Director Engineering Technical Support

Lamb Weston•Kennewick, WA
•$164,470 - $246,710•Onsite

About The Position

The Director - Engineering Technical Support shall demonstrate skills in managing Engineering Technical SMEs (Subject Matter Experts). This position requires knowledge of the technical engineering disciplines used in Lamb Weston manufacturing facilities (Electrical, Automation & Controls, Packaging, Boilers & Refrigeration, and Wastewater Treatment) as well as how those technical disciplines support operations and long-term growth. This position is instrumental in creating asset management plans aimed at maintaining and updating aged technologies and equipment, ensuring proper maintenance, and setting strategies that properly respond to obsolescence, market trends and forces, and internal company initiatives. A major responsibility of this position is to bring the Technical Support team to bear to consult on design for strategic as well as plant projects to assure adherence to standards, promote technical strategic direction, and support execution of projects’ technical areas. This position also provides leadership and direction for technical SMEs and other engineering disciplines, to develop and execute strategies that improve asset reliability, operational availability, and sustainable plant performance. The Technical Support organization serves as a key partner to plant operations by providing subject matter expertise, standards, troubleshooting support, and long-term reliability improvements that enable safe and reliable manufacturing operations. This role works hand in hand with other internal business units as well as outside contractors and support groups. Strong interpersonal skills when working with non-technical partners is a must, as is the ability to communicate both horizontally and vertically throughout the organization. In the area of strategic planning and development, this role directs the Technical Support team to discover, test, and implement new technologies aimed at improving manufacturing processes and efficiencies as well as engaging in ongoing support of existing legacy systems. Consulting, informing, and planning long term strategies in the capital improvement process is a critical function of this position

Requirements

  • Visionary Leadership - Displays vision and inspiration to engender respect and trust and motivate others to fulfill the company’s vision. Exhibits confidence in self and others and leads to create a culture in which trust, individual purpose, and team building are core tenants.
  • Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively.
  • Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively with the ability to vary writing style to match the audience.
  • Presentation – Ability to present effectively to all levels of the organization. Must be able to present technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
  • Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions and exhibits sound and accurate judgment. Supports and explains reasoning for decisions and includes appropriate people and ideas in the decision-making process.
  • Strategic Planning - Keep abreast of technologies, timing, and adoption strategies. Maintain a running 5-year strategic plan for Technical Engineering disciplines.
  • Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities and uses time efficiently. Ability to set goals and objectives, organize competing priorities, and develop realistic action plans.
  • Bachelor’s level degree in Engineering, Management, or a related discipline is required.
  • Minimum of 15 years of experience with project, engineering or operations management is required.
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, technical documentation, P&IDs, drawings, and procedure manuals.
  • Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
  • Ability to communicate and present effectively at all levels of the organization.
  • Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or visual form.
  • Proficient in the use of Windows based systems including Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
  • Competent understanding of Instrumentation, PLC’s, SCADA systems and advanced control software such as statistical process control, simulation and modeling is required.

Nice To Haves

  • Passport, valid driver's license, and the ability to meet Lamb Weston’s driving record standards.
  • Ability to travel to various plant and vendor locations as required.
  • Ability for extended travel and time away from home to complete projects at various plant locations-20-25% of the time.

Responsibilities

  • Direct management of the Technical Support department teams.
  • Maintain the necessary levels of technical talent within the department. Prepare and maintain a talent succession plan to ensure business continuity as the workforce ages out and new talent fill positions.
  • Direct Technical Support SMEs in developing reliability strategies, standards, and technical support processes that improve equipment uptime, reduce operational risk, and ensure reliable plant operations across Electrical, Automation & Controls, Packaging, Utilities, and other critical manufacturing systems
  • Create and maintain long-term strategic direction for technical areas of responsibility.
  • Prepare a department budget and be responsible for forecasting and spending within budgeted guidelines.
  • Take a key role in the annual capital planning activities to develop phased approaches to solve plant technical obsolescence and project challenges.
  • Serve as primary liaison between the Technical Support group, the I/T organization, and the rest of the Global Engineering team. IT-OT Convergence is an initiative for which this position plays a key role.

Benefits

  • Health Insurance Benefits - Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Flexible Spending Accounts for Health and Dependent Care, and Health Reimbursement Accounts
  • Well-being programs including companywide events and a wellness incentive program
  • Paid Time Off
  • Financial Wellness – Industry leading 401(k) plan with generous company contributions, Financial Planning Services, Employee Stock purchase program, and Health Savings Accounts, Life and Accident insurance
  • Family-Friendly Employee events
  • Employee Assistance Program services – mental health and other concierge type services
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