Critical System Engineering - Fire & Life Safety Systems Manager (Remote with Travel required)

Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we’re committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.

Summary

This position is the Technical Leader of the Critical System Management Program to ensure safe and effective operation of infrastructure that carries a significant responsibility to Perdue & the community. This role will specifically be responsible for (but not limited to) Process Safety Management for 4 Hexane facilities and Evacuation Notification Systems, Fire Alarm & Suppression systems, and Insurance driven requirements. You will lead and develop Perdue program requirements and ensure that those requirements are actively being followed at more than 75 Perdue facilities. You will collaborate with engineering firms, technology providers and cross-functional teams to deliver Best-In-Class management of Critical Systems in Perdue. Responsibilities include leading program development, establishing standards, auditing of facilities, and advising on plant staffing requirements. This role will raise organization capability via benchmarking, hands-on coaching and training. You will be the key advocate to develop and promote the Risk Management strategy for Perdue Critical Facility Systems.

Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities  

• Be the “go to” person for Hexane PSM Program, Evacuation Notification Systems, Fire Alarm & Suppression Systems for all Perdue locations. Lead program development and execution. Lead interactions with Insurance driven improvements.
• Work collaboratively with Safety, Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and Environmental leadership to execute programs that deliver Safety, Compliance, Quality, Profitable Growth, and Cost.
• Collaborate with Engineering Subject Matter Experts and own the standards for Facility Critical Systems. Responsible for development and continuous improvement of standards to drive business results; identifying areas for improvement and implementing changes to enhance safety, efficiency and reliability
• Capability Building: Establish and lead the community of practice for Facility Critical Systems and recommend plant staffing levels. Build Technical capability into the organization via hands on coaching, training programs and troubleshooting.
• Leverage Critical Systems Steering Team to ensure consistent application of program requirements across all Perdue Locations.
• External Benchmarking: Stay up to date on regulatory requirements, technology and equipment to enable best in class engineering design. Identify key technology and processes to apply within Perdue to deliver improvements in Safety, Compliance, Quality and Profit.
• Safety and Maintenance: Provide guidance on best practices regarding and compliance with NFPA 54 National Fuel Gas Code, NFPA 13 Standard for Installation of Sprinkler Systems, NFPA 17/17A: Standards for dry and we chemical extinguishing systems, NPFA 25 Standard for Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of water-based fire protection systems, NFPA 101 Life Safety Standard, and NFPA 36 Standard for Solvent Extraction Plants . Be a “subject matter expert” for Critical Systems maintenance and operational strategies.
• Engineering Work Process Champion: Champion and drive the use of Critical Systems Management work process and tools. Establish program requirements, frequency of risk assessments & audits, and continuous updating of program policies and practices.
• Lead audits and inspections of Facility Critical Systems to ensure compliance with all program requirements.
• Collaborate with external engineering and internal resources to commercialize innovative technology and deliver safe and effective management of Facility Critical Systems.
• Collaborate with Global Risk and Perdue facilities to ensure all insurance driven recommendations are addressed effectively.
• This position has no direct reports but works collaboratively with safety, FSQA, production, maintenance, environmental, engineering, and global risk managers.

Minimum Education and Experience  

• High School Diploma and at least 8-12 years of experience with Facility Utility Systems, including a track record in problem solving, developing multi-site strategies, and influencing cross functional teams to navigate technical challenges.

• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts at all levels of the organization.

• Must be able to frequently travel to remote facilities, plants and/or other offices.

• This position will require frequent climbing of ladders, working in hot and/or cold temperatures for significant periods of time.

• Familiarity with the OSHA regulations pertaining to emergency planning (29CFR1910 Subpart E) and OSHA Process Safety Management regulation (29CFR1910.119)

Preferred Education and Experience  

• BS degree in Engineering or Engineering Technology; Prior experience in facility utility systems and will be considered in lieu of a degree. 
• Food and Beverage or Poultry Processing experience is preferred. 
• Experience with NFPA 13 Standard for Installation of Sprinkler Systems, NFPA 17/17A: Standards for dry and chemical extinguishing systems, NPFA 25 Standard for Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of water-based fire protection systems, NFPA 101 Life Safety Standard, AND NFPA 36 Standard for Solvent Extraction Plants

Environmental Factors and Physical Requirements  

• Position is active on the floor activities such as troubleshooting and re-design of existing systems are routine. 

• May need to move equipment occasionally. 

• May need to access files, supplies and equipment. 

• Work activity is where the processing equipment is located. 

• Work environment includes, but is not limited to, a normal office environment and construction site as well as climate extremes found in a poultry processing operation, feed mill, hatchery and a wastewater treatment facility. 

• Position requires an associate to have the ability to move throughout the complex and all facilities. 

When in a plant environment:

• Exposure primarily consists of wet and moist floors which include metal and plastic grating surfaces. 

• May be exposed to temperatures of 28 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit with both ambient and 100% humidity. 

• May handle products from 25 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. 

• Maybe exposed to noise ranges of 50 db. to 110 db. 

• May be exposed to all chemicals used in poultry, food, and processing facility. 

• Must wear and use protective and safety equipment required for the job as directed by the Company. 

• Must be able to work in confined and or permit required confined spaces and heights. Must be able to work on and around operating equipment. 

• Must be trained and use Lockout/Tagout. 

Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.