Sr. Director of Engineering

Title: Sr. Director of Engineering

Location: onsite in South Holland, IL

Pay Rate:$140K-$195K Depending on experience

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO, 401K

The Sr. Director of Engineering will oversee all engineering activities that align with the company's vision, growth strategies, and key initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in managing multidisciplinary engineering teams across various functions (Manufacturing, Chemical, Electrical, and Controls Engineers) while driving process optimization, compliance, and cost reduction strategies. In this leadership role, the Sr. Director will be responsible for project management, capital budget oversight, and ensuring safety and compliance across engineering operations.

Requirements:

• Experience in the food, meat manufacturing experience is a must
• Must have USDA/FDA
• Knowledge of oil refining processes.
• Experience managing a multi-discipline engineering group (Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, and Controls Engineers).
• Willingness to travel up to 50% to support the Georgia Facility Expansion project for the next three years.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% to support Georgia and South Chicago Plant operations post-expansion.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical, Manufacturing, or Process Engineering (preferred).
• 8-10 years of leadership experience in managing an engineering department in a food manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of the food industry, including sanitary design, process controls, P&ID’s, and regulatory compliance.
• Proven success in leading complex projects with measurable results.
• Self-starter with strong leadership, business acumen, decision-making, and analytical skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for all levels of the organization.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, engineering-specific software, and AutoCAD.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement engineering standards, ensuring alignment with best practices across the organization.
• Evaluate and improve existing processes, providing cost reduction recommendations.
• Research and implement new technologies and opportunities to optimize manufacturing processes and infrastructure.
• Lead and develop the engineering team, focusing on talent management and sustainable growth.
• Oversee the Capital Management Plan, including the development, design, and execution of projects for multiple facilities with budgets of $2.5 million or more.
• Provide technical leadership and training on equipment operations, safety standards, and maintenance practices.
• Act as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for compliance with local, state, and federal environmental regulations.
• Support engineering efforts in alignment with meat and oil industry processes, including mechanical systems like refrigeration and boilers.
• Ensure a safe and healthy work environment through compliance with regulatory and legal standards.
• Collaborate with Plant Management and senior leadership to establish and manage capital budgets.
• Lead the Capital Planning Process, collaborating with Finance and plant teams to track and manage capital plans.
• Actively participate in food safety programs to ensure the safety of ingredients and finished products.
• Serve as an SME for Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) activities and regulations.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, cost efficiency, and sustainability.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Management Responsibilities:

• Direct the engineering team at meat and oil facilities, resolving issues related to coordination, prioritization, and deliverables.
• Foster continuing education through professional organizations and trade associations.
• Manage department costs, personnel, and processes.
• Lead the hiring and firing processes for engineering staff.
• Set performance standards and ensure organizational policies are executed.
• Oversee timecard administration and approval of time-off requests.

Competencies:

• Initiative: Proactively plans and delivers solutions to meet short and long-term goals.
• Teamwork: Fosters effective communication and collaborative relationships across the organization.
• Results-Oriented: Focused on driving improvements and achieving ambitious goals.
• Project Management: Skilled at organizing and leading projects to successful completion.
• Analytical Thinking: Uses systematic approaches to address and solve problems.
• Strategic Thinking: Analyzes market trends and competitive positions to inform organizational strategy.
• Managing Change: Supports innovation and organizational changes for enhanced effectiveness.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.