Manager Utilities

McCain Foods USA • Oakbrook Terrace, IL

4d

About The Position

The Manager of Utilities will lead the ongoing development and improvement of the Process Safety Management (PSM) program for all North American production facilities. This role provides overall leadership to plant utility operations, project engineers, and managers, ensuring the best practices in engineering utility design, maintenance, and operation for plant utility systems—including refrigeration, boilers, steam, and compressed air. The Manager of Utilities also supports organizational efforts relating to sustainability, specifically focused on energy, carbon, and water reduction. Working independently or as part of a team, the Manager of Utilities assesses and implements the design, installation, maintenance, and operation of plant utility systems, as well as sustainability practices aimed at reducing energy, carbon, and water use. This position also contributes to the development of the utility and sustainability capital plan for North America.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in engineering or a relevant scientific discipline, or equivalent experience with continued professional development.
• Proficiency in computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite).
• Fluency in English; proficiency in a second language is preferred but not required.
• Strong technical expertise and problem-solving abilities.
• Robust analytical skills (e.g., root cause analysis, statistical analysis).
• Visionary, demonstrating both personal and organizational sensitivity.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, and computer-generated reports.
• Clear and concise communication skills, both orally and in writing.
• Willingness to work alternative shift schedules if required for assignments.
• Willingness to relocate within the United States for assignments and career growth.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States and Canada is required.
• Previous experience in both factory floor and staff assignments, with emphasis on refrigeration and boiler system design, construction, maintenance, and operation.
• Mandatory experience in Process Safety Management (PSM), particularly related to ammonia refrigeration systems.
• Demonstrated understanding of energy and water reduction management programs and projects.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in utility and refrigeration disciplines.
• 30 to 50% travel throughout the US and Canada required.
• Candidate must be eligible to work in both the US and Canada.

Responsibilities

• Provide Process Safety Management (PSM) support and leadership at all North American production facilities.
• Deliver engineering support for production facility HVAC activities, including condensation issues.
• Support and oversee management of chemical handling for condensers and the operation and maintenance of refrigeration systems.
• Support and oversee Legionella Management programs at facilities, including those related to condensers and hot water systems.
• Lead and assist with Root Cause Failure Analysis for refrigeration equipment failures and operational practices.
• Oversee equipment and system design and review using corporate standards.
• Interface with engineers to define project scope and incorporate corporate standards.
• Evaluate new process technologies to improve existing systems and address process and safety issues.
• Collaborate with finance, production, and safety teams to develop justifications for capital projects and prepare Requests for Expenditure Authorization (REAs) accurately and promptly.
• Acquire and negotiate contractor bids in conjunction with procurement.
• Prepare project specifications and tender documents.
• Manage the release of design input to suppliers, contractors, and component suppliers.
• Produce site visit reports, contractor meeting minutes, project material listings, purchase orders, installation schedules, and other documentation related to system installations.
• Assist in developing new installation techniques and standards.
• Manage capital projects (typically valued at $1MM or more), adhering to deadlines and budgets, and effectively utilizing project resources.
• Resolve technical issues identified by suppliers and manage technical documentation provided by suppliers.
• Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) on utility system and component design, maintenance, and operational practices.
• Develop and implement sustainability programs covering fuels (natural gas, fuel oil, steam), electricity, biogas, water, and carbon reduction.
• Develop energy, carbon, and water key performance indicators (KPIs) and benchmark reporting.
• Conduct independent studies and project development concerning discrete plant components related to sustainability (e.g., blanchers, lighting, boilers).
• Engage production facilities in personal development, mentoring, and training regarding utility activities.
• Oversee refrigeration system capital planning, including project development, budget proposals, execution, and long-term infrastructure planning.
• For utility-related capital projects, provide project design, contracting, and construction management.
• Evaluate, contract, and manage consulting engineers as needed.
• Develop best operating practices for the design, maintenance, and operation of utility systems.
• Provide engineering support for condenser systems, evaporators, cold storage units, and freezer tunnels.
• Assist production facilities in troubleshooting operational and maintenance issues concerning refrigeration systems.
• Support and direct energy management reduction efforts across refrigeration, boiler, and HVAC disciplines.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Benefits

• health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription drug)
• retirement savings benefits
• leave support including medical, family and bereavement
• Well-being programs include vacation and holidays, company-supported volunteering time, and mental health resources.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees