Engineering Manager

Key Responsibilities:

Engineering & Maintenance Leadership:

Supervise daily maintenance and engineering operations, ensuring optimal performance and reliability of dairy processing, packaging, and utility systems.

Develop and implement preventive and predictive maintenance programs to minimize downtime and prolong the lifespan of equipment.

Lead and mentor a team of maintenance technicians, engineers, and support staff, fostering their professional growth and providing ongoing training.

Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as equipment uptime, maintenance costs, downtime, OEE, and efficiency. Capital Projects & Continuous Improvement:

Manage capital expenditure (CapEx) projects, including facility expansions, equipment upgrades, and automation initiatives.

Lead continuous improvement efforts using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) principles.

Assess and implement new technologies and automation solutions to improve operational efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance product quality. Safety, Compliance, & Food Manufacturing Standards:

Ensure compliance with FDA, USDA, PMO (Pasteurized Milk Ordinance), SQF, HACCP, GMPs, and OSHA regulations.

Ensure adherence to City, State, and Federal Environmental Compliance Reporting requirements.

Foster a culture of safety, ensuring all maintenance and engineering teams follow proper procedures and personal protective equipment (PPE) protocols.

Conduct risk assessments and reliability studies to improve plant safety and operational effectiveness. Budgeting & Cost Control:

Develop and manage the engineering and maintenance budget, optimizing costs while ensuring operational excellence.

Negotiate contracts with vendors, suppliers, and service providers to secure cost-effective procurement of equipment and materials.

Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives, including energy efficiency projects and waste reduction strategies. Cross-Functional Collaboration:

Partner with production, quality, and supply chain teams to support operational goals and resolve technical challenges.

Collaborate with corporate engineering and leadership on long-term facility improvement projects.

Act as the technical expert for plant engineering matters, providing troubleshooting expertise for complex equipment and process issues. Qualifications & Requirements:

Education & Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or related field).

10+ years of experience in plant engineering, maintenance, or reliability within a dairy manufacturing environment.

Experience managing capital projects, preventative maintenance programs, and process automation.

In-depth knowledge of dairy-specific processing systems, refrigeration, CIP systems, packaging equipment, and utility systems (boilers, HVAC, compressed air, etc.).