Job Information
Great Lakes Cheese Director of Engineering Job Details | Great Lakes Cheese in Hiram, Ohio
Job Overview
The Director of Engineering Infrastructure directs and coordinates the activities of the engineering department to provide strategic leadership, technical guidance, advisory support, and oversight to the enterprise's CAPEX management.
Job Responsibilities
Manage, lead and execute projects which include sanitary plant designs and construction management of additions/Greenfield plants.
Manage external engineering services organizations, including Greenfield and Brownfield capital expenditures.
Significant experience with 3rd party engineering services in all aspects of site selection, site layout, food plant design, utilities, wastewater, energy conservation, and sustainability
Drive strategic project execution and assigned teams and resources, both internal and external, to complete deliverables within the deadline and supervise the executions at different stages, with a focus on results and synergies, respecting costs, timescales, resources budget, requirements, and deadlines.
Monitor the project's progression with regular updates, including budget control and resource workload. Identify risks and issues and, when necessary, address mitigation actions. Review contingency plans in coordination with the project leadership team.
Develop and maintain an engineering playbook for food plant design standards for Building, Utilities and Equipment
Resolve problems using solutions that involve new techniques, technologies, or concepts.
Manage the electrical engineering team with a focus on automation opportunities and strategies.
Analyze technology trends, human resource needs, and market demand to plan projects.
Manage the Long Range Capital Plan and provide quarterly updates on key initiatives before each BoD meeting.
Ensure AFE submittals are technically sound and due diligence was completed in preparing capital submittals.
Manage the engineering resources that facilitate capital planning and execution at each site for maintenance and upgrades of infrastructure, utilities, energy conservation, wastewater, and automation.
Confer with management, production, and other stakeholders to determine engineering feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and customer demand for new and existing products.
Forecast department operating costs and prepare budget requests directly.
Advise management of new developments, which may affect profit, schedule, costs, customer relations, and/or inter-departmental relations.
Provide direction and examples for interpreting and applying company policies and procedures to the engineering activities.
Maintain a working knowledge of new technologies that may improve operations and develop recommendations accordingly.
Maintain a working knowledge of safety policies and regulations to ensure the safe performance of one's own and others' duties.
All GLC employees must perform assignments or tasks according to safety policies and procedures.
All GLC employees are expected to produce our products in a manner that exceeds the quality and value expectations of our customers and consumers by adhering to the Good Manufacturing Practices, Policies, and Procedures outlined in our Safe Quality Food Program.
Other responsibilities as assigned by the manager.
Required Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, industrial, or electrical engineering or related field.
Ten years of engineering management or more
Five years of operations management or more.
Experience with external engineering services organizations and seeing projects through full life cycle.
Experience in designing, developing, implementing, and leading technical organizations.
Ability to build and leverage partnerships and manage complex relationships.
Significant negotiation experience (i.e., third party Engineering, State depts., Ag, USDA, Contractors, and Transportation).
Experience with multiple engineering, implementation, and execution strategies (must understand all engineering disciplines and when to use them).
Fundamental experience and knowledge in multiple food processes, utilities including industrial refrigeration, and packaging equipment/systems.
Extensive project management program development and execution experience.
Energetic, creative, self-directed manager with a high level of integrity.
Strong leadership skills, independent thinking, organizational and planning abilities, and excellent analytical and problem-solving skills are essential.
In-depth understanding of all areas of operations management.
Ability to administer a proactive management approach.
Ability to provide leadership, support, communication, and direction to direct reports and senior leadership team.
Ability to handle multiple tasks, troubleshoot, and problem-solve beyond routine issues.
Proficient in Microsoft Office.
50% of travel.
Preferred Education and Experience
Master’s degree.
Food Plant sanitary design, cheese make or packaging experience.
CAD & Revit Software.
Working Conditions
• Work is performed across multiple sites, office setting, warehouse floor (cold environment) and in various locations as needed.
• Occasional exposure to industrial operations including: temperature extremes from approximately 35ºF to 100ºF; noise levels in excess of 85 dB; moisture and moving machinery.
EEOC & Disclaimer
Great Lakes Cheese is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer.