Job Summary The Director Engineering Services partners closely with engineering project management teams and manufacturing/packaging sites to ensure capital projects are executed effectively and meet or exceed expectations. This role leads asset management, engineering standards, and equipment reliability programs, ensuring regulatory compliance and consistent adoption of best practices across the organization.
The position also oversees all aspects of E-Z Pak manufacturing, including design, sourcing, assembly, testing, and deployment, while driving continuous improvement in reliability, asset utilization, and engineering capabilities across facilities.
Travel for the role will average 40%-60% annually.Position is remote, but to be home based in the Chicagoland area. No relocation is available for the opportunity.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership & Program Oversight- Lead and standardize asset management, Maintenance Excellence Team (MET), E-Z Pak, and engineering specification programs across all sites
- Develop and implement policies, procedures, and best practices to drive consistent, best-in-class performance
- Support development and execution of annual capital budgets and ensure projects are delivered on scope, on time, and on budget
- Provide regular reporting on key operational and financial performance metrics
- Partner cross-functionally (Quality, Food Safety, Operations, Planning, Maintenance, Finance) to ensure alignment and successful project delivery
Engineering & Capital Project Execution- Oversee capital project execution and ensure validation of results through audit processes
- Assign and manage project execution through E-Z Pak Managers, MET Project Managers, and Central Engineers
- Support business case development in partnership with Supply Chain and Commercial Finance
- Lead the evaluation and implementation of new technologies to modernize processes and improve efficiency
- Travel to sites to ensure adherence to timelines, budgets, and deliverables
Asset Management & Reliability- Lead enterprise asset management strategy, including tracking, utilization, transfers, and dispositions
- Lead the implementation of reliability programs, including CMMS systems and reliability matrices
- Lead the company maintenance strategy definition and implementation across the network, and works with the maintenance teams to improve preventative, predictive, and TPM strategies
- Identify gaps in asset performance and drive improvements in availability, capability, and maintenance practices
- Develop systems to track underutilized assets (including condition, location, and reuse potential)
- Optimize spare parts strategy and promote asset redeployment to reduce cost and downtime
- Support root cause analysis and continuous improvement following equipment failures
People Leadership & Development- Develop engineering talent through performance management, coaching, and development planning
- Mentor and guide project managers, maintenance managers, and engineering staff across the organization
- Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture with strong communication across all levels
- Lead through influence across geographically dispersed teams
Qualifications- Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Industrial, Mechanical, or related field) or equivalent experience
- 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in engineering within food manufacturing or GMP environments
- Experience leading capital projects ($10MM-$35MM range preferred)
- Background in engineering, maintenance management, and reliability programs
- Proven success in project management, budget management, and cross-functional leadership
- Experience with vendor negotiations, contracts, and procurement processes
- Technical Skills:
- Capital planning and capital project execution
- Sustainable Cost Reduction Projects
- Asset reliability and maintenance strategies (PM, PdM, TPM)
- Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies
- Failure Modes Effects & Criticality Analysis (FMECA)
- ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP)
- CMMS systems (e.g., MVP one and similar)
- Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Visio)
- AutoCAD
- Data analysis and reporting tools
- Skills:
- Strong leadership, coaching, and team development capabilities
- Excellent communication (written and verbal) and presentation skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and influence across the organization
- Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, including root cause analysis
- Strong organizational and project management abilities
- Financial acumen (ROI, IRR, NPV, payback analysis)
- Negotiation and contract management skills
Relocation is not available for this opportunity.The pay range for this full-time, salaried position is $141,436 -$180,000/year. Individual base pay depends on work location and additional factors such as experience, job-related skills, and relevant education or training. The position is eligible for a discretionary annual incentive based on company and individual performance. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, 401k and wellness benefits beginning on the first day of employment.
This information is provided per the relevant state and local pay transparency laws for the location in which this position will be performed. Base pay information is based on market location.
Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position. It is the candidate's responsibility to ensure they are legally authorized to work in the location to which they apply.
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Maker's Pride is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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