Jobs › Kraft Heinz

Project Lead - Special Projects

Kraft Heinz · Chicago, IL · $141,500–$176,900 a year · Full time

Posted Aug 13, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Walk me through a capital project you led from front-end development to close-out.

What they are checking: Whether they have truly owned the full project lifecycle and not just one phase.

Tell me about a time you improved equipment reliability or maintainability.

What they are checking: Whether they think about lifecycle cost and how maintenance teams will live with what they build.

What does doing the job right the first time mean to you on a project?

What they are checking: Whether they connect TQM ideas to concrete habits like clear requirements and process maps.

Tell me about a time you solved a production problem the plant had been fighting for a while.

What they are checking: Whether they can apply engineering skill to real plant issues, not only new projects.

What would you do

Halfway through installation, the project is trending ten percent over budget. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they control spending early and tell stakeholders the truth with a recovery plan.

How would you work with plant operations to schedule an install without hurting production?

What they are checking: Whether they respect that the plant must keep running and plan downtime carefully with operators.

A vendor's equipment fails its factory acceptance test. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they hold vendors to the specification and protect the schedule at the same time.

About the work

How do you build a cost estimate for a capital project, and how confident can you be at each stage?

What they are checking: Whether they understand estimate accuracy ranges and how contingency should change as design matures.

What does a good commissioning and startup plan look like on a food production line?

What they are checking: Whether they know how to prove a line is safe, sanitary and running to spec before handing it over.

How do you approach food safety and sanitary design when specifying new equipment?

What they are checking: Whether they know that equipment in a food plant must be cleanable and meet hygienic design standards.

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The full job description

As published by Kraft Heinz.

Job Description • To ensure projects are completed on time within budget or with successful attainment of objectives . • Lead capital projects through the full project lifecycle, including front end development, cost estimating, execution, commissioning, startup and project close out. • Drive continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to improve equipment reliability, maintainability, efficiency and lifecycle cost • Completes specific phases or aspects of the project such as technical studies, product design, preparation of specifications and technical plans and product testing. • Coordinates activities concerned with technical developments, scheduling, and resolving engineering design and test problems. • Controls expenditures within limitations of project budget. • Prepares interim and completion project reports. • Provide functional and technical support to the factories to minimize production and maintenance problems. • Apply engineering expertise to equipment design, problems solving, and quality improvement. • Support PRC and key support projects as technical advisor or project manager. • In every activity, use the principles of TQM “To do the job right the first time”  This includes establishing requirements and the process maps necessary to meet the customer’s requirements and all things done right the first time. Expected Experience & Required Skills : • Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from an accredited engineering school or related field is required • 5-7 years of experience of full cycle project management experience • Experience in capital project governance, vendor management, project scheduling, risk management, leadership, communication, and experience managing multiple concurrent capital projects across several sites. • Strong background in mechanical and hydraulic systems, packaging methods, and materials, electronics and computer applications, and electrical systems . • Ability to work to flexible schedule including days, afternoons, midnights, and overtime as needed . • Demonstrated ability to Direct/Lead/Manage cross functional teams on large capital project/programs of $20MM or more . • Traveling up to 50 % Work Environment & Schedule This position is considered a Normal office environment with moderate travel to customer locations, stores, manufacturing facilities, etc.; offices are open workspaces Additionally, this role requires normal working hours. Up to 50% travel required across North America. Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz’ strategy and values. New Hire Base Salary Range: $141,500.00 - $176,900.00 Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents. The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents. Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families. You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example: • Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments • Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training • Emotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs • Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability Location(s) Chicago/Aon Center Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com for assistance.

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