Senior Project Engineering Manager

About the role

As a Senior Project Engineer, you’ll own high-impact capital projects from idea to start-up ($50K–$5MM) across Kerry’s Stocks & Broths manufacturing network in Harrisonburg, VA. This is a hands-on, high-visibility role where you’ll modernize process and packing capabilities—spanning liquids processing, aseptic systems, automation, utilities, and safety improvements—and help turn great concepts into reliable, day-one performance. This is an onsite position based at our Harrisonburg, VA manufacturing site.

Responsibilities

• Own capital projects end-to-end—from concept and scope through design, installation, commissioning, and seamless handoff to Operations.
• Bring people together across Manufacturing, R&D, Finance, HSE, Quality, and Maintenance to define the need, align on priorities, and turn it into an executable plan.
• Build and drive scope, budget, and schedule—balancing speed, cost, and quality while clearing roadblocks and accelerating decisions.
• Create crisp engineering and capital-approval deliverables (charters, estimates, justifications, specifications) that set projects up for success.
• Lead vendors, contractors, and internal experts—coordinating procurement, construction, and installation to deliver right-first-time execution.
• Spot risk early and manage it proactively—ensuring safe execution and compliance with Kerry standards, OSHA/HSE requirements, and GMPs.
• Keep stakeholders aligned with clear updates, smart escalation, and change management that protects schedule, cost, and outcomes.
• Lead start-up and early equipment management to deliver stable, repeatable performance—and a confident ramp-up for the manufacturing teams.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Engineering (Mechanical or Chemical) from an ABET-accredited university.
• 4+ years leading capital projects ($100K+) in a manufacturing environment—project engineering and/or project management.
• Project management training or certification (e.g., PMP) is a plus.
• Clear, confident communicator with strong technical writing and stakeholder management skills.
• Manufacturing experience in food, beverages, consumer goods, chemical, or pharmaceutical environments preferred.
• Exposure to aseptic bulk packing equipment preferred.

Skills

• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Project; familiarity with AI tools (Copilot, ChatGPT, or similar) is a plus.
• Familiarity with CAD software preferred.
• Technologies in use at this business-critical site include extraction, mixing, separations, clean-in-place systems, sanitary piping, valve clusters and more.

Pay

The typical base salary hiring range for this role is $88,100 to $144,800 annually and is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, location, etc.

Benefits

In addition to your pay, Kerry offers benefits such as a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and retirement contribution (all benefits and incentives are subject to eligibility requirements).