Software Engineering Manager Jobs in Kitchener, ON

About the role

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.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will possess extensive experience leading major capital projects within world-class manufacturing organizations, with proven expertise in project start-up and TPM Early Management methodologies, including CQV and IQ/OQ/PQ processes.

Working closely with start-up teams and program leadership, the Major Project Engineering Manager will establish and lead a high-performing engineering organization focused on delivering vertical start-up (VSU) excellence and critical business KPIs across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, People, and Environment.

Key Deliverables

• Achieve zero TRIR (Total Recordable Incident Rate) while maintaining compliance with process and people safety standards.
• Deliver zero quality defects and ensure compliance with BC and local food safety requirements.
• Meet ramp-up objectives and achieve OEE > 85%.
• Deliver projects on schedule with no significant delays.
• Maintain adherence to approved capital budgets with no material cost overruns.
• Achieve employee engagement survey results of 90% or greater.
• Meet established energy efficiency and CO reduction targets.
• Ensure full compliance with BC and local environmental regulations and standards.

Scope of Responsibility

• 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.

About you

Education

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, or related discipline).

Experience & Knowledge

• 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.

Essential Experience & Functional Competencies

• 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.

Leadership Competencies

• 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.

Barry Callebaut can offer you a challenging and dynamic international environment that includes a broad range of opportunities for personal growth and development. Apply for one of our interesting positions and start a great career in the wonderful world of CHOCOLATE. Barry Callebaut is an equal opportunity employer, committed to fair and accessible employment practices that attract and retain talented employees. Should you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at the Brantford site.