Director of Engineering, Facilities and Maintenance

Position Summary: This position provides leadership and direction in the strategic analysis, planning, design, and implementation of projects within the manufacturing and distribution facilities of the organization. A key element of this role will be to restructure and create an engineering function that identifies, analyzes, and implements processes and capabilities utilizing leading edge technology within the production facilities to increase efficiencies and drive higher levels of productivity with a strong focus on safety.

The individual is responsible for the consistent and professional completion of major capital projects per the defined scope, budget and schedule. Also, effectively design, implement and properly maintain the physical properties and assets of the Company’s processing, manufacturing and administrative facilities to support the aspirational growth targets of the organization. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical and relationship-based leadership skills, a keen eye for detail, and a proven track record in engineering and facilities leadership and financial acumen. This position will report to the Senior Director of Operations.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Instill a relationship-based leadership mindset throughout the entire engineering, facilities and maintenance teams with a passion driven leadership style involving critical thinking and strong business acumen.
• Foster a center of excellence culture, and critical thinking community within the engineering, facilities and maintenance teams through leading, coaching and developing safe, high performance action-oriented teams.
• Inspire and empower the engineering, facilities and maintenance teams to achieve business success, leading to a high profit efficient organization (2X top line by 2030).
• Assess capital needs in conjunction with capacity and facility analysis along with other strategic projects to support operational goals. Develop recommendations, implement and manage capital assets with an emphasis on production, processing, manufacturing and warehouse equipment. Actively contribute by turning strategic objectives into achievable plans. Participate in decisions to build, lease, and/or buy/sell physical assets.
• Provide engineering leadership by leveraging, advancing and integrating technology into and processes and project solutions. Advance a project management discipline within the functional area. Oversee the major engineering activities of the company. Specific management includes selection of an execution method for large and small capital projects, supervision of in-house personnel, overseeing the construction administration of all components of the project including contract administration, field administration, contractor and vendor management, equipment installation and project close-out. Identify processes, equipment and technology that enhance and improve productivity, efficiency and cost savings.
• Develop and manage a team of professionals to evaluate, document and report on key KPIs for the overall operations, including establishing baselines for all work centers. The team shall also be responsible for developing and implementing continuous improvement projects along with appropriate automation for the operations that will deliver annual cost savings and increase productivity and efficiencies within the organization. This team will work closely with other parts of the organization to ensure alignment to the broader goals and objectives of the organization.
• Provide leadership to maintenance staff providing daily support for the manufacturing operations. Provide technical direction to the staff. Develop and implement a skills-based approach to the maintenance organization, ensuring qualified staff at all levels (and shifts) within the organization.
• Effectively manage the storeroom and spare parts activities of the enterprise, ensuring appropriate fiscal controls and inventory levels are maintained, while aligning with the financial controls established for this function. Evaluate, develop and implement a comprehensive program to drive accountability within all levels of the Maintenance organization and progress the organization to a proactive/predictive model of maintenance.
• Invest in appropriate technologies to support this transition including tools and equipment that allow for accurate recordkeeping of equipment health and repair history. Outline guidelines and ensure compliance with safety regulations and standards as it pertains to equipment, ergonomics, and natural hazards.
• Prepare, administer and monitor the annual expense budget for the departments/functions directly supervised. Monitor and hold staff accountable for the overall capital budgets for each project. Coordinate with Finance and provide timely reporting of capital expenditures and ensure conformance to corporate reporting requirements. Continue to develop strategic partnerships with service providers to ensure a balance with outsourced services and continually ensure appropriate value for cost as part of this evaluation.
• Develop and train personnel at all levels of the organization. Identify and mentor future leaders of the organization. Acquire specific talent to address project requirements and ensure consistent methodology of delivery. Effectively manage talent and strategically position talent to ensure success on all projects.

Key Requirements:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty effectively. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• A bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management or equivalent experience. A strong overall business acumen is highly desirable.
• 10 years of progressive management responsibility with proven leadership experience managing a diverse team of professionals.
• 5 active years in an influential leadership role with demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional and cross-cultural teams.
• Focus and experience in food manufacturing with emphasis on USDA operations.
• Proven ability to handle multiple large scale projects, manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines and budget
• Advanced analytical, problem solving, negotiating, and communicating skills (presentation, written and verbal).
• Strong project management skills with experience managing a portfolio of food manufacturing projects.
• Ability to be both strategic and tactical.
• Ability to communicate complex technical issues in a way that can be understood and embraced by a non-technical community.