capex investment strategy, and optimize a foundational continuous improvement model. How you'll do it..Essential Functions and ResponsibilitiesWork cross functionally with KNA manufacturing team to help build and execute technical strategy to support broader AOP business objectivesDriven executional leadership to complete technical network projectsStrategic planning leadership for optimized network to deliver cost, quality, service key business goalsCritical cross functional team management skills to incorporate supply chain project management, R&D, Pkg Engineering, Procurement, and Quality Food Safety resources to deliver key network objectivesLead Process engineering efforts for productivity initiatives within existing network:Assess current strategy and align on optimized opportunities to build out manufacturing pipeline for next 3-5 yearsDevelop technical plans, protocols, and executional resources required to achieve critical projectsLead external and internal partners through critical project scope and success criteriaLead technical assessment of manufacturing lines to validate capability of a manufacturing process for liftshift network projectsDevelop, revise, and optimize manufacturing processes encompassing mechanical, electrical, and software engineering as business need dictatesTimely communication of trip reports highlighting critical results and key next steps.Assist in the development of KNA AOP strategyStrong blend of management, technical, and analytical skills to oversee and manage projects across multiple cross functional prioritiesHelp influence and drive execution of 3-5 year capex strategyFormalize, communicate, and align all critical stakeholders through existing formal approval processesLeverage basic continuous improvement skills and tools to streamline operational losses and inefficienciesCoach and lead current network resources through basic fundamental concepts of CI principlesUtilize problem-solving tools in various situations, including root cause analysis, flowcharts, and fishbone diagramsTrack and monitor processes, including but not limited to production throughput, cycle times, scrap performance, efficiency etc. Conduct data analysis to monitor and report production performanceIdentify and lead collaboration efforts to improve efficiency, reduce risk and minimize costs in our processes and systemsResearch and suggest equipment design concepts and fundamental technology used for potential improvement for existing processesPartner with Manufacturing and Quality functions, review and monitor quality opportunities and process improvements to achieve consumer product quality goalsExecute Innovation projects related to new Line ExtensionsDevelop, revise and optimize processing parameters as requiredRole requires 20% - 40% travelWhat you'll bring...Sense of urgency and a can-do attitudeExcellent verbal and written communication skillsA partnership and relationship-based approach in working with internal and external business partners. Always presenting a "we vs. me" attitude.A willingness to challenge our "Way of Work" to maximize our resources and enhance our success rateStrong analytical skillsYou are...Self-driven, highly motivated and energized to build and evolve teams within the commercial spaceAn owner - Accountable for your commitments and how you achieve results, always with an ownership mindsetA change leader - With insatiable drive to achieve, learn and improveA problem solver - Flexible and forward thinking with a creative and solution orientated approachCommitted to excellence - With high quality standards and strong attention to detailFlexible and results driven - Able to manage, adapt, and dynamically prioritize multiple work-streams with a positive 'whatever it takes' attitude. Able to work under pressure and meet goals under rapidly changing conditionsEntrepreneurial - Scrappy enough to get things done with brilliance and flawlessly execute projects despite limited resourcesKind - Genuine in your desire to help make the world a kinder place, committing to always spreading and celebrating kindnessYou have...Minimum of 5 years of experience in a high-volume R&D and manufacturing environment, preferably in the Consumer Package Goods IndustryBachelor's Degree in technical engineeringscience field preferred or related field of study requiredDemonstrated ability to lead projects and directmotivate project munication skills to work with all levels of the organization from manufacturing employees to corporate executives.Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced, results-oriented culture.Demonstrated ability to function effectively in stressful, fast-paced situations, with the personal leadership to influence and positively motivate self and peers.Demonstrated performance in developing and commercializing new productstechnology in collaboration with Quality, NPD, Operations, Marketing, etc.Experience in FDA regulated environments preferred.Experience with frozen foods preferred.Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.Certain states and localities require employers to post a reasonable estimate of salary range. A reasonable estimate of the current base salary range for this position is $107,500.00 - $135,000.00. Actual salary will be based on a variety of factors, including location, experience, skill set, performance, licensure and certification, and business needs. The range for this position in other geographic locations may differ.What KIND offers 401(K) or RRSP's with generous company matchFlexible Paid Time Off. Choose what works best for you, including summer hours. Paid parental leave. Excellent health, dental & vision insurance, with options to fit you & your family's needs Company paid disability and life insurance to provide income protection Your health is important! Our wellness strategy focuses on mental and physical wellbeing via programs like Employee Assistance Program, a wellness subsidy, healthy food options and gym facility in HQ. Casual office dress code- feel free to wear your KIND gear Stock up on your favorite KIND bars to share with your family & friends, through a quarterly voucher Training & tuition reimbursement program, because continuing to learn matters and we support your development A dynamic, ambitious, fun and KIND work environment Charitable Donation Matching: KIND matches your charitable donations up to $1000 annually through our donation matching portal. EEO At KIND, we are committed to an inclusive workplace where diversity in all its forms is championed. KIND is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace, and we are an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you require special accommodation, please let us know. Privacy PolicyMars and its family of brands is committed to transparency and responsibility in how we handle the personal data entrusted to us by our customers and consumers. To learn more about our privacy policy please follow this link.
Created: 2025-02-22