Director of Engineering (Food Manufacturing Plants)

The Original Cakerie•Humble, TX

About The Position

Dessert Holdings is seeking a Director of Engineering based in Humble, Texas, or ideally near one of its production facilities. The role travels to sites as needed for projects and provides technical and professional leadership for project management and engineering across the company’s ten food manufacturing plants. Reporting under the direction of the VP of Engineering & Reliability and coordinating with Corporate and Site Management teams, the Director is responsible for capital projects and for identifying, evaluating, and championing new manufacturing opportunities and emerging technical advancements. The position calls for initiative in identifying opportunities, establishing engineering standards, and implementing asset and process best practices across the manufacturing facilities. Dessert Holdings is a collection of premium dessert companies and brands, owned by Bain Capital and headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota. It employs more than 3,500 people across ten manufacturing facilities and is continuing a period of rapid growth.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or an equivalent technical degree; substantial applicable experience may also be considered.
10–15 years of engineering leadership and progressive technical and/or management experience, including project management and extensive food manufacturing experience.
Ability to travel up to 75% throughout the United States and Canada.
Hands-on approach to problem solving, with creative solutions and the ability to handle ambiguity.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Ability to understand the business implications of decisions and align work with strategic goals.
Ability to prioritize and plan work activities and set goals, timelines, and objectives.
Original thinking, creativity, and resourcefulness to generate innovative approaches and ideas.
Ability to create and drive automation opportunities, including robotic manufacturing capability.
Leadership skills and ability to effectively manage and communicate with engineers, construction personnel, project managers, clients, and executives.
Demonstrated proficiency with Word, Excel, Gantt, PowerPoint, AutoCAD, and project planners.
Familiarity with controls, process, packaging, electrical, mechanical, and refrigeration systems.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing principles.

Responsibilities

Provide engineering counsel and leadership across multiple facilities and to internal and external project engineers.
Manage and execute all facets of capital projects, including building and capacity expansions, brownfield projects, and greenfield projects.
Identify and champion capital and non-capital cost-reduction projects through process or equipment improvements, automation, and robotics.
Define technology and manufacturing capabilities to support new business and product line extensions.
Help develop the three- and five-year capital plan, including originating capital appropriation requests, developing schedules and work teams, writing contracts, coordinating project activities, controlling project funds, and implementing startup and training procedures as needed.
Prepare capital project studies, proposals, estimates, technical reports, capital requirements, and cash-flow documentation using the approved CEA format.
Assist with new facility planning and construction, including developing packages and equipment and construction specifications; establishing and tracking project budgets and utility use; addressing EPA and OSHA requirements and GMP knowledge; and writing and justifying projects.
Administer project bid documents and assist with awarding contracts to outside vendors, architects, and engineers.
Create and maintain engineering records, including equipment records and manuals, drawings and diagrams, inspection reports, and legally required records.
Maintain effective reporting and communication with appropriate people inside and outside the plant.
Work with agencies such as OSHA, EPA, and FDA to help ensure plant compliance with current regulations.