At CJ Schwan’s, we don’t just make food — we help create moments that matter. From kids devouring pizza after soccer practice, to students laughing over dumplings in a cafeteria, to families enjoying pie during the holidays, our team members play an important role in bringing those everyday moments to life. Our portfolio includes iconic pizzas, global flavors, and timeless desserts from brands like Red Baron®, bibigo®, Tony’s®, Big Daddy’s®, Freschetta®, Pagoda®, Edwards® and Mrs. Smith’s®. Enjoyed in homes, schools, restaurants and just about everywhere people shop and eat, our products reflect a commitment to quality, innovation, and the power of food to bring people together.
We’re looking for a skilled Electrical & Automation Manager to lead automation initiatives at our frozen pizza manufacturing facility in Florence, KY. In this key role, you’ll oversee the development and execution of plant-wide automation and control projects—managing multiple, complex initiatives from concept through implementation to ensure efficiency, reliability, and innovation across our operations.
What You Will Do:
- Lead and manage complex automation projects from planning through implementation.
- Manage multi-shift team of supervisors, electricians, and controls technicians to support plant production.
- Oversee and support capital planning, budgeting, and cost control for the plant Electrical and Automation Department.
- Drive improvements in power distribution systems, control networks, and manufacturing automation processes.
- Design, scale, and test automated manufacturing systems and equipment.
- Provide technical support for product development, production line automation, and system enhancements.
- Program, implement, and maintain PLCs and HMIs, ensuring smooth startup and ongoing technical support.
- Ensure accurate project documentation, reporting, and communication of timelines, issues, and resolutions.
- Schedule and supervise installation, troubleshooting, and calibration of control systems and devices.
- Lead training and development for plant staff on automation systems and operational best practices.
- Promote effective use of personnel, ensure compliance with safety and operational policies, and support continuous improvement across the plant.
What You Will Bring:
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering required; Electrical Engineering preferred.
- 5+ years of experience in industrial automation, including 2+ years of leadership of teams in instrumentation, controls design, and PLC/HMI programming (Rockwell, Siemens, Modicon, GE, Fanuc).
- Strong knowledge of control system components, ladder logic, and HMI applications.
- Proven experience managing engineering projects with strong technical problem-solving skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Project, and AutoCAD.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; able to work effectively across all levels of the organization.
What We Offer:
The base salary range for this position is $93,000 to $154,000 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 designed to support your overall well-being, including comprehensive health benefits, time off programs, and retirement and financial offerings.
The employing subsidiaries of Schwan's Company are Equal Employment Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, age, race, color, religion, gender, vet status, national origin, or other protected class.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in engineering
- Electrical Engineering degree (preferred)
- 5+ years in industrial automation with 2+ years leading teams in instrumentation and controls
- Experience programming PLCs and HMIs (Rockwell, Siemens, Modicon, GE, Fanuc)
- Strong knowledge of control system components, ladder logic, and HMI applications
- Proven experience managing engineering projects and technical problem solving
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Project, and AutoCAD
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Schwan's Company Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Schwan's Company and has not been reviewed or approved by Schwan's Company.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare coverage includes multiple plan options, including some no‑deductible choices, plus dental and vision. Benefits in this area are frequently regarded as a major strength for full‑time employees.
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Retirement Support — Retirement benefits include a 401(k) plan with company match and immediate vesting for eligible employees. This feature is viewed as a meaningful part of the total package.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Paid time off includes vacation that scales with tenure, paid holidays, and personal days. New hires can begin accruing PTO early in their employment.
Schwan's Company Insights
What We Do
As one of the fastest-growing leaders and producers in North America’s food industry, Schwan’s Company is dedicated to bringing people and cultures together through global flavors and delicious ethnic cuisine. Our commitment to this is reflected in the innovative foods we produce, our iconic brands and through a team of exceptional talent. Today, as a subsidiary of CJ CheilJedang, Schwan’s is a fast-paced, forward-thinking company that’s on its way to bigger and better things. We are a leading food marketer, with trusted brands like RED BARON®, FRESCHETTA®, BIG DADDY'S™ and TONY'S™ pizza, EDWARDS® and MRS. SMITH'S® desserts, and BIBIGO® and PAGODA® Asian-style foods. And, with manufacturing operations in California, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Texas, we are well-prepared to deliver a great experience to our consumers wherever they shop and eat.
