Regional Engineer

SunOpta Overview

SunOpta (Nasdaq:STKL) (TSX:SOY) is an innovative and sustainable manufacturer fueling the future of food. With roots tracing back over 50 years, SunOpta drives growth for today’s leading brands by serving as a trusted innovation partner and value-added manufacturer, crafting organic, plant-based beverages, fruit snacks, nutritional beverages, broths and tea products sold through retail, club, foodservice and e-commerce channels. Alongside the company’s commitment to top brands, retailers and coffee shops, SunOpta also proudly produces its own brands, including SOWN®, Dream®, and West Life™. For more information, visit SunOpta and LinkedIn.

SunOpta is looking for talented individuals that demonstrate our most valued behaviors: Passion, Dedication, Speed, Entrepreneurship, Customer-Centricity, and Problem-Solver, to help create a brighter, healthier, and sustainable future of food!

Job Summary

The Corporate/Regional Engineering & Maintenance Manager will oversee engineering and maintenance functions across multiple facilities, ensuring the effective planning, execution, and optimization of engineering projects and maintenance programs. This role is critical in enhancing operational efficiency, driving automation, and ensuring asset reliability. The successful candidate will collaborate with cross-functional teams to support production goals while implementing best-in-class engineering & maintenance strategies.

This position reports to the Director of Engineering & Maintenance and works closely with Plant Engineers, Maintenance Managers, Production Managers, Plant Directors, and Project Managers to drive strategic improvements across assigned facilities.

Essential Functions Of The Job

• Lead and execute capital projects, including new installations, facility upgrades, and automation improvements.
• Develop and oversee a three-year CAPEX plan in collaboration with the plants, ensuring alignment with business objectives and operational needs.
• Prepare and support Request for Capital (RCAs) for projects, ensuring adherence to budget, schedule, and compliance standards.
• Manage contractors, vendors, and engineering firms to execute projects safely and efficiently.
• Drive continuous improvement in process, packaging, and system technology to enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive maintenance strategy, incorporating Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM), and predictive maintenance practices.
• Ensure optimal use of CMMS (MVP-One, Maximo, SAP, or equivalent) to improve asset tracking, work order management, and maintenance effectiveness.
• Lead Simple root cause analysis (SRC) to resolve recurring issues, reduce downtime, and enhance equipment performance.
• Standardize maintenance best practices across plants, ensuring consistency and efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with USDA, FDA, OSHA, GMP standards and other regulatory requirements.
• Establish and enforce engineering and maintenance policies, procedures, and standards to maintain a safe and compliant operation.
• Support plant teams with training and skills development for engineering and maintenance personnel.
• Develop sustainability initiatives to enhance energy efficiency, reduce waste, and support the company’s environmental goals.
• Partners with Plant Engineers, Maintenance Managers, Production Managers, and Plant Directors to align engineering and maintenance strategies with business objectives.
• Work closely with the Director of Engineering, VP of Operations and other Supply Chain Leadership to drive corporate engineering initiatives.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence.
• Lead and mentor engineering and maintenance teams, providing guidance on technical challenges and leadership development.
• Adhere to all safety measures and GMP’s.
• Projects, training activities and other duties as assigned.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Chemical, or a related field). Master’s degree preferred.
• 8-15 years of experience in engineering and maintenance leadership in a manufacturing or industrial setting, preferably across multiple plants (preferably food & beverage, or CPG industry).
• Strong background in automation, packaging, and process technology (Tetra Pak, Sidel, Krones, GEA equipment experiences preferred).
  
  

Knowledge And Skills

• CMMS expertise – MVP-One, Maximo, or equivalent system experience.
• Continuous Improvement & TPM experience – Strong knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, and Operational Excellence principles.
• Experience managing multi-plant engineering & maintenance operations.
• Technical Expertise – Advanced knowledge of engineering principles, troubleshooting, RCM, TPM, and automated systems.
• Strategic Leadership – Ability to align engineering and maintenance strategies with business growth objectives.
• Project Management – Proven track record of CAPEX project execution over $20 Million, budget management, and cost optimization.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration – Strong interpersonal skills to partner effectively with production, supply chain, and corporate teams.
• Regulatory & Compliance Knowledge – Experience with USDA, FDA, OSHA, GMP, and food safety regulations.
  
  

Additional Considerations

• This role requires flexibility to travel to SunOpta plant locations as needed, providing hands-on leadership and support across our network. Travel Expectation: 25-70%.
• This role is located in our Eden Prairie, MN location
  
  

Featured Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid Family leave
• Paid maternity leave
• 401(k) with Match
• Voluntary Life, Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital indemnity
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition assistance
• Short-term and Long-term Disability insurance
  
  

Work Environment/Physical Demands

• Travel via airplane and car.
• Wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) when required.
  
  

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

EOE M/W/VET/DISABLED