Senior Director of Engineering Operations

At Winland Foods, a leading manufacturer of high-quality food products trusted across North America, we are on a mission to enhance our manufacturing network. We are looking for a transformative leader for the position of Senior Director of Engineering Operations. This role plays a critical part in driving engineering strategy, standardizing processes, and ensuring asset reliability throughout our multi‑site manufacturing network. The Senior Director will collaborate closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Maintenance, Quality, EHS, Finance, and Procurement to implement engineering systems that enhance performance and support sustainable growth. This is an opportunity to transition our organization from site‑specific solutions to scalable engineering practices that align with our business priorities. Benefits We offer a comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with match, STD/LTD/AD&D/Life, HSA, FSA, EAP, Hospital indemnity, Accident Insurance, Identity and Fraud Protection Plan, Legal, and Critical Illness. Travel This role requires travel for about 50-65% of the time. Salary The salary range is $169k - $396k annually, based on experience and qualifications, with additional bonus potential. We seek a leader who is passionate about coaching and talent development, as well as being skilled in technical rigor and data‑driven problem‑solving. Establish enterprise engineering standards to enhance safety, quality, cost efficiency, and service consistency. Forge a strong partnership with Operations to ensure engineering supports throughput, uptime, and reliability. Own the end‑to‑end asset lifecycle performance from design through maintenance and reliability. Lead capital strategy initiatives to balance growth and cost management while mitigating risks and ensuring ROI. This position blends strategic oversight with operational involvement, allowing you to shape directions while being grounded in plant realities. Key Responsibilities Engineering Strategy & Governance Define and execute a company‑wide engineering strategy that aligns with Winland Foods' operational, financial, and growth objectives. Establish and govern engineering standards and best practices across all manufacturing sites. Create frameworks for technology selection, equipment design, and scalability. Serve as the executive owner of engineering policies and technical governance. Process Standardization & Integration Drive the standardization of processes and equipment platforms across the network. Work with Operations leadership to ensure solutions support consistent performance. Translate operational needs into engineered solutions that are repeatable and maintainable. Minimize variability while respecting unique site constraints. End‑to‑End Reliability & Asset Performance Own the end‑to‑end reliability strategy from design to lifecycle optimization. Collaborate with Maintenance and Operations to reduce downtime and improve equipment effectiveness. Ensure safety and reliability are integrated into all capital projects from the outset. Champion data‑driven decision making regarding asset performance. Capital Strategy & Execution Lead the development of the multi‑year CAPEX strategy aligned with operational and financial targets. Manage capital portfolio prioritization and risk management. Ensure disciplined execution of capital projects with robust scoping and post‑implementation reviews. Partner with Finance to assure capital investments yield measurable returns. Technology, Automation & Innovation Evaluate and implement automation and emerging technologies to enhance performance and sustainability. Ensure technology solutions are scalable and supportable. Work with Procurement to optimize costs and performance. Leadership, Talent & Culture Build and lead a high‑performing engineering organization with clear expectations. Develop engineering leaders who can influence across the company. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Safety, Quality & Compliance Embed safety and food safety principles in all engineering work. Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, FDA, and GMP regulations. Collaborate with EHS and Quality to integrate risk prevention into designs. Success Metrics Engineering is recognized as a strategic enabler. Manufacturing sites operate with greater consistency and reliability. Capital projects meet expected outcomes in terms of cost and timing. Integrated operations between Engineering and Maintenance. Standard practices replace isolated solutions across the network. Qualifications Required Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Chemical, or related). 15+ years of progressive engineering leadership experience in manufacturing. Proven experience leading multi‑site engineering organizations. Track record of driving process standardization and reliability improvements. Strong partnerships with Operations and Finance. Deep knowledge of food manufacturing and regulatory standards. Preferred Experience in Food or Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) manufacturing. Knowledge of automation and industrial digitalization. Experience in capital portfolio management at an enterprise level. Advanced degrees or formal project management training. Commitment to Values & Culture We Put People First We Deliver Excellence We Act with Integrity We Win Together - One Winland Why Join Winland Foods? Influential leadership role directly impacting enterprise transformation. Opportunity to shape engineering strategy and build a technical organization. Culture committed to development, collaboration, and innovation. Competitive compensation with growth opportunities. Be a part of shaping Winland Foods' future - your ideas and leadership matter. Join us and let's build something exceptional together. EEO Statement Winland Foods is dedicated to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. About Us Winland Foods specializes in meal preparation products, providing a range of offerings from pasta and sauces to plant‑based proteins. Our commitment is to create exceptional food experiences that bring people together. Why Work With Us? Commitment to Quality: Exceeding industry standards across our value chain. Sustainability & Responsibility: Making a positive impact through environmental stewardship. People First: Prioritizing safety and growth of our employees. At Winland Foods, you'll find opportunities across various functions where you can make a meaningful impact. Join our team and help shape the future of food! #J-18808-Ljbffr Broughton Group