Senior Manager Manufacturing Engineering

Overview

Client Overview:
Our client is a well-established international manufacturing organization with a strong presence across global markets. The company is recognized for its commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and high-quality products. With continued investment in technology, people, and sustainable growth, they have called on us to support them in identifying a Senior Manager of Engineering, Maintenance & EHS.

The Senior Manager is responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership across engineering, maintenance, facilities, capital projects, and environmental health & safety functions within a manufacturing environment. This role drives operational efficiency, ensures regulatory compliance, and supports continuous improvement initiatives across the plant.

• Lead all manufacturing engineering initiatives, including process optimization, equipment design, automation, and plant improvements.
• Manage capital projects from concept through completion, including equipment installation, facility expansion, line startups, and infrastructure upgrades.
• Oversee contractor selection, construction management, and coordination with regulatory agencies.
• Partner with Operations, Quality, R&D, and Supply Chain on new product launches, process improvements, and capacity expansion.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend investments that improve productivity, quality, and efficiency.

• Provide leadership and strategic direction to the Maintenance organization, including direct oversight of the Maintenance Manager and maintenance team.
• Develop and execute preventive, predictive, and reliability-centered maintenance programs.
• Improve equipment uptime, reduce downtime, and enhance overall asset performance.
• Ensure effective spare parts management, CMMS utilization, and maintenance planning.
• Support troubleshooting of complex mechanical, electrical, and controls issues.
• Lead the plant's Environmental, Health & Safety strategy and compliance programs.
• Foster a proactive safety culture focused on prevention, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Oversee incident investigations, corrective actions, safety audits, and risk assessments.
• Drive safety training and employee engagement initiatives across the facility.
• Build, coach, and develop high-performing Engineering, Maintenance, and EHS teams.
• Establish succession plans and mentor future leaders.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing, TPM, and Six Sigma initiatives.
• Develop and monitor KPIs related to reliability, maintenance, safety, and capital performance.
• Serve as a key advisor to plant leadership on technical and operational matters.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field required;
  Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing engineering, maintenance, and plant operations within a food manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated success leading maintenance, engineering, and EHS functions in a complex manufacturing setting.
• Strong experience managing capital projects, facility expansions, and equipment installations.
• Extensive knowledge of manufacturing equipment, automation, controls, utilities, and plant infrastructure.
• Deep understanding of OSHA, EPA, machine safety, and industrial health and safety regulations.
• Proven leadership experience managing managers and cross-functional technical teams.
• Required demonstrated experience leading Lean Manufacturing, TPM, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement initiatives within a manufacturing environment.
• Required proficiency with CMMS, AutoCAD, and project management software, with a proven ability to leverage these tools to drive operational and project success.
• Spanish fluency is required.

Greater Chicago area

Candidate must show proof of US citizenship/visa/alien registration. No sponsorship will be offered for this role.