Manager Of Programming Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Were looking for an Engineering Manager whos hands-on, engaged, and ready to lead from the front. Someone whos comfortable stepping into the details when it matters, working alongside the team, and helping drive projects all the way through to completion. This isnt 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

Youll lead a multidisciplinary engineering team (mechanical, electrical, software, manufacturing, and design) and own how we move from concept to production and everything in between.

Youre 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 doesnt.

Youll be visible, involved, and leading from the front when it matters most.

What Youll Actually Be Doing

Leading the Team (and Raising the Bar)

Youll 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. Youll coach, challenge, and support your team while keeping things moving with urgency and clarity.

Driving Product Development & NPI

Youll take ideas and turn them into real products. From concept through validation and launch, youll keep things moving while balancing speed, quality, and risk, and dealing with issues early.

Staying Close to Manufacturing

Youll stay connected to the manufacturing floor and how things actually come together. When issues show up, youre in it. Youll lead problem-solving and make sure fixes stick.

Improving What We Already Build

Youll 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

Youll 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

Youll work closely with operations, sales, marketing, and leadership to keep engineering aligned with business needs. Youll 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 Were 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

Youre 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 Youll Love Winston

At Winston, we know profits matter. But chasing dollars isnt 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 isnt an afterthought here - its the core. We love to grow talent from within, but were just as open to fresh ideas and knowledge from outside voices. Are we perfect?

Nope. But were 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 youd better believe we know how to keep things crispy, fun, and worth savoring.

The Details

Bachelors degree in a related field required

25 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 dont just look good on paper but hold up in the real world, and youre ready to lead a team that makes that happen, we should talk.

Apply, and lets get to work.