Operations Director, Engineering at Land O'Lakes

Arden Hills, Minnesota, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Food Manufacturing, DairyIndustries

Requirements

4-year degree, Engineering field preferred
8+ years’ experience
Strong knowledge and experience regarding principles and practices of food (Dairy) manufacturing, including sanitary design, GMPs, food safety, quality, and manufacturing concepts
Strong knowledge of USDA Dairy and 3A requirements
Strong communication & collaboration skills
Multi-plant experience preferred
Experience in capital equipment selection, scoping, bidding, and execution (including budgeting responsibilities)
Experience in Capital Project Management, from concept through implementation
Ability to travel – anticipate annual average to be 50%-60%
Must live near a major airport (strongly preferred in Arden Hills, MN; will consider virtual/remote if strategically located near major airports and sites)

Responsibilities

Coordinate and manage Dairy Foods capital budget of $50MM, including organization and maintenance of master project list, project prioritization, and feedback to Dairy Foods plants on timing based on overall Dairy Foods capital strategy
Be a resource for Dairy Foods Plant Managers and Manufacturing Directors to provide input into annual plant MRO budgets as requested
Provide input into Dairy Foods Strategy and lead Engineering-related efforts associated with changes to plant process and products, including R&D and Corporate Strategic lead projects
Coach, mentor, and provide leadership to plant project engineers and early career employees (e.g., Talent Acceleration Program employees and interns)
Supervise Senior Manager/Manager direct reports
Manage internal and external Engineering efforts and contractors for the execution and implementation of projects from concept through successful handoff
Work with plant operations and corporate functions on strategic projects involving business growth/innovation, Quality, Safety, Environmental, and sustainability projects
Stay current on industry regulations, innovations, and emerging technologies
Work closely with Plant Project Engineers to facilitate their continued professional and technical development
Lead the development, implementation, and maintenance of all applicable Corporate Engineering standards
Lead the development, implementation, and maintenance of capital development & project management process
Work with the cross-functional team to drive standardization between plants (structure, processes, design)

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Sanitary DesignFood ManufacturingDairy ManufacturingCapital Budget ManagementProject ManagementProject PrioritizationMRO BudgetsEngineering StandardsProcess StandardizationLeadershipMentoringContractor ManagementStrategic PlanningSustainability ProjectsIndustry Regulations

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the salary range for the Operations Director, Engineering position?

The salary range is $159,520 - $299,100. In most cases, candidates offered employment can expect to be hired at a pay rate near the middle of the salary ranges.

Is this Operations Director role remote or office-based?

The position is located in Arden Hills, MN, which is strongly preferred, but will consider virtual/remote if strategically located near major airports and sites.

What skills and experience are required for this role?

Required skills include strong knowledge of food (Dairy) manufacturing principles like sanitary design, GMPs, food safety, and quality; experience in capital project management from concept through implementation; multi-plant experience preferred; and ability to travel 50-60% annually. A 4-year degree in Engineering is preferred with 8+ years of experience.

What is the company culture like at Land O'Lakes?

Land O'Lakes is a Fortune 250, farmer- and member-owned cooperative reimagining the business of food, named a Top Workplace by Indeed and LinkedIn, and on the TIME 100 Most Influential Companies list.

What makes a strong candidate for this Operations Director position?

Strong candidates will have 8+ years of experience in engineering with a preference for a 4-year degree in Engineering, multi-plant experience in dairy manufacturing, expertise in capital project management and budgeting, and the ability to travel 50-60% while living near a major airport.