Director Plant Engineering

Job Summary of the Director Plant Engineering:
As Director of Plant Engineering you will analyze data, optimize production processes, and reduce waste—directly impacting operating costs. Collaborate across teams to drive strategic initiatives, tackle complex challenges, and ensure excellence in maintenance and capital budget management.

As the head of Maintenance and Engineering in a fast-paced plant, you’ll ensure peak equipment performance and minimal downtime. You’ll implement advanced systems like Preventative and Predictive Maintenance and TPM, propelling our plant toward high performance.

Location: Fayetteville, North Carolina

Job Duties & Responsibilities of the Director Plant Engineering:

• Lead capital projects from concept to completion—on time, on budget, and with zero compromise on safety, food safety, or environmental standards.

• Manage all phases to minimize operational disruption and enhance plant capabilities through impactful, strategic improvements.

• Drive the development and execution of advanced maintenance strategies—including Preventive and Predictive Maintenance and TPM—to keep operations running at peak performance.

• Reduce downtime, boost efficiency, and ensure seamless, reliable production.

• Lead and inspire the maintenance team through effective task delegation, policy enforcement, and safety-first planning.

• Become the ultimate problem solver for daily operational challenges. From troubleshooting to long-term fixes, your proactive approach will minimize recurring issues and keep production running smoothly.

• Drive continuous improvement by developing and tracking Key Performance Indicators that measure the success of the maintenance function. From equipment reliability to supplier performance and overall equipment effectiveness, your insights will be crucial for maintaining peak performance across all areas of the plant.

• Lead and develop high-performing engineering teams through coaching, performance management, and collaboration with HR. Foster a culture of safety, communication, and recognition while building a diverse, empowered workforce.

Education & Experience Requirements of the Director Plant Engineering:

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited four-year college or university in Engineering, Business or related field

• 10+ years of experience in Engineering management; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.

• 5+ years’ experience in a position of leadership including team development and management, required.

• Possesses advanced technical skills in the mechanical/electrical fields (e.g. PLCs, instrumentation, mechanical engineering, etc.) and is able to lead resource planning efforts in a large manufacturing environment.

• Multi-million CapEx management experience.

• AutoCAD experience

• Ammonia Refrigeration background.

• Thorough knowledge of maintenance systems, work order process, preventive/predictive maintenance, TPM, etc.

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and SAP.

• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

• High level of written and oral communication skills, organizational planning, teamwork, analytical reasoning, and adaptability.

• Ability to communicate technical ideas to a non-technical audience effectively.

• Strong interpersonal, technical and presentation skills, required.

• May be required to work long hours and weekends.

• Food manufacturing experience required, knowledge of different pork products and the Meat Industry, preferred.

• Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.