Technical Manager

Responsibilities:

The incumbent will plan, direct and review the work of staff responsible for activities and resource allocations necessary for maintenance and technical services. This will be accomplished with the following activities:

• Manage the following departments and nine direct reports: Plant Food Safety, Engineering, Mechanical and Electrical Maintenance, Lean/Continuous Improvement, Procurement: and Stores.

• Participate in the selection of staff for each of the above areas; provide or coordinate staff training; evaluate performance and work with direct reports to correct deficiencies, implementing discipline procedures as necessary.

• Supervise the Food Safety Specialist and monitor internal Good Manufacturing Practices, HACCP principles, area auditing etc., to ensure compliance with requirements of the various certifications and management systems utilized at the site. Ensure successful overall execution and maintenance of the Global Food Safety program and certification.

• Lead the plant’s Lean/Continuous Improvement internal processes to ensure compliance with corporate standards. Through supervision of the Lean/Continuous Improvement Engineer, monitor results and trending, implementing course corrections as needed.

• As the site’s designated Security Coordinator, maintain the established security program including related policies and procedures, addressing newly identified security risks with reasonable resolutions.

• Implement and maintain the plant maintenance program, including requirements from the facility insurer, and related plant process improvements. Ensure the Maintenance Supervisor and Maintained Planner utilize OSHA-required safety measure and Lean practices in performing their responsibilities, while directing the hourly workers of the department.

• Direct, manage, develop, and execute the capital budget plan, controlling the costs and timing of all approved capital projects; ensure adequate resources, including the Controls Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, and Process Engineer, are assigned to each project. Also support and execute safety, insurance, and various plant compliance initiatives through identified capital projects.

• Ensure the activities of the site’s Purchasing Agent and Inventory Control Specialist are efficiently carried out in order to timely support all related plant functions, i.e. production, maintenance, capital projects, etc.

• Monitor selection and management of outside contractors, assuring their cost effectiveness, overall performance and conformance to plant safety and operating rules.

• Coordinate and recommend procedures for facility and equipment maintenance or modifications, including the replacement of manufacturing equipment and packaging lines.

• Support procurement, planning and maintenance personnel in the SAP system; assist with computer hardware and general IT (information technology) needs, as well as advise the site’s IT Support Engineer on direction and support needed for IT resources as well.

• Manage maintenance tracking systems, analyzing associated reports and trends to detect systemic mechanical problems and drive continuous improvement.

• Provide staff training and development; identify and assist employees with setting and attaining professional and strategic goals.

• The incumbent in this position is key to the site’s succession planning and may be given other assignments as part of ongoing developmental efforts.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must have strong analytical skills.

• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills to interact with local and corporate contacts.

• A strong team player with ability to perform problem analysis and offer problem resolutions.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Excellent organizational/time management skills.

• Ability to work for long periods of time, under pressure, to produce results.

• Ability to prioritize work assignments in a fast-paced work environment, calm under pressure and flexibility to direct work force and adapt to changing schedules as appropriate.

• Strong leadership abilities and skills as a team builder, coach, and mentor.

• Strong attention to detail.

• Ability to operate a computer in a Windows-based environment and ability to use most office equipment.

• Strong computer skills and proficiency in Office Suite products and enterprise level systems such as SAP.

Qualifications:

The Technical Manager must possess a bachelor’s degree in an engineering related field, such as Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical. A Chemical Engineering background is highly desirable. The incumbent should have 7-10 years of applicable experience in manufacturing, product quality control, project management, maintenance systems and materials, Lean/Continuous Improvement, costing and other techniques for maximizing the site’s technical effectiveness. Minimum 6-7 years of supervisory experience in related functions. Lean Six sigma Green Belt or Black belt certification a plus. Excellent verbal and interpersonal communication skills are imperative.

Special Skills / Competencies / Requirements:

• Advanced computer skills: experience as an SAP super-user is desirable.