Director of Engineering and Maintenance

Director of Engineering & Maintenance

Job SummaryAs an Engineering and Maintenance Director, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of our food manufacturing facilities. Your responsibilities will encompass overseeing engineering projects, managing maintenance teams, and maintaining compliance with safety and quality standards. If you’re a strategic leader with a passion for optimizing processes and ensuring operational excellence, this role is for you!

You will lead the Plant in developing processes to produce food products more efficiently. This role will be required to have a strong end-to-end food manufacturing process background. The success of this role will be measured through improved performance in Food Safety, Quality, and productivity. This role will own target setting and target adjustments of KPIs including Direct Labor, Yield, Throughput, and Pounds per Direct Labor Hour. Target setting will be data-based through using tools such as RedZone and Tableau. Skill sets such as Lean, 6-Sigma, Continuous Improvement, TQM, and Change Management will be key to the success of this role. This role will work closely with the Plant Director to set up teams to drive improved performance with a target of 2 productivity projects per quarter. The role includes significant time on the Plant Floor. This role will also partner with Engineering to support OEM Design Capacity and work area layout for ease of production, cleaning, and maintenance. Will require 50% travel. Relocation assistance is provided for the right candidate.ResponsibilitiesLeadership and Strategy:Develop and execute a long-term vision for engineering and maintenance operations.Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align engineering efforts with overall business goals.Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and reduce downtime.`Maintenance Management:Directly manage maintenance associates and leads through performance management.Oversee preventative maintenance compliance and effectiveness.Ensure timely repairs and maintenance of equipment, machinery, and facilities.Develop and implement maintenance schedules and procedures.Engineering Projects:Lead engineering projects related to process optimization, equipment upgrades, and facility expansion.Collaborate with design teams to ensure seamless project execution.Monitor project timelines, budgets, and resource allocation.Safety and Compliance:Maintain compliance with safety regulations, environmental standards, and quality requirements.Implement best practices for safe work practices and risk mitigation.Conduct regular safety audits and address any non-compliance issues promptly.Budgeting and Cost Control:Develop and manage the engineering and maintenance budget.Optimize costs while ensuring high-quality maintenance services.Evaluate capital expenditure requests and prioritize projects.Vendor Management:Liaise with external vendors and contractors for maintenance services and equipment procurement.Negotiate contracts, monitor performance, and ensure timely delivery of services.Training and Development:Provide technical training to maintenance teams.Mentor and coach team members to enhance their skills and knowledge.Foster a culture of continuous learning and professional development.Emergency Response:Develop and implement emergency response plans for equipment failures, power outages, and other critical incidents.Coordinate with relevant teams to minimize production disruptions.QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Industrial Engineering.Knowledgeable in ISO, USDA, and food customer-regulated environments.Minimum 8-10 years of experience in maintenance and engineering in the food manufacturing industry.Strong mathematical and analytical skills.Strong leadership skills, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.Knowledge of regulatory requirements, safety protocols, and industry best practices.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.BenefitsCompetitive salary and performance-based bonuses.Health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits.Opportunities for career growth and professional development.Join a dynamic team passionate about food quality and safety.