Engineering Manager (Dairy Manufacturing)

Company Overview: Our client, a leading producer of cultured dairy products in Rockford, IL, is seeking a Sr. Manager, Engineering to join their team. This role is responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of engineering and maintenance functions to optimize productivity and maintain the facility’s infrastructure and equipment. As a leader, you will direct a team of maintenance supervisors and technicians, working closely with plant management to achieve goals while embodying the company’s Culture of Excellence principles.

Position Overview: The Sr. Manager, Engineering will be tasked with ensuring mechanical and electrical expertise is available to maintain production systems, utilities, buildings, and grounds in a 24/7 operation. You will collaborate with plant management and corporate staff to improve employee safety, production quality, equipment reliability, and overall equipment effectiveness. This role also involves the design, specification, and commissioning of capital projects, as well as the use of a computerized maintenance management system to optimize asset utilization.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure mechanical and electrical expertise is available to maintain production systems, utilities, buildings, and grounds.
• Collaborate with plant management and corporate staff to improve safety, quality, reliability, and equipment effectiveness.
• Design, specify, and commission capital projects that meet project scope, timeline, and budget expectations.
• Utilize a computerized maintenance management system to optimize asset utilization through scheduled preventative maintenance.
• Develop, report, and analyze key maintenance performance indicators and implement corrective actions.
• Stay current with industry regulations and codes related to mechanical and electrical systems.
• Ensure compliance with corporate policies and standards in both capital projects and daily maintenance.
• Share best practices within the Maintenance Department.
• Promote a safe and environmentally compliant workplace.
• Manage and develop employees directly or through supervisors, including selection, retention, development, and performance management.
• Cooperate as a change agent across all departments within the company.
• Engage in planning, evaluating, organizing, integrating, and delegating responsibilities as a manager.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline strongly preferred.
• 8 years of experience in engineering or maintenance functions within a food manufacturing environment.
• Minimum 2 years of supervisory experience managing maintenance personnel.
• Experience with PLC programming.
• Environmental compliance experience.
• Union, Safety, and Workers Compensation experience preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and AutoCAD.
• Experience managing budgets and capital projects.
• Experience leading and following Safety/Security Policies and Procedures.

Compensation: $150,000 base salary with a 15% annual bonus, bringing total potential compensation to $172,500.

Benefits:

• 401(k) with company contribution
• Competitive pay
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Career growth opportunities – promotion from within
• Comprehensive healthcare benefits
• Service recognition and employee rewards
• Employee referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Work for dairy farm families

If you are an experienced engineering leader with a passion for optimizing production processes and maintaining high standards of safety and quality, we encourage you to apply for the Sr. Manager, Engineering position with our client. Join their team and contribute to the continued success of their cultured dairy products operations.