Technical Director

Join Agristo in building something from the ground up.We're a leading global producer of frozen potato products, and we're expanding into the U.S. with a brand-new large scale greenfield plant. As Technical Director, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the technical strategy, leading all engineering and project execution efforts, and building the team that will bring this state-of-the-art facility to life.Purpose of the Role The Technical Director is responsible for setting the strategic direction and vision for the technical department in the US, ensuring alignment with the company's overall goals and values. This role involves leading and overseeing all technical projects in the US, driving innovation, and fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. The Technical Director will play a key role in shaping the future of the company's technical capabilities and ensuring sustainable growth. The Technical Director will play a crucial role in the expansion of Agristo in the US.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership:Develop and implement a long-term technical strategy that aligns with the company's vision and business objectivesProvide strategic input to executive management on technical matters such as large investments, and contribute to the overall business strategyTranslate the company's business strategy into a mid-to-long-term technical roadmap, setting clear objectives and priorities for the technical departmentContinuously seek opportunities for optimization and innovation within the technical departmentMaintain and enhance the company's reputation by ensuring high standards of technical excellence and innovationBudget responsibility for large investment projects (+500 m$)Departmental Leadership:Build the technical team, taking into account the speed of growth of Agristo in the US. The technical team consists out of several subteams: technical engineering, technical design, and automation.Plan, organize, coordinate, and adjust the activities within the technical team to ensure effective, efficient, and high-quality project executionFoster a performance-oriented and collaborative environment within the technical teamEnsure the technical team has the necessary resources, skills, and support to achieve their goalsPromote knowledge sharing and best practices within the technical teamRegularly review and adjust departmental processes and procedures to enhance efficiency and effectivenessExternal Relationships:Develop and maintain relationships with all relevant contractors, suppliers, and partners in the marketNegotiate contracts and agreements to obtain a network of trusted technical partners in the US.Project Oversight:Oversee the execution of major technical projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standardsTranslate investment plans into concrete project plans with clear timelines and deliverablesEnsure effective communication and coordination between project teams and other departmentsMonitor project progress and provide regular updates to executive managementEnsure smooth project handovers to the organization, including all necessary documentation and trainingRisk Management:Assess and manage risks associated with technical projects and partnershipsEvaluate the capabilities and capacity of suppliers and partners to deliver on project requirementsDevelop and implement risk mitigation strategies to ensure project successStandardization and Innovation:Establish and maintain standards for materials, processes, and methodologies to ensure consistency and efficiency.Drive innovation by staying informed about industry trends and developments and integrating new technologies and practices into the company's operationsPeople Management:Building the team in the US is needed to proceed with the expansion of Agristo in the US.Inspire, motivate, and develop team members to achieve their full potentialSelect, coach, and evaluate team members, ensuring they have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeedFoster a positive work environment that encourages collaboration and continuous learningConduct regular performance appraisals and provide feedback to team membersSafety, Health, Environment, Order, and Hygiene:Ensure compliance with safety, health, environmental, and hygiene regulations and standards.Promote a culture of safety and environmental responsibility within the technical teamImplement measures to prevent risks and ensure the well-being of employees and the environmentAutonomyThe Technical Director operates with a high degree of autonomy, making strategic decisions within the framework of the company's overall goals and values.Internal ContactsExecutive ManagementPlant and Production ManagementMaintenance ManagersProcess EngineersVarious internal stakeholders related to technical projectsExternal ContactsSuppliers and ContractorsStudy Bureaus and ArchitectsGovernment and Regulatory BodiesPeers in the IndustrySubsidy ProvidersCandidate profileEducation:Master’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical, or related fields)Additional education in business administration, project management, or strategic leadership is a strong assetExperience:10+ years of progressive experience in technical and engineering roles within manufacturing or industrial operations5+ years in a senior leadership role managing large-scale technical projects and teamsProven track record in:Strategic technical planning and executionCapital investment project managementCross-functional leadership and team buildingWorking in a fast-growing or scaling environment (ideally with international exposure)Skills & Competencies:Strategic Visionary:Capable of translating business strategy into a technical roadmapAble to make long-term decisions with a focus on scalability and innovationLeadership & People Development:Experience building and leading multi-disciplinary technical teamsStrong coaching and mentoring skillsAdvocates for performance culture and team collaborationProject Oversight & Execution:Expert in managing complex technical projects from concept to deliverySkilled in budgeting, scheduling, and risk managementFamiliarity with construction, machinery, utilities, and production line installation in food or industrial environments is a plusProcess Standardization & Innovation:Passion for continuous improvement and operational efficiencyTrack record of implementing new technologies, systems, and standardsCommunication & Stakeholder Management:Able to engage with executive management, government agencies, and contractorsExcellent negotiation and communication skillsOther Requirements:Based in the US, ideally in North Dakota, or willing to relocate (US contract)Comfortable working in a growth environment with limited structureFluent in EnglishWillingness to travel occasionally (domestic and potentially international)