Vice President of Engineering

Vice President, Engineering Are you ready to elevate your career in manufacturing operations and be a part of creating the world's best desserts? Dessert Holdings partners with some of North America's most iconic chains to bring people together to celebrate life's sweetest moments Dessert Holdings is looking for a Vice President of Engineering for corporate oversight. Under the direction of the Chief Supply Chain Officer and in coordination with Corporate and Plant Management and other affected functions, this individual will provide technical and professional leadership in the areas of engineering, engineering project management and maintenance for multiple food manufacturing facilities. This role is responsible for Engineering capital projects and for identifying, vetting, and championing new manufacturing opportunities and new or emerging technical advancements for the Dessert Holdings manufacturing facilities. This position requires strong personal initiative to identify opportunities, achieve engineering standardization, and implement asset and process best practices within the Company’s manufacturing facilities. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Provide engineering counsel and leadership for multiple facilities and internal project engineers. Manage and execute all facets of Dessert Holdings capital projects ranging from regulatory compliance to building expansions, capacity expansions (brownfield / greenfield) and improvement / new technology projects. Identify and champion cost reduction projects (capital and non-capital) through process or equipment improvements, capital automation, and robotic opportunities. Aid in evaluating new business and line extensions. Evaluate and develop engineering projects for the facilities, including prioritizing the plants’ needs and developing and implementing a 3/5-Year Capital Plan. Establish equipment and construction specifications, establish and track project budgets, write and justify project returns, originate capital appropriation requests, develop project schedules and work teams, write and award outside contracts, coordinate project activities, control project funds and cash flow, and implement startup/training procedures as necessary. Through both direct and indirect resources, manage, lead and oversee the successful outcome of engineering plans. Recommend equipment/processing systems’ modifications and/or replacement to improve plant performance. Create and maintain the appropriate engineering records including equipment records and manuals, drawings and diagrams, inspection reports and legal records as required by the appropriate agencies. Maintains effective communication with the appropriate people both within and outside of the plant. Work closely with outside agencies (e.g., OSHA, EPA, FDA, etc.) to ensure plant compliance with current regulations. QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s degree in engineering preferred (equivalent technical degree or experience considered) 10-15+ years of prior experience leading engineering projects in food manufacturing and baking required Engineering project management experience. Ability to travel up to 75% throughout the U.S. and Canada Hands‑on approach to problem solving with creative solutions Strong oral and written communication skills Ability to balance team and individual responsibilities, which fosters group commitments to goals and objectives Understand business implications of decisions, align work with strategic goals Ability to prioritize and plan work activities, set goals, and be highly accountable for adherence to timelines and objectives Display original thinking, creativity and resourcefulness which generate innovative approaches and ideas and can create and drive automation opportunities including robotic manufacturing capability Possess leadership skills and the ability to effectively manage and communicate with engineers, construction personnel, project managers, clients and executives Demonstrated proficiency in Word, Excel, Gantt, Power Point, Auto CAD, and project planners. Knowledge of electrical, mechanical, and refrigeration systems Knowledge of six sigma and Lean Manufacturing principles. About Dessert Holdings Dessert Holdings is a collection of premium dessert companies and brands: The Original Cakerie, Lawler’s Desserts, Atlanta Cheesecake Company, Steven Charles, Dianne’s Fine Desserts, Kenny’s Great Pies, and Willamette Valley Pie Company. Dessert Holdings is owned by Bain Capital, is headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, employs more than 3,400 people across ten manufacturing facilities, and is continuing its journey of rapid growth. EEO Statement Dessert Holdings and its related entities provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristics protected by law. #LI-MF1 #J-18808-Ljbffr