Plant Engineering Manager

Multi-plant managerial position that provides leadership and direction to a plant engineering team that provides engineering support and guidance for plant initiatives that focus on, process improvement, cost reduction, building capabilities, capacity, and increased efficiency/ throughout.

Cross-functionally drives change throughout departments and facilities via capital projects and improvement initiatives. Leads the plant engineering group in supporting the development of new technologies and capabilities which impact NPD, capacity constraints, efficiency gains, and reduction in operating costs.

Drives execution of capital projects and priorities and ensures effective administration of plans. Responsible for technical review of capital projects to include appropriate project documentation with schedules, forecasts, project scopes, and project specifications. Negotiates with equipment manufacturers and vendors to ensure competitive pricing and to understand new technologies.

Leads and develops teams to achieve personal, department, plant specific, and company objectives through coaching, training, and feedback. Utilizes the performance management process to effectively and consistently drive accountability for expected results.

Drives a continuous improvement culture to minimize cost of goods sold while maximizing efficiencies in the manufacturing facilities utilizing engineering processes and tools.

Works with corporate engineering and manufacturing to develop and manage capital plans including forecasting and budgeting.

Facilitates and manages the project approval process in the manufacturing facilities for initiation and approval of all capital projects.

Negotiates with equipment manufacturers and vendors to ensure competitive pricing and to understand new technologies. Qualifications

In addition to the responsibilities listed above, other duties may be assigned by your supervisor, as dictated by business necessity.

Bachelor's degree in related technical field or equivalent.

Minimum (7) ten years' experience in either industrial maintenance or engineering roles.

Demonstrated project management knowledge.

Excellent business acumen Familiarity with CI (Continuous Improvement) methods and process improvement concepts.

Effective decision-making skills and ability to deal with ambiguity and stress effectively.

Must have good leadership skills and be able to mentor others.

Project Management skills required.

Proficient in Microsoft Office.

Negotiation and persuasion skills.

Strong presentation skills (business cases).

Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals at all levels of an organization.

Must be able to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing.

Able to manage, diffuse and resolve conflict.

Ability to lead and manage change.

Ability to effectively coach and lead others.

Strong mechanical aptitude and able to solve complex problems.

Reports to Director of Project & Plant Engineering

Direct Reports - Up to 10 Engineers and/or Technical Integrators

Indirect Reports - N/A

Wells Enterprises is an EEO/AA employer M/F/Vet/Dis

About Us

Wells Enterprises, Inc. is the largest privately held ice cream manufacturer in the United States. Founded in 1913 by Fred H. Wells and run by the Wells family for generations, the company is an independent operating company of the Ferrero Group, one of the global leaders in sweet, packaged foods.

Wells produces more than 200 million gallons of ice cream per year and distributes products in all 50 states. Wells manufactures its signature brand Blue Bunny®, lower-calorie Halo Top®, the iconic Bomb Pop®, and Blue Ribbon Classics®.

Wells employs nearly 4,000 ice cream aficionados across the country. The company is headquartered in Le Mars, Iowa, where Wells has made Le Mars the "Ice Cream Capital of the World" as the largest manufacturer of ice cream in one location. Wells operates two manufacturing plants in Le Mars, Iowa, a manufacturing plant in Dunkirk, New York, and a manufacturing facility in Henderson, Nevada. Learn more at

What We Offer

At Wells, we're proud to support our employees with comprehensive benefits that enhance health, financial wellness, and include paid time off (PTO). Eligible employees may also receive an annual incentive bonus based on Company performance. Learn more about our benefits here.