Manager Of Programming Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

We're looking for an Engineering Manager who's hands-on, engaged, and ready to lead from the front. Someone who's comfortable stepping into the details when it matters, working alongside the team, and helping drive projects all the way through to completion. This isn't a role where you sit on the sidelines or manage from a distance.
We build equipment that has to work in real kitchens under real pressure. So, the way we lead engineering has to reflect that: practical, hands-on, focused on results.
If you enjoy turning ideas into products that actually make it to production and perform when they get there, keep reading.
What this Role Really Is
You'll lead a multidisciplinary engineering team (mechanical, electrical, software, manufacturing, and design) and own how we move from concept to production and everything in between.
You're the bridge between design and reality. Making sure what we design can actually be built, what we build actually works, and making sure we fix it fast when it doesn't.
You'll be visible, involved, and leading from the front when it matters most.
What You'll Actually Be Doing
Leading the Team (and Raising the Bar)
You'll be leading a pretty diverse engineering group: mechanical, electrical, software, manufacturing, and design. Your job is to make sure everyone knows what they own and what matters most. You'll coach, challenge, and support your team while keeping things moving with urgency and clarity.
Driving Product Development & NPI
You'll take ideas and turn them into real products. From concept through validation and launch, you'll keep things moving while balancing speed, quality, and risk, and dealing with issues early.
Staying Close to Manufacturing
You'll stay connected to the manufacturing floor and how things actually come together. When issues show up, you're in it. You'll lead problem-solving and make sure fixes stick.
Improving What We Already Build
You'll drive improvements in cost, quality, reliability, and ease of production. That includes leading engineering changes and keeping documentation clean and useful.
Keeping Systems and Standards Tight
You'll keep systems aligned and our standards in check, including ERP/MRP accuracy, validation, and release discipline, and maintain compliance without overcomplicating it.
Working Across the Business
You'll work closely with operations, sales, marketing, and leadership to keep engineering aligned with business needs. You'll communicate clearly, build strong relationships, and keep things coordinated so projects move forward without unnecessary friction.
What Success Looks Like
Fewer production issues. Strong, on-time launches. Faster, cleaner engineering changes. Better yield, less rework, and real improvements on the manufacturing floor.
What We're Looking For
• 8+ years in manufacturing engineering
• Experience leading or influencing cross-functional engineering teams
• Strong background in NPI and production ramp
• Proven ability to solve real production and field issues
You Probably Also Have:
• Solid understanding of electro-mechanical systems
• Experience with DFMA, DFMEA/PFMEA, validation processes
• Hands-on experience with ECR/ECO and root cause problem-solving
How You Work:
• You take ownership and finish what you start
• You're not afraid to get into the details when needed
• You can make decisions without dragging things out
• You know how to collaborate without slowing everything down
• You focus on outcomes not just checking process boxes
Why You'll Love Winston
At Winston, we know profits matter. But chasing dollars isn't what drives our decisions. What does? People. We genuinely appreciate every single contribution our team members bring to the table, and we work hard to make Winston a better place to be every day. Culture isn't an afterthought here - it's the core. We love to grow talent from within, but we're just as open to fresh ideas and knowledge from outside voices. Are we perfect?
Nope. But we're honest about that, and we stay focused on our vision: to make money and have fun doing it. After all, we helped revolutionize fried chicken, so you'd better believe we know how to keep things crispy, fun, and worth savoring.
The Details
• Bachelor's degree in a related field required
• 2-5 years in a supervisory or leadership role
• Travel less than 25%
• Mix of desk work and time on the manufacturing floor
• Occasional lifting and physical interaction with equipment
Ready to Build Something That Works in the Real World? If you want to build products that don't just look good on paper but hold up in the real world, and you're ready to lead a team that makes that happen, we should talk.
Apply, and let's get to work.