Sr. Process Engineer - Chicago, Illinois, United States

Who are we? · Since Day 1, KIND has had a vision for a kinder and healthier world. A world in which people never have to choose between what tastes good, feels good, and does good when it comes to their snacking.     · Our iconic KIND bars – made with real, recognizable ingredien ...

Job description

Who are we?

Since Day 1, KIND has had a vision for a kinder and healthier world. A world in which people never have to choose between what tastes good, feels good, and does good when it comes to their snacking.    

Our iconic KIND bars – made with real, recognizable ingredients – sparked the growth of an entirely new healthy snacking category back in 2004. Now, KIND has a family of more than 80 snacks that offer solutions for a variety of occasions. All of KIND's products lead with a nutrient-dense first ingredient – like nuts or whole grains – and do not contain genetically engineered ingredients, sugar alcohols or artificial sweeteners.  

We're looking for passionate collaborators to help us become the foremost leader in health & wellness and positively impact society along the way. If you're looking to be a part of an inspiring, energetic and entrepreneurial environment, you've found the right place.

What you'll do

The Sr. Process Engineer will provide process engineering support for multiple approved Innovation and renovation projects across multiple Business Units at Mars Snacking with specific focus on KIND, while also supporting Natures Bakery and trü frü Business Units as needed. This role will be critical for building the H&W internal technical expertise and executing Planned Innovation opportunities. The Sr. Process Engineer will also support business initiatives around value leadership, sustainability, and manufacturing support. Collaboration with a cross-functional team is necessary for success in this role, including Business Unit stakeholders. Projects may include input into the evaluation of manufacturing technologies and commissioning of new equipment.

How you'll do it

• Act as support for the Business Units and other key stakeholders for all Innovation, Renovation and Productivity projects.
• A strategic thinker and approach business initiatives with an entrepreneurial spirit.
• Able to influence, facilitate groups with diverse perspectives, and bring teams to consensus / alignment.
• Able to work in a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment and maintain a positive outlook.
• Able to demonstrate prudent judgment when making important decisions by utilizing knowledge of industry best practices and current trends.
• Excellent at planning and prioritization skills with the ability to multi-task and rapidly adapt.
• Provide guidance and support for engineering regarding design concepts, specifications and requirements to best utilize equipment and manufacturing processes.
• Project scope development and management.
• Reputation of the team, i.e., how the project was achieved.
• Responsible for understanding the manufacturing processes of the company and identifying areas where the cost/ benefit favors technology and automation.
• Effectiveness of team, build team, manage interpersonal opportunities.
• Keeps abreast of best practices, and current or emerging manufacturing technologies to determine options and recommend improvements.
• Collaborate with the HSE (Health Safety Environmental) and Food Safety and Quality Teams to ensure products are manufactured to specifications and in compliance with Mars INC Safety and Food Safety Standards.
• Execute communication processes that ensure appropriate level of communication of daily activities between all stakeholders.
• Collaborate with external project stakeholders to ensure priorities and standards have been reviewed and scope of work is aligned.

What you'll bring to KIND

• Organizational Leadership
  • You bring a strong sense of urgency and a can-do attitude 
  • You possess excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • You bring a partnership and relationship-based approach in working with internal and external business partners. Always presenting a "we vs. me" attitude. 
  • You bring a willingness to challenge our "way of work" to maximize our resources and enhance our success rate
  • You develop and manage supplier relationships and stay abreast of industry trends and technology developments to leverage outside ideas and technical solutions  
  • You network with the global R&D community to share and utilize best practices.  
• Technical Leadership
  • You bring strong technical equipment knowledge to the organization
  • You execute the qualification and approval processes for new processing equipment, new lines, and/or manufacturing locations.
  • You develop & execute well thought-out trial plans, collect data, and interpret results to drive program/project and technical knowledge forward; develop robust action plans, risk assessment, and contingency planning.
  • You are a proven problem solver and utilize analytical thinking to identify the root cause of an issue. 
  • You support the pipeline development/validation/execution of all productivity projects involving process optimizations.

You have...

• A BS or MS degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related degree.
• At least 5+ years of relevant concept to launch experience.
• At least 5+ years of relevant experience in Process engineering, development and manufacturing qualifications, start-ups & innovation projects.
• Strong foundational knowledge in food process technologies and equipment.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Familiarity with the activities in Marketing, Market Research, Legal/Regulatory, QA and Manufacturing.
• The ability to travel 30% - 50% to support project work.

Certain states and localities require employers to post a reasonable estimate of salary range. A reasonable estimate of the current base salary range for this position is $108, $145, Actual salary will be based on a variety of factors, including location, experience, skill set, performance, licensure and certification, and business needs. The range for this position in other geographic locations may differ.

What KIND offers 

• 401(K) or RRSP's with generous company match
• Flexible Paid Time Off. Choose what works best for you, including summer hours. Paid parental leave. 
• Excellent health, dental & vision insurance, with options to fit you & your family's needs 
• Company paid disability and life insurance to provide income protection 
• Your health is important Our wellness strategy focuses on mental and physical wellbeing via programs like Employee Assistance Program, a wellness subsidy, healthy food options and gym facility in HQ. 
• Casual office dress code– feel free to wear your KIND gear 
• Stock up on your favorite KIND bars to share with your family & friends, through a quarterly voucher 
• Training & tuition reimbursement program, because continuing to learn matters and we support your development 
• A dynamic, ambitious, fun and KIND work environment 
• Charitable Donation Matching: KIND matches your charitable donations up to $1000 annually through our donation matching portal. 

EEO 

At KIND, we are committed to an inclusive workplace where diversity in all its forms is championed. KIND is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace, and we are an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you require special accommodation, please let us know. 

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