Job Summary:

The Director of Engineer will oversee and lead all aspects of the technical organization including capital planning, project management, systems engineering, plant technical teams, technical development and theory of operation. You will look at ways to maximize efficiency and yields, optimize costs, as well as take ownership of capital project management, effective line design, equipment evaluation and operation performance, Factory Acceptance Tests, start-up and validation. This role will report directly to the COO and will interface with all levels of the organization including the senior executive team.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Leads technical organization across the company providing individual development, strategy and execution of.
• Leads engineering technical solutions and capital projects from inception through completion. Initiates concepts, develops designs and the best technical solutions, estimates costs, justifications, coordinates installations, troubleshoots start-ups, trains required personnel on new equipment.
• Leads development and execution of 3-year capital strategy.
• Owns the “Theory of Operation” across all platforms demonstrating a strong material, equipment, and product knowledge. Closely collaborates with R&D, QA, Sanitation and Manufacturing on the definition of equipment standards, centerlines and standardization of current processes, the definition and improvement of technical solutions, and the development of new processes and packaging solutions.
• Develop and maintain material balances and unit operation capability information to ensure optimal production rates, parameters, and formulas.

·        Apply technical knowledge, problem solving skills, and leadership to solve problems and drive improvements.

·        Identify, develop, lead & execute equipment and system improvements that deliver financial and performance benefits.

·        Leads Technical organization in New Product Development processes to evaluate concepts, design, prototype, test, and launch.

• Leads process equipment definition and selection and champions the best engineering practices for improved performance. Analyze with Manufacturing teams and other functions the performance impacts of new equipment or equipment modifications across current operations.
• Represent the company's position and interest effectively in dealing with outside contractors, vendors, and engineering consultants, as well as a constructive positive attitude across the organization and working teams.
• Assists other department’s efforts to provide technical training and guidance to improve operations.

Qualifications:

·        A BS degree in engineering with 15+ years of experience in the Food, Dairy or CPG manufacturing industries. Chemical or Mechanical Engineering degrees preferred; similar technical degrees may be considered.

·        Proven experience leading the selection, design, specification, and/or development of new technology platforms, including modification of existing manufacturing assets. Lead front end engineering activities, and projects across a complex network of plants.

·        Strong analytical and communication skills. Ability to draw sound technical conclusions based on limited data, including ability to write a concise report of findings and technical / business recommendations of innovative designs that improve operation performance.

·        Demonstrate sound business acumen to drive comprehensive business propositions, including strong communication skills across all organizational levels and different cultural environments.

·        Experience in leading and influencing multi-functional teams and multiple plants in the achievement of complex business objectives.

·        Experience in Continuous Improvement processes and systems through innovative designs, driving cost savings and process optimization.

·        Proven capital project management experience and project technical risk analysis

·        Proven successful experience in leading the implementation of process and packaging technologies in a manufacturing environment through Vertical Start-Ups.