Plant Engineering Manager

My client, located in the Des Moines, Iowa area, is looking for a Plant Engineering Manager. The Plant Engineering Manager is responsible for leading all engineering, maintenance, and reliability functions at a large food & beverage manufacturing facility. This role ensures equipment, utilities, and infrastructure operate at peak performance while meeting food safety, regulatory, and operational efficiency standards.

Key Responsibilities:

Engineering & Maintenance Leadership 

• Lead and develop maintenance and engineering teams to ensure equipment reliability and plant uptime.
• Oversee preventative and predictive maintenance programs, driving continuous improvement in performance and cost efficiency.
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Oversee day-to-day maintenance and engineering operations, ensuring the reliability and performance of processing, packaging, and utility systems.

• Manage processing and utility systems, including pasteurization, homogenizers, CIP, refrigeration, boilers, and wastewater.
• Track and improve KPIs related to OEE, downtime, and maintenance costs.

Capital Projects & Continuous Improvement

• Oversee capital expenditure (CapEx) projects, including facility expansions, equipment upgrades, and automation initiatives.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) principles.
• Evaluate and implement new technologies and automation solutions to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance product quality.

• Partner with production, quality, and supply chain teams to resolve technical issues and support plant goals.
• Manage budgets, vendor contracts, and cost reduction initiatives.

Safety, Compliance, & Food Manufacturing Standards

• Ensure compliance with FDA, USDA, PMO , SQF, HACCP, GMPs, and OSHA standards.
• Ensure compliance City, State & Federal Environmental Compliance Reporting (eg. PSM compliance)
• Drive a culture of safety, ensuring maintenance and engineering teams follow proper procedures and PPE requirements.

Budgeting & Cost Control

• Develop and manage the engineering and maintenance budget, optimizing costs while maintaining operational excellence.
• Negotiate contracts with vendors, suppliers, and service providers to ensure cost-effective procurement of equipment and materials.
• Identify and implement cost reduction strategies, including energy efficiency projects and waste minimization.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or related engineering field.
• 10+ years in plant engineering, maintenance, or reliability within food & beverage manufacturing.
• Expertise in processing equipment, refrigeration systems, utilities, and process automation.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Knowledge of Allen-Bradley PLCs and ladder logic troubleshooting.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Travel:

• 50–75% travel for onboarding to start for learning and education of company operations
• Up to 25% travel until plant startup; occasional infrequent travel afterward.

If you are looking for a stable company that will offer you career advancement and meet the above requirements, please send your resume in Word format to alex@mrbethlehem.com. Interviews are being scheduled NOW.