Responsible for the strategic oversight and leadership required to operate and maintain a 975,000 square foot animal protein production facility. Will spearhead implementation of engineering initiatives, planning, and design. The Director of Engineering and Projects will be required to determine specifications for each project and work with Company affiliated engineers to ensure drawings are accurate as applicable to each project and maintain timelines to ensure project completion on schedule, while complying with federal and state regulations. Oversees all capital expenditures, projects and facility expansions while maintaining production efficiencies within budgetary parameters and driving continuous improvement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  This list is not intended to be all-inclusive and other duties may be assigned.

• Manage all aspects of engineering needs of plant, including working with contractors and IT on equipment installation and production floor layout/process flow to meet deadlines.
• Participate as a key stakeholder in selection, on-boarding, training and development of employees engaged in all levels of maintenance activity during start-up and beyond; must develop a structure for equipment maintenance and a staff that can effectively manage such a program.
• Responsible for obtaining MOCs, writing appropriation requests and completing capital projects in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
• Responsible for maintaining all regulatory compliance for PSM/RMP and EPA guidelines; must have a comprehensive understanding of equipment specific LOTO program and expectations.
• Be familiar with OSHA and Food Safety Quality Assurance (FSQA) regulations and work with FSQA to receive, evaluate and report work needed to keep the plant running in accordance with government and organization requirements.
• Create and foster a culture that promotes safety as a top priority, ensure employees are trained on an on-going basis and in compliance with company regulations to ensure work is completed in a safe manner and to avoid work-related accidents; ensure high levels of engagement from all levels of employees within the facility through positive and effective employee relations.
• Develop a high performing team driven by solid talent identification, development and succession planning which will support expansion.
• Build and maintain collaborative, team-oriented relationships with other functional leaders such as Quality Assurance, Environmental Health and Safety, and Operations to optimize production capabilities.
• Interview, hire, evaluate performance, promote, and give recognition and administer disciplinary action for employees.
• Plan, develop and implement a parts inventory control program which provides dollar value and status inventory. Control mechanical expenses within established budget and actively pursue cost reduction opportunities in labor, material cost and inventory balance of spare parts.
• Foster and environment of continuous process improvement to drive efficiencies, increased accuracy, and stronger decision making.
• Collaborate with the leadership team, providing input for strategic direction and business planning.
• Design maintenance strategies, procedures, and methods; assist in developing a safety awareness program. Provide timely written feedback on root causes of injuries and lost time accidents and recommendations for eliminating recurrence.
• Diagnose downtime causes and reasons for equipment failure and develop strategies to eliminate through the improvement of reliability and safety of the plant, personnel, and production processes.
• Consult with operations personnel to maximize efficiencies of equipment to improve processing and quality of products.
• Establishing and implementing short and long-range organizational goals, objectives, policies, and operating procedures
• Oversee Refrigeration Manager to ensure integrity of system remains efficient and compliant. 

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the work environment, knowledge, skill, and/or ability required or preferred.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering preferred or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Protein industry experience is desired.
• Wide and deep management experience 8+ years with demonstrated leadership and people development skills.
• Proven experience developing strategy and policy in order to set and deliver objectives within medium to long term timeframes.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.  Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and/or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports and business correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from management, and employees.  Must have the ability to influence and persuade others.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read and interpret documents in the English language such as safety files, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.  Must be able to effectively communicate with the USDA, customers, sales, production and management personnel. Bilingual skills a plus.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to apply mathematical applications to practical situations.

REASONING ABILITY:  Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical, diagram, written and/or verbal form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Strong personal computer skills and understanding of operational metrics and reports required; MP2 CMMS desired; CAD experience a plus.  MPS/SFK equipment understanding, both mechanically and electrically strongly desired.  SQF/HACCP certification preferred.  Must hold a valid driver’s license due to regular business travel.

MISSION, VISION, & VALUES: Must believe and lead STF’s MISSION of producing quality pork products, igniting the passion and growth of our team members, helping our community thrive, and making our business prosperous. Remembering that together we will achieve more by working safely and cultivating an inclusive and empowering environment.  Must believe and fully engage in STF’s VISION of being a place where we all belong, working as one, to build our future. Must live STF’s VALUES in all decisions, behaviors, and interactions, which include-

SAFETY- Be committed to the safety and welfare of all employees through prevention, education, and awareness, with the ultimate goal of eliminating workplace accidents.

QUALITY- Our customers and families depend on us to provide a safe, quality product, by maintaining the highest food safety standards and desired customer specifications. Must take pride in the products we produce and serve.

DIVERSITY- We embrace diversity of identity, experience, and thought, and actively strive for inclusive behaviors across our company and our work. By promoting these values, we aim to create a positive work experience that encourage a sense of belonging.

COMMUNITY- Be a positive representative of STF in our community while supporting the organizations who work for the betterment of Siouxland.

SUSTAINABILITY- Be a steward of the earth by managing our environmental footprint.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required to move about the facility.  The employee is required to sit; use hands to finger; handle; or feel/hold objects; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; speak; hear taste and smell.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 40 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Individual must be able to effectively work in a normal production environment where temperatures and noise levels may vary, including climate extremes and a loud work environment. Generally, the incumbent may stand and walk for extended periods of time and also must be able to sit and use a computer for extended periods of time.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to hot, cold and/or humid conditions. The employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, risk of electrical shock and vibration may exist. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud requiring hearing protection in all protection areas.

 JOB DESCRIPTION REVIEW:  I have reviewed this job description in its entirety, and I confirm that I am able to perform the functions and requirements of this position as described herein and explained to me.  Additionally, I am committed to treating everyone with dignity and respect. I fully understand and am committed to the company’s Mission, Vision, and Values.