Sr Project Engineer

About the role

Under the direction of the Engineering Director, the Senior Project Engineer will play a key role in the planning, execution, and delivery of capital projects (CapEx) within a dynamic multinational food manufacturing environment. As part of a multidisciplinary Engineering team supporting all Manufacturing Operations sites within Barry Callebaut's North American Cocoa Business Unit, this role is responsible for managing projects from concept and feasibility through detailed design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and project closeout.

The Senior Project Engineer will translate business requirements into practical engineering solutions, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with company standards, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices. The successful candidate will foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and operational excellence while driving the successful completion of strategic business initiatives.

This position is based in Brantford, Ontario, with regular support provided to the Chatham, Ontario facility. Travel between sites is required based on project demands.

As part of the Regional Engineering organization, this role will work closely with Corporate Engineering teams and will maintain regular communication and collaboration across multiple business functions. Key stakeholders include Plant Leadership, Quality Assurance, HSE, Human Resources, Maintenance, R&D, Supply Chain, Production, Procurement, and Operations teams.

The ideal candidate will possess strong technical and project management expertise, with the ability to establish engineering standards, manage project costs and timelines, develop effective communication strategies, and build cross-functional alignment among diverse stakeholder groups. This role will oversee both internal and external project teams and manage a portfolio of projects ranging from facility improvements and equipment upgrades to large-scale brownfield and greenfield capital expansions.

This is a highly visible role with significant business impact and offers excellent opportunities for growth within Barry Callebaut, the world's leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the work of internal and external engineering resources, consultants, contractors, and engineering firms, providing both technical and administrative leadership.
• Manage capital projects through all phases of the project lifecycle, including concept development, feasibility studies, design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and handover.
• Develop, enhance, and implement engineering standards, frameworks, procedures, and departmental work instructions.
• Serve as Project Manager for capital projects, establishing priorities, managing scope, budgets, schedules, risks, and project deliverables.
• Monitor project performance and ensure the achievement of project objectives while maintaining compliance with corporate standards and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare and maintain engineering documentation, including project charters, capital requests, technical reports, design drawings, specifications, project schedules, and progress reports.
• Conduct technical reviews and ensure compliance with engineering, operational, quality, food safety, and safety standards.
• Lead stakeholder engagement activities, ensuring alignment and obtaining approvals throughout project execution.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish project priorities and secure required resources to meet budget and timeline commitments.
• Partner with Procurement to develop sourcing strategies, support vendor selection, evaluate bids, negotiate contracts, and manage supplier performance.
• Identify and proactively manage project risks through mitigation strategies, contingency planning, and issue resolution.
• Lead capital expenditure forecasting and budget development for the site's two-year capital plan.
• Ensure accurate project tracking, reporting, and communication to stakeholders at all organizational levels.
• Promote a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace culture while fostering strong working relationships across teams.
• Oversee the regional CapEx project portfolio and contribute to the strategic growth and operational performance of the business.
• Create and maintain effective communication plans to ensure stakeholder expectations are managed and project objectives are clearly communicated.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

About you

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related technical field required.
• Master's degree (MSc or MBA) considered an asset.
• PMP® certification is considered an asset.

Experience

• Minimum 6 years of progressive engineering and project management experience within manufacturing, industrial, or corporate environments.
• Demonstrated success leading complex, cross-functional capital projects and managing project teams.
• Experience within food manufacturing or regulated industrial environments is strongly preferred.
• Exposure to international manufacturing operations and global project environments is considered an asset.

Technical Skills

• Strong project management expertise with proficiency in tools such as Microsoft Project and Primavera.
• Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD; experience with SolidWorks is considered an asset.
• Familiarity with ERP systems is advantageous.
• Proven ability to develop engineering solutions and manage multifunctional project teams.
• Strong understanding of engineering standards, construction practices, risk management, and capital project execution.

Leadership & Communication

• Exceptional leadership, communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and drive results across diverse teams and organizational levels.

Working Conditions

• Travel requirement of approximately 10% to 30% between the Brantford and Chatham facilities, depending on project portfolio demands. Company business travel expenses, including mileage, are reimbursed.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and have access to reliable personal transportation.
• Ability to work in both office and industrial manufacturing environments.
• Occasional outdoor work may be required.
• Must be able to freely move throughout manufacturing facilities, construction sites, and operational areas as required
  
  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.