Director of Engineering

Director Of EngineeringWhen it comes to being wild, we know a thing or two. We're not afraid of trying something new or the hard work it takes to make it happen. It's in our DNA. We're a company built by innovators, and are driven to not only satisfy your hunger, but to also feed your journey whether that journey is on the road, on the run, at the campground, at the playground, in the office or in the moment. It's a journey we share with you. It's the journey forward of our people, of our communities, of our categorywith a reverence for quality and an irreverence for the status quo. At Jack Link's Protein Snacks, we see every moment of every day as an opportunity to move forward, to forge new ground. To realize our vision of becoming the World's #1 Protein Snack Company. We never give up. You never give up. Together, we keep going. Are you wild enough to join us?Jack Link's Protein Snacks is a global leader in snacking and the No. 1 meat snack manufacturer worldwide. Family-owned and operated with headquarters in Minong, Wisconsin, Jack Link's Protein Snacks also has a large corporate hub in Downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. The company is made up of over 4,000 passionate team members, across 11 countries, who share an uncompromising commitment to delivering awesome products and feeding the journey of those who move things forward. The Jack Link's Protein Snacks portfolio of brands includes, Jack Link's, Lorissa's Kitchen, MATADOR Jerky, BiFi and Peperami.Job SummaryThe Director of Engineering is responsible for the successful execution of the company's business strategy through development, deployment, and performance of all engineering & automation related strategies. This role will lead the Jack Link's Engineering team to develop automation projects in collaboration with manufacturing plants and distribution centers and other functions/colleagues and will also provide hands-on support for implementation. The Director will be a thought leader, responsible for driving a culture of innovation to stay ahead of competitors and develop cutting-edge improvements for the organization. This key leader will also be responsible for the development of our technological vision and ensuring it is appropriately applied to capital projects, plant modifications or other enhancements.Key ResponsibilitiesManage, direct, and support the Engineering team by providing strategic guidance, best practices, leadership, and mentoring.Lead the team to develop automation projects in collaboration with sites and other functions/colleagues and will also provide hands-on support for implementation as needed.Work closely with operations leadership and stakeholders in other departments to identify, recommend, develop, implement, and support engineering and automation-oriented solutions to optimize business processes and overall company performance.Responsible for driving a culture of innovation to stay ahead of competitors and develop cutting edge improvements for the organization.Responsible for the development of engineering vision and ensuring it is appropriately applied to capital projects, plant modifications or other enhancements.Manage large, complex projects and initiatives, deal with ambiguity and be responsible for embracing Jack Link's commitment to customers, customer service and sales.Support manufacturing and operations by providing strategic direction and tactical support. Troubleshoot day-to-day issues, assigning team members as necessary to provide comprehensive solutions.Collaborate with the plant network on development and implementation of strategy for application of advanced automation and continuous improvement of automated systems in alignment with business value and network needs and priorities.Ensure that process automation activities are handled in accordance with current regulations governing safety, environmental protection, energy conservation, quality and other regulatory requirements.Manage installation of complex and large-scale automation projects including the development of SOWs, testing and acceptance criteria, and project management of construction.Travel is approximately 35% and as needed to lead and support engineering vision at plants and distribution centers.Perform additional duties as assigned.Work EnvironmentThe work environment is a plant / office setting with varying degrees of temperature and noise levels. Exposure to manufacturing equipment movement and wet / slippery floors. Travel may be required.Physical DemandsThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job the Team Member is regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The Team Member is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. May occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.QualificationsBachelor's degree or Master's degree in Industrial, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering. Minimum 10 years' experience in manufacturing engineering (food industry preferred), process automation and optimization. 5+ years of experience with CPG related robotics and automation solutions with a track record of successful implementations. Experience in CPG manufacturing and USDA regulations in the industry is preferred. Experience in Lean Six Sigma, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), and AGILE development. Excellent Excel and Smartsheet skills including report creation from large datasets and multiple data sources. Proficiency in CAD or similar software. Demonstrated ability to drive change and process improvement. Strong analytical decision making, influence and communication skills.The salary range for this role is $200,000 $230,000(Annually). Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, and candidate skill set and experience. Base pay is just one component of Jack Link's Total Rewards package for Team Members. Other rewards may include annual incentive and program-specific awards. Jack Link's provides a variety of benefits to eligible Team Members, including medical, dental and vision benefits, life and disability insurance, 401k participation, paid holidays, and paid time off.EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: Jack Link's provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic that is protected by federal, state or local law. E-VERIFY: Jack Link's is participant in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees.