recruitAbility
Director of Engineering And Operations
recruitAbility, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, 55400
Base pay range
$160,000.00/yr - $240,000.00/yr
Our client is seeking an accomplished Sr Director, Engineering, to lead capital planning, engineering execution, and cross‑functional technical initiatives across multiple manufacturing sites. This role offers high visibility, beginning with direct reporting to the SVP/Chief Supply Chain Officer. Candidates will play a critical part in advancing strategic engineering priorities, supporting plant operations, and guiding early‑career engineering talent.
This position requires strong technical acumen, capital project leadership, and the ability to manage multiple mid‑sized projects (typically ≤ $5MM each) within a broader capital program. Experience from either the owner’s side or an engineering firm is welcomed.
What YOU get to DO in this critical role
Coordinate and manage a $50MM capital budget, including maintaining the master project list, leading prioritization, and communicating timing expectations to manufacturing sites.
Support Plant Managers and Manufacturing Directors by providing input into annual MRO budgets.
Contribute to strategic planning efforts and lead engineering initiatives associated with process, product, and operational changes—including collaboration with R&D and corporate strategic project teams.
Supervise 1–2 manager‑level direct reports and support evolving engineering department structure.
Lead internal and external engineering teams and contractors through project lifecycle phases from concept to handoff.
Partner with plant operations and corporate functions to drive growth, innovation, quality, safety, environmental, and sustainability initiatives.
Stay current on regulatory requirements, industry standards, and emerging technologies relevant to food (Dairy) manufacturing.
Drive consistency by standardizing standards, processes, structures, and design practices across multiple facilities.
Provide early leadership on high‑impact issues, including immediate engagement on major equipment challenges (e.g., current dryer issue requiring year‑long replacement timeline).
What you NEED to SUCCEED in this challenging role
Bachelor’s degree (Engineering preferred).
8+ years of relevant experience.
Strong knowledge of food (Dairy) manufacturing principles and practices, including sanitary design, GMPs, food safety, quality, and general manufacturing concepts.
Strong understanding of USDA Dairy and 3A requirements.
Demonstrated ability to lead capital projects from conception through execution, including equipment scoping, bidding, budgeting, and implementation.
Experience working across multiple plants and navigating complex operational environments.
Ability to manage internal teams, external engineering resources, and contractors.
Ability to travel an average of 50%–60% annually; must reside near a major airport.
Strong technical competency with proven ability to troubleshoot, assess plant issues, and drive engineering solutions.
What’s in it for YOU?
Significant early executive exposure due to initial reporting structure.
Opportunities to influence long‑term capital strategy, standards development, and organizational engineering structure.
Professional growth through leadership of cross‑functional projects and technical development initiatives.
Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, PTO, life & disability coverage, education assistance, 401(k), and well‑being resources.
Seniority level Director
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Engineering, Consulting, and Management
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Our client is seeking an accomplished Sr Director, Engineering, to lead capital planning, engineering execution, and cross‑functional technical initiatives across multiple manufacturing sites. This role offers high visibility, beginning with direct reporting to the SVP/Chief Supply Chain Officer. Candidates will play a critical part in advancing strategic engineering priorities, supporting plant operations, and guiding early‑career engineering talent.
This position requires strong technical acumen, capital project leadership, and the ability to manage multiple mid‑sized projects (typically ≤ $5MM each) within a broader capital program. Experience from either the owner’s side or an engineering firm is welcomed.
What YOU get to DO in this critical role
Coordinate and manage a $50MM capital budget, including maintaining the master project list, leading prioritization, and communicating timing expectations to manufacturing sites.
Support Plant Managers and Manufacturing Directors by providing input into annual MRO budgets.
Contribute to strategic planning efforts and lead engineering initiatives associated with process, product, and operational changes—including collaboration with R&D and corporate strategic project teams.
Supervise 1–2 manager‑level direct reports and support evolving engineering department structure.
Lead internal and external engineering teams and contractors through project lifecycle phases from concept to handoff.
Partner with plant operations and corporate functions to drive growth, innovation, quality, safety, environmental, and sustainability initiatives.
Stay current on regulatory requirements, industry standards, and emerging technologies relevant to food (Dairy) manufacturing.
Drive consistency by standardizing standards, processes, structures, and design practices across multiple facilities.
Provide early leadership on high‑impact issues, including immediate engagement on major equipment challenges (e.g., current dryer issue requiring year‑long replacement timeline).
What you NEED to SUCCEED in this challenging role
Bachelor’s degree (Engineering preferred).
8+ years of relevant experience.
Strong knowledge of food (Dairy) manufacturing principles and practices, including sanitary design, GMPs, food safety, quality, and general manufacturing concepts.
Strong understanding of USDA Dairy and 3A requirements.
Demonstrated ability to lead capital projects from conception through execution, including equipment scoping, bidding, budgeting, and implementation.
Experience working across multiple plants and navigating complex operational environments.
Ability to manage internal teams, external engineering resources, and contractors.
Ability to travel an average of 50%–60% annually; must reside near a major airport.
Strong technical competency with proven ability to troubleshoot, assess plant issues, and drive engineering solutions.
What’s in it for YOU?
Significant early executive exposure due to initial reporting structure.
Opportunities to influence long‑term capital strategy, standards development, and organizational engineering structure.
Professional growth through leadership of cross‑functional projects and technical development initiatives.
Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, PTO, life & disability coverage, education assistance, 401(k), and well‑being resources.
Seniority level Director
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Engineering, Consulting, and Management
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