The Role
The Engineering Manager leads capital projects in frozen food manufacturing, focusing on operational excellence, budgeting, and project management best practices.
Summary Generated by Built In
Job Summary & Responsibilities
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.
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.
What You Will Do:
• Partner with corporate engineering team scope, plan, and execute capital projects, ensuring alignment on budget, schedule, cash flow, procurement, and risk mitigation.
• Review 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.
What We Look For:
• 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.
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, which is based on organizational performance. The range reflects factors such as experience, skills, education, certifications, and location, and starting salary may 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.
CJ Schwan’s and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, veteran status, national origin, or any other protected characteristic. We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs. For accommodation requests or assistance with the application, please email [email protected].
Skills Required
- 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
- Experience with budgeting in a manufacturing multi-site capacity
- Experience with project cost controls and project management best practices
- Experience defining performance criteria and managing subcontractors
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The Company
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.
