Sr. Manager, Project Engineering

Barry Callebaut•Brantford, ON

About The Position

As part of North America's footprint strategy and supply network optimization initiatives, BC is undertaking significant expansion and modernization projects across its chocolate manufacturing facilities in Canada and the United States. In collaboration with cross-functional engineering and technical teams, the Major Project Engineering Manager will lead and support the successful execution of these large-scale capital projects. The role is responsible for overseeing engineering execution across Canada and the U.S., with accountability for project cost, schedule, safety, permitting, technical readiness, and overall project delivery. The successful candidate will provide leadership to both internal and external engineering teams, develop engineering scopes, budgets, and schedules, ensure compliance with stage-gate project management processes, coordinate permitting activities with external authorities, oversee construction and installation activities, support start-up and commissioning efforts, and communicate project performance to key stakeholders, including senior leadership.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, or related discipline).
Minimum of 12 years of engineering experience within the food processing, manufacturing, or consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry.
Extensive experience in major capital project development, execution, commissioning, and start-up.
Proven experience leading engineering organizations and multidisciplinary technical teams.
Demonstrated success in team leadership, coaching, and talent development.
Strong technical expertise across manufacturing and processing systems.
Solid financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost management.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, SAP, and engineering/project management software.
Deep understanding of TPM, Initiative Management (IM), and Stage-Gate Project Management methodologies.
Ability to navigate ambiguity, drive innovative thinking, establish accountability, and influence organizational outcomes.
Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to the safety of people, processes, and products.
Extensive experience leading major greenfield and brownfield projects from concept development through commissioning and start-up.
Strong expertise in cost control, schedule management, risk mitigation, and change management.
Proven experience engaging with external stakeholders, including permitting agencies, utility providers, and municipal, provincial/state, and federal authorities.
Comprehensive knowledge of Integrated Work Systems (IWS), Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), World Class Manufacturing (WCM), Initiative Management (IM), and Stage-Gate Project Management.
Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders and drive transformational change across complex, global organizations.
Experience working effectively across cultures, regions, and time zones.
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, Microsoft Project, Minitab (or equivalent statistical software), and related engineering tools.
Working knowledge of SAP ERP systems is considered a strong asset.
Exceptional coaching, communication, interpersonal, and leadership capabilities.
Strong understanding of project governance frameworks and project management systems.
Strong leadership capability with experience leading diverse, cross-functional engineering teams.
Proven ability to direct and manage external engineering partners, contractors, and construction/installation teams.
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence and present effectively at all organizational levels, including executive and senior leadership.
Strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities in complex and fast-paced project environments.
Results-oriented leader with a demonstrated ability to drive accountability and deliver business objectives through others.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of SAP ERP systems is considered a strong asset.

Responsibilities

Lead and deliver network transformation projects across Canada from an engineering and project execution perspective.
Manage and provide direction to internal and external engineering teams throughout all project phases.
Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment, effective communication, and successful project outcomes.
Monitor, track, and report engineering execution progress, risks, and key milestones.
Organize and facilitate technical steering committee meetings, project governance reviews, and executive stakeholder updates.
Serve as an active member of the Global Engineering Community and contribute to the broader global engineering leadership team by helping define and deploy strategic engineering initiatives.
Collaborate cross-functionally with Food Safety & Quality, SHE (Safety, Health & Environment), Sourcing, Manufacturing, and other key business functions.