Plant Engineer/Maintenance Manager - LALA US, Inc

LALA US manufactures Yogurt Smoothie with Probiotics, Frusion Yogurt Smoothie, Crema Mexicana, and Blended Yogurt. The facility provides a clean work environment, well-lit, highly automated production facility and career advancement opportunities. LALA US provides a competitive total benefits package including:

• Competitive pay
• Relocation assistance is available in the amount of one month's salary.
• Annual increases based on merit and Company performance
• Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
• 401k with Company match
• Paid vacation, personal days, and holidays

JOB PURPOSE (JOB SUMMARY):

This Plant Engineer leads Engineering projects from planning to implementation and manages the Maintenance team in plant operations, utilities and plant services to improve productivity, equipment reliability and preventative maintenance to increase capacity, availability, quality, safety, productivity, and costs.  Coordinates and oversees design, construction, installation, and modification of facilities, equipment, and physical needs of a plant operation; designs/adapts special production machinery.  Assists in establishing standards and policies for installation, modification, testing and inspection of equipment.  Reviews regulatory processes, including PSM coordination and OSHA regulations for compliance. Collaborates and coordinates activities as necessary with Maintenance Supervisors and related positions, including boiler / refrigeration and building and grounds. Leader for the PM implementation.  Responsible for complying with:  GFSI (SQF), HACCP programs, and validating the effectiveness of procedures that ensure food safety/quality standards for all Regulatory, customer, and business needs.    

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:

MAINTENANCE

• Prioritizing, planning, developing, designing, and implementing projects to improve capacity.
• Closely follow technology and equipment developments and develop new and revised processes and production lines.
• Develop requirements and specifications for technical systems and equipment for documentation and procurement of new production systems. 
• Support Continuous Improvement teams and other teams with technology and plant engineering expertise. 
• Lead project teams to introduce new process technology or production improvements
• Lead and manage packaging changes in plant with direction from corporate marketing team
• Develop advanced analysis methods for evaluating PM and PdM systems.
• Communicate with all departments of the company to assure best acceptance and progress for plant engineering activities.
• Organize and prioritize plant related improvement projects originating from supply chain departments.
• This individual will be working in teams and as an individual contributor to improve availability, quality, safety, productivity, and reduce costs for existing production lines, facilities, and plants. 
• Follow technology and equipment developments and develop new and revised processes and production lines. 
• Develop requirements and specification for technical systems and equipment for documentation and procurement of new production systems. 
• Participate on project teams to introduce new process technology or production improvements when assigned. 
• Work closely with vendors to determine best technology/solution for capital projects
• Define and determine standards and acceptance methods for plant equipment
• Analyze maintenance procedures and spare parts replacement trends, and make recommendations on improvement for predictive and preventative methods.  Communicate with all departments of the company to assure best acceptance and progress for plant engineering activities. 
• Coordinate the development and update of SOP’s within the Plant Engineering Department. 
• Management and coordination with all regulatory programs in the plant such as: PSM for ammonia refrigeration, boiler inspections, RMP, NDEQ, EPA, OSHA, etc.
• Implementation of a formal PM and work order system with tracking and individual mechanic KPIs and accountability related to execution.
• An “Out Of Office” reply for emails must be set with the nominated backup’s personal contact details, when absent for more than 2 days.

WORK EXPERIENCE / KNOWLEDGE:

• Minimum of four (4) years’ experience in manufacturing environment
• Prefer Food Industry, and specifically Dairy Industry work experience
• Experience with Utilities management
• Experience with process controls and PLCs
• Knowledgeable of plant operations, production maintenance, and maintenance shop required.
• Must understand specific OSHA and EPA standards as they relate to the plant environment.
• Continuous Improvement experience a plus (LEAN, TPM)
• Experience with CMMS software systems like SAP and HIPPO preferred.

SKILLS / OTHER PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES REQUIRED:

• Ability to adapt to changing operational and organization needs.
• Must be able to effectively manage salaried maintenance management personnel.
• Strong team player with the ability to work across multiple functions and disciplines.
• Ability to assess, evaluate and solve problems.
• Experience working in a union environment.
• Must be able to use Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to adapt to work schedule dependent on business and operation needs.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals.
• This position requires regular and prompt attendance during the working hours scheduled by the Plant Manager.
• Other duties as assigned by the Plant Manager.

FORMAL EDUCATION:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering preferred
• Equivalent experience will be considered

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Constantly stands and walks.
• Frequently will sit.
• Frequently type/keyboard, grip and repetitive hand use.
• Occasionally bends at the waist, twists and turns, kneels and squats.
• Constantly would need the ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds.
• Frequently would need the ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds.
• Occasionally would need the ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Frequently need to push/pull up to 30 pounds.
• Occasionally would need the ability to push/pull up to 50 pounds.
• Work hours may vary depending on projects or assignments.
• Frequently exposed to loud noises when on the production floor.