Plant Technical Manager, Blue Buffalo

Overview: The Plant Technical Manager is responsible for providing the technical expertise and technical leadership to deliver results for the plant and the businesses it supports. The PTM is responsible for direct reports of the engineers on site and has accountability for Maintenance. This role will provide critical technical leadership for major capital projects and ensure active Line Teams have solutions needed to drive safety, quality and performance plans. Key Accountabilities: Leadership Development of site strategic plan for technical staffing, capital investment, general competencies, and system/technology improvements Coaching, mentoring, and development of plant technical resources Accountability for management of external technical relationships with A/E firms, contractors, and equipment vendors Provide technical leadership and site compliance with EPA and OSHA requirements in concert with designated functional experts Provide site leadership to achieve maximization/optimization of capital assets and site utilization as well as lead safety initiatives in technical areas Champion progression to zero using the tools, processes, and standards as defined in the ZLC guidebook. Capital Planning & Execution Develop short term and long range capital investment plans for facility and be accountable for the planning and execution of all projects Responsible for the capital investment process for the site (e.g. standards, project management, capital approval, etc.). Vertical Start Up/Continuous Improvement/Zero Loss Culture Develop and support strategies that integrate VSU, CI and Zero Loss Culture methodologies into the Master Plan. Provide leadership for the application of Zero Loss Culture to meet business objectives. Provide site leadership for technical solutions to operational problems including systems optimization, debottlenecking, and troubleshooting. Accountable for the strategy, design and implementation of control systems and manufacturing information systems. Maintenance & Reliability Coach and develop Maintenance and Facilities Manager to integrate Maintenance into Zero Loss Culture. Provide strategy and support for maintenance programs, development of tools and resources, personnel selection, training and development. Integrate Maintenance into the strategy for the broader technical community at the plant Ensure the proper selection, training, development and motivation of leaders to maximize current and future performance. Lead and support plant continuous improvement initiatives. Contribute as an integral part of a senior plant leadership team to drive the plant strategy and culture. Minimum Qualifications: BS or MS engineering degree. ABET Engineering degree required. Minimum of 6 years technical experience in project engineering, systems or process engineering, facilities management, or technical discipline engineering in a manufacturing environment with maintenance experience Strong track record of engineering aptitude, ability to apply engineering principles, and problem solving Strong leadership skills, including experience leading others in projects or programs, and the ability to successfully interact with individuals representing other areas or interests and the ability to manage team leaders & mechanics Understanding and experience interacting with multiple business functions, including Quality Control, Purchasing, Distribution, Human Resources, Finance and especially Operations Ability to identify potential business solutions involving a broad scope of thinking across businesses and functions to develop new innovation Unwavering commitment to food, human, and environmental safety as always the number 1 priority. Preferred Qualifications: Engineering degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering. Experience directly leading maintenance teams. Experience directly leading a team of engineers. Experience with industrial and/or labor relations from working in a manufacturing environment. Knowledge of and experience with manufacturing improvement methodologies such as Six Sigma, TPM, CI, Zero Loss Culture, or Lean Manufacturing.

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