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A leading food manufacturing organization is seeking a Plant Engineering Manager to lead site engineering, maintenance, and facilities operations. This role is responsible for driving asset reliability, optimizing maintenance systems, and ensuring the plant infrastructure supports both current production and future growth. The position partners cross-functionally with operations, quality, finance, and corporate technical teams to deliver safe, efficient, and compliant manufacturing performance. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Own and manage the engineering and maintenance function, including team leadership, performance management, and daily operations
• Develop and execute engineering strategies that improve equipment reliability, plant efficiency, and long-term asset performance
• Establish and manage departmental budgets, with accountability for maintenance spend, forecasting, and cost control initiatives
• Lead troubleshooting and resolution of complex technical and operational issues within a high-speed manufacturing environment
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across maintenance systems, including preventative maintenance (PM), work order processes, and reliability programs
• Oversee asset lifecycle management including maintenance, upgrades, replacement planning, and utilization tracking
• Manage capital and expense projects from scope development through execution, ensuring delivery on time and within budget
• Utilize plant systems and data tools (e.g., CMMS, historian platforms) to analyze trends, identify root causes, and improve operational performance
• Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure maintenance effectiveness and reliability improvements
• Ensure compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory standards, including active participation in HACCP and related programs
• Partner with cross-functional teams to support new equipment installations, process improvements, and facility upgrades
• Oversee spare parts inventory strategy, procurement processes, and inventory controls
• Lead and support continuous improvement efforts focused on safety, sustainability, and operational excellence
• Coach, mentor, and develop engineering and maintenance staff to build technical capability and accountability
• Support plant operations outside standard hours as needed, including on-call responsiveness

Education & Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline
• 6+ years of engineering and/or maintenance leadership experience within a manufacturing environment
• Prior supervisory or management experience required
• Experience in food or high-speed production environments preferred

Technical Skills & Competencies 

• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, equipment reliability, and maintenance systems
• Experience with CMMS platforms (e.g., SAP or equivalent) and data-driven troubleshooting
• Proven ability to lead capital projects and continuous improvement initiatives
• Solid financial acumen related to budgeting and cost control

Leadership & Communication 

• Effective communicator with the ability to influence across all organizational levels
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, develop talent, and drive accountability
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities in a fast-paced environment