Sr. Director of Project Management and Engineering

Summary

This critical leadership position is responsible for leading and execution of strategic capital projects within La Colombe’s manufacturing facilities in Philadelphia, PA and Norton Shores, MI. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in project management, engineering, and a passion for producing high quality food. This role requires a visionary leader who can drive projects from inception to completion, ensuring high-quality results and efficiency. The team of professionals reporting to the role need to work cross-functionally, with both internal teams and external vendors, in the development of engineering solutions, from concept to final commissioning, ensuring the solution is beneficial for all teams. This position requires an experienced leader who can direct this group and assist them in the key decisions, while ensuring the projects remain on budget and within timelines.

Responsibilities

Project Management

• Project Planning: Develop comprehensive project plans, outlining scope, goals, deliverables, resources, timelines, and budgets.
• Team Coordination: Lead and coordinate cross-functional teams, ensuring effective communication and collaboration among all stakeholders.
• Risk Management: Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure project success.
• Progress Tracking: Monitor project progress, keeping all teams on track with deadlines and milestones.
• Reporting: Prepare regular project status reports for senior management, highlighting achievements, challenges, and areas for improvement.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure all projects meet the highest quality standards and align with company objectives and regulatory requirements.

Engineering

• System Design: Oversee the design and implementation of engineering systems and processes to improve coffee production, packaging, and distribution.
• Technical Support: Provide technical guidance and support to the production and maintenance teams.
• Innovation: Drive innovation by researching and implementing new technologies and methods to enhance product quality and operational efficiency.
• Equipment Management: Select, install, and maintain machinery and equipment, ensuring optimal performance and safety.
• Process Improvement: Continuously evaluate and improve manufacturing processes to maximize productivity and minimize waste.
• Compliance: Ensure all engineering activities comply with local, state, and federal regulations.
   

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science or Master’s degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial, or Process preferred).
• 15+ years’ experience in Manufacturing and Process Technologies. Previous experience with Food and Beverage or Consumer Packaged Goods companies required. 
• Ten (10) years developing engineering strategy to support manufacturing environments is required.
• A minimum seven (7) years of managerial and leadership experience over multiple engineering functions is required.
• A minimum seven (7) years of project management experience including project timeliness, budgets, risk analysis is required.
• Project/Program Management training and/or certification (PMP) is preferred.
• To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including MS Project, familiarity with common CAD software (SolidWorks desired).
• Ability to use sound creative thinking to solve complex manufacturing problems
• Ability to travel is required.
• Demonstrated ability to provide both tactical and strategic leadership
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to build relationships and interact with individuals at all levels of an organization
• Strong people management skills with the ability to train and develop others
• The desire to make a meaningful difference. Must be self-motivated with the ability to work independently.
• Proficient using a PC and other department specific databases and/or systems and all assigned machinery and related equipment
• Ability to work in a high-pressure environment and exercise good judgment to resolve problems in the absence of formalized guidelines and procedures.
• SAP experience is desired but not required
   

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