Sr. Manager Engineering - CEI

Overview

Corporate role responsible for CEI strategy across all manufacturing site locations.

Lead the enterprise-wide smart manufacturing transformation across our network of food & beverage production facilities. In this corporate-level role, you will drive system-wide modernization and standardization of Controls, Electrical, and Automation systems to unlock productivity, scalability, and profitability across our multi-plant network.

You will architect and execute a forward-looking CEI (Controls, Electrical & Integration) roadmap and digital manufacturing vision that aligns with our enterprise growth strategy. This includes delivering scalable, secure, and high-performance automation systems that reduce downtime, improve throughput, and optimize Total Delivered Cost (TDC).

This position plays a critical role in plant profitability and performance, ensuring CEI capabilities are not only technically sound, but also enhance site-level cost structures and support P&L goals.

• Deliver automation and controls investments that yield measurable value in terms of OEE, labor efficiency, utility usage, and total delivered cost (TDC).
• Collaborate with finance, operations, and engineering leaders to ensure CEI strategy supports plant-level P&L improvement.
• Drive ROI-focused decisions on CEI infrastructure upgrades that reduce unplanned downtime, streamline startup timelines, and improve yield.
• Support capital project teams with CEI strategies that align with both site productivity goals and corporate financial targets.
• Develop and manage an external alliance network of CEI providers who are certified to deliver against our design standards, safety expectations, and performance KPIs.
• Own the lifecycle governance for CEI systems—from design specification through startup validation—ensuring alignment with both corporate and site goals.
• Partner with IT/OT and ESH teams to build secure-by-design CEI architectures that support food safety, personnel safety, data integrity and financial performance.
• Develop and lead the corporate Controls, Electrical & Automation (CEI) strategy, aligning with smart manufacturing, Industry 4.0, and capital investment objectives.
• Establish and lead a preferred partner program for CEI vendors, including system integrators, OEMs, and contractors.
• Champion the adoption of modern technologies such as IIoT, edge devices, advanced sensors, and AI-driven automation platforms to enhance system intelligence and flexibility.
• Track and evaluate industry trends and emerging technologies, conducting assessments and pilots to inform CEI modernization and lifecycle planning.
• Lead internal workshops, develop training materials, and mentor plant teams to build CEI capability and standard adherence across the manufacturing network.
• Establish corporate protocol strategies for electrical system obsolescence planning, spare parts strategies, and critical system redundancy.
• Interface with regulatory agencies and internal compliance teams to ensure CEI designs and executions meet all applicable codes and regulations (e.g., NEC, NFPA, OSHA, USDA, EPA).

• Collaborate with vendors, contractors, governmental regulatory agencies (USDA, OSHA, DNR, EPA, etc) as needed to support the various projects.

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Controls Systems, or related field (Master's preferred).
• Demonstrated success in delivering a Controls & Electrical strategy across a network of manufacturing sites.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in Controls/Electrical Engineering in CPG, food/beverage, or pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of industrial automation architecture (PLCs, HMI/SCADA, MES, industrial networks, safety systems, instrumentation) and Electrical equipment.
• Proven ability to develop and govern engineering standards, particularly in capital project environments.
• Demonstrated success managing third-party vendors and system integrators in complex, multi-site environments.
• Familiarity with Stage-Gate project delivery, FEL processes, and capital governance models.
• Experience working at the intersection of OT, IT, and Digital Transformation is a strong advantage.
• Excellent strategic thinking, stakeholder management, and communication skills—able to operate at both the plant and executive level.
• Pay Range - $155,000 to $170,000