Overview

Dole Packaged Foods is a purpose led nutrition and wellness organization that “champions a more equitable world.” A world where everyone has the right to nutrition from the goodness of the earth and we reduce these gaps, one action at a time.

This is a senior level position reporting to the Director of Manufacturing. The primary objective of this position is to direct the activities of the engineering and automation departments through the operators, mechanics, technicians as well as third party contractors to meet all aspects of the operating plan under the guidance of the Director of Manufacturing and working closely with the Supply Chain Leadership team. In addition, this position oversees and owns the CAPEX program, and supports all activities related to the development and execution of projects and initiatives, including procurement of equipment, spare parts, and contract services, and the development of automation/controls, and materials standards. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in leadership and driving multi-year initiatives, engineering and automation management, as well as working with cross functional manufacturing and related teams.

Responsibilities

• The Lead Engineer will be a member of the Supply Chain Leadership Team responsible for developing the engineering and automation strategy while overseeing execution of day-to-day activities aligned with key stakeholders to deliver exceptional value.
• Directs and coordinates major capital projects, cost savings programs, as well as asset-care and reliability and maintenance initiatives while working closely with Operations to provide overall alignment, best practices, and effective allocation of plant activities.
• Provides input in support of people and food safety initiatives, process improvements, and new product development.
• Participates in the evaluation and valuation of new business opportunities, including potential acquisitions and strategic alliances.
• Works with system integrators for installation and commissioning of processing plants and packaging machinery.
• Studies current machines, utility designs, and layout to find opportunities for process and/or engineering improvements through automation.
• Develops automation and control project objectives by reviewing project proposals and plans and aligning with stakeholders.
• Develops and tracks KPIs to deliver high levels of production plan conformance, to specification that meet or exceed target World Class Manufacturing service levels.
• Develops the annual and 5-year capital investment plans, balancing growth and cost reduction needs while maintaining the assets to support safety, quality, sustainability, and other regulatory needs.
• Builds strategic plans and budgets in partnership with Supply Chain Leadership Team that deliver on business needs including financial planning and reconciliation.
• Builds a Pillar of Early Project Management excellence to deliver best practice project governance and execution at CAPEX program.
• Ensure commitment to safety and environmental leadership at all plant locations and by all personnel, contractors and third parties.
• Prepare and maintain annual departmental budgets.
• Make recommendations to leadership based on technological changes to advance our products and processes.

Supervisory Duties:

• Specialty operators/technicians, permanent and seasonal workers, administrative and support staff, contractors

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8+ years of experience in engineering or operations management, preferably in the food manufacturing industry.
• Sound knowledge of food processing equipment design (high speed packaging preferred), refrigeration technology, automation/controls/SCADA/robotics, facilities upkeep and environmental compliance.
• A solid understanding of engineering documentation such as piping and instrumentation diagrams, process flow diagrams and standard operating procedures.
• Solid working knowledge of food safety (FDA, USDA), quality assurance, manufacturing technology, environmental regulations (EPA), employee safety (OSHA) and operations supply chain.
• Strong leadership qualities and the ability to impart management traits to his/her direct reports.
• Ability to build and nurture relationships with key influencers across the organization.
• Ability to solve complex problems and present effective and efficient solutions in a clear and concise manner to management.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record is required. Able and willing to travel between all US facilities and 3PMs, as needed.
• Proficiency with MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, AutoCAD and MS Project.
• Proficiency with Programmable Logic Controller based control systems, analog signals, robotics, networking, field instrumentation, and SCADA systems a plus.
• Professional certifications such as LEAN, TPM, Six Sigma, or World Class Manufacturing a plus.
• Experience developing code with Allen Bradley and Ignition systems a plus.
• Preferred but not required automation experience.

Education & Certification:

• Must have a Bachelor of Science Degree in engineering (or relevant field), preferably mechanical or electrical engineering.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to climb stairs, lift 50 pounds repetitively, stand for periods of time, stoop, twist and other physical movements to perform job.

Work Environment:

• Assigned areas will include outdoors, indoors, hot areas, cold areas and noisy areas common to an industrial plant environment.

Travel Requirements:

• 20-25%

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability.

Employment is contingent upon drug screen, background verification and skills test required for some positions.

FOR JOBS BASED IN CALIFORNIA:

Hiring Pay Scale: $140,000 – $150,000

Dole Packaged Foods is committed to paying our Associates fairly and equitably. The pay rate offered will consider a wide range of factors, including but not limited to experience, education, accomplishments, and location. Pay scales are subject to review on a regular basis and will be updated as appropriate.