Plant Engineer (Cooked Protein)

Position Summary

The Plant Engineering Manager will play a pivotal role in driving engineering excellence within our food processing plant. This role involves developing and implementing strategic plans for engineering, maintenance, reliability, and automation. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong background in mechanical, electrical, and industrial engineering, with expertise in ammonia refrigeration systems and a proven track record in enhancing operational efficiency and reliability. The Plant Engineering Manager will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless operations and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning:
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive Engineering, Maintenance, Reliability, and Automation strategic plan for the department.
  • Create an integrated organization by utilizing roles in various competencies to ensure maintenance and reliability success.
• Operational Coordination:
  • Liaise with the operations group to align engineering strategies with operational needs and support overall production goals.
  • Coordinate with cross-functional departments (Operations, R&D, Supply Chain, etc.) to optimize operational effectiveness, life cycle cost-effectiveness, and MRO procurement activities.
• Process Improvement:
  • Inspect and review procedures, practices, and areas to identify opportunities for reducing waste and improving efficiency.
  • Identify and evaluate operating problems, recommend, engineer, develop, and implement solutions for productivity and quality improvements.
• Performance Management:
  • Conduct regular team and individual strategy and performance management discussions.
  • Analyze Key Performance Metrics to deliver improvements in critical maintenance-related metrics such as unplanned downtime, PM compliance, schedule compliance, Mean-Time-Between-Failures, and maintenance-related costs.
• Capital Project Management:
  • Oversee the development and management of capital projects, including budgeting and technical support.
  • Recommend project scopes, specify and manage the installation of new equipment, rebuilds, retrofits, and replacements, ensuring overall success against project costs, specifications, and reliability.
• Governance and Compliance:
  • Ensure governance of all procedures, regulations, and reporting requirements.
  • Ensure proper use of the CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) as the workflow tool and equipment history database.
  • Develop and maintain environmental compliance guidelines, policies, and programs.
• Training and Development:
  • Develop, conduct, and/or obtain required training for plant personnel to comply with FDA, EPA, and OSHA regulations.
  • Provide leadership, training, and support for development projects and foster innovation in equipment reliability systems.
• Supervisory Responsibilities:
  • Conduct all supervisory responsibilities, including hiring, training, counseling, disciplining, assigning/prioritizing tasks, and terminations as needed.
  • Coach and provide guidance to staff to enhance their skills and performance.
• Audit and Risk Management:
  • Participate in plant audits with risk assessment insurers and close out open recommendations following engineering reviews.
• Coordination and Communication:
  • Establish and maintain open communications within the area of responsibility and with supported departments.
  • Work to ensure close coordination between operations, maintenance, and engineering for prompt diagnosis of equipment failures and minimal downtime.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field preferred. Advanced degrees or certifications are a plus.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in a plant engineering role, preferably in a food processing or manufacturing environment.
• Skills:
• Expertise in ammonia refrigeration systems and maintenance.
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
• Knowledge of budgeting methods, cost accounting, and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices).
• Proficiency in ERP & CMMS systems (preferred but not required), with strong skills in Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Understanding of maintenance planning and scheduling, and reliability sciences for predictive and preventive activities.
• Ability to manage, lead, and work collaboratively with peers.
• Ability to foster innovation and lead change.