Director of Engineering & Projects

Responsible for the strategic oversight and leadership required to operate and maintain a 975,000 square foot animal protein production facility. Will spearhead implementation of engineering initiatives, planning, and design. The Director of Engineering and Projects will be required to determine specifications for each project and work with Company affiliated engineers to ensure drawings are accurate as applicable to each project and maintain timelines to ensure project completion on schedule, while complying with federal and state regulations. Oversees all capital expenditures, projects and facility expansions while maintaining production efficiencies within budgetary parameters and driving continuous improvement.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: This list is not intended to be all-inclusive and other duties may be assigned.Manage all aspects of engineering needs of plant, including working with contractors and IT on equipment installation and production floor layout/process flow to meet deadlines.Participate as a key stakeholder in selection, on-boarding, training and development of employees engaged in all levels of maintenance activity during start-up and beyond; must develop a structure for equipment maintenance and a staff that can effectively manage such a program.Responsible for obtaining MOCs, writing appropriation requests and completing capital projects in an efficient and cost-effective manner.Responsible for maintaining all regulatory compliance for PSM/RMP and EPA guidelines; must have a comprehensive understanding of equipment specific LOTO program and expectations.Be familiar with OSHA and Food Safety Quality Assurance (FSQA) regulations and work with FSQA to receive, evaluate and report work needed to keep the plant running in accordance with government and organization requirements.Create and foster a culture that promotes safety as a top priority, ensure employees are trained on an on-going basis and in compliance with company regulations to ensure work is completed in a safe manner and to avoid work-related accidents; ensure high levels of engagement from all levels of employees within the facility through positive and effective employee relations.Develop a high performing team driven by solid talent identification, development and succession planning which will support expansion.Build and maintain collaborative, team-oriented relationships with other functional leaders such as Quality Assurance, Environmental Health and Safety, and Operations to optimize production capabilities.Interview, hire, evaluate performance, promote, and give recognition and administer disciplinary action for employees.Plan, develop and implement a parts inventory control program which provides dollar value and status inventory. Control mechanical expenses within established budget and actively pursue cost reduction opportunities in labor, material cost and inventory balance of spare parts.Foster and environment of continuous process improvement to drive efficiencies, increased accuracy, and stronger decision making.Collaborate with the leadership team, providing input for strategic direction and business planning.Design maintenance strategies, procedures, and methods; assist in developing a safety awareness program. Provide timely written feedback on root causes of injuries and lost time accidents and recommendations for eliminating recurrence.Diagnose downtime causes and reasons for equipment failure and develop strategies to eliminate through the improvement of reliability and safety of the plant, personnel, and production processes.Consult with operations personnel to maximize efficiencies of equipment to improve processing and quality of products.Establishing and implementing short and long-range organizational goals, objectives, policies, and operating proceduresOversee Refrigeration Manager to ensure integrity of system remains efficient and compliant.