Our client is seeking a skilled Head of Operations Engineer to lead all engineering operations at our aseptic beverage manufacturing facility, ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable plant performance. This role oversees engineering strategy, capital projects, process optimization, and cross‑functional collaboration across Production, Maintenance, EH&S, Controls, and Reliability. The ideal candidate brings deep aseptic manufacturing expertise, strong leadership capability, and a proven track record of driving operational excellence in a fast‑paced, regulated environment.
Onsite | No Visa Sponsorship | Relocation Assistance: Yes
Responsibilities:
Engineering Leadership & Operations
- Lead the Operations Engineering department, overseeing daily engineering activities, resource allocation, and long‑term planning.
- Establish engineering policies, standards, and procedures to ensure safe, consistent, and compliant operations.
- Manage engineering drawing controls, equipment specifications, and design standards.
- Oversee CMMS (Upkeep) usage, ensuring accurate tracking of maintenance activities, breakdowns, and contractor work.
Capital Projects & Budget Ownership
- Manage vendor relationships, equipment contracts, and technology evaluations.
- Lead and manage capital projects, including scope development, budgeting, scheduling, and execution.
- Oversee CapEx, training, and consulting budgets, ensuring cost‑effective engineering solutions.
Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on loss elimination, efficiency gains, and downtime reduction.
- Lead process mapping, workflow optimization, and scheduling around production downtimes.
- Analyze engineering KPIs and implement improvements aligned with operational goals.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Production, Maintenance, EH&S, Controls, and Reliability to support plant operations and resolve complex issues.
- Coordinate planned shutdowns, startup/shutdown safety procedures, and engineering support for EH&S programs (e.g., LOTO)
- Integrate engineering activities with production schedules and technical integration plans.
Team Leadership & Development
- Recruit, develop, and mentor engineering team members.
- Delegate tasks based on skill, workload, and project priorities.
- Build a high‑performance engineering culture focused on accountability, collaboration, and innovation.
Qualifications/Must Haves:
- Ability to read, interpret, and create P&IDs.
- 10+ years of engineering experience in manufacturing environments.
- Experience in low‑acid aseptic manufacturing or beverage packaging.
- 5+ years managing capital projects, budgets, and engineering timelines.
- Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
- Ability to adapt to shifting operational priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
- Bachelor's degree in Industrial, Chemical, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering.
- Must have aseptic experience candidates without aseptic experience will not be considered.
- Strong knowledge of engineering principles, manufacturing processes, and equipment design.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Project, AutoCAD, Microsoft Office Suite, ERP/CRM systems, MES systems, and CMMS tools (e.g., Upkeep)
- Proven leadership experience managing engineering teams and cross‑functional initiatives.
- Experience with process mapping, downtime planning, and continuous improvement methodologies.
Preferred Skills:
- MBA or advanced business degree.
- Knowledge of SQF and food safety standards.
- Familiarity with FDA, PMO, and GMP requirements in food/beverage manufacturing.
- Experience supporting EH&S programs (LOTO, startup/shutdown safety)
- Experience integrating new technologies and managing vendor relationships.
- Ability to lift up to 15 lbs. and work near equipment with electromagnetic components.