Sr. Director, Engineering

 We’re seeking an experienced engineering executive to lead enterprise engineering, capital project execution, maintenance strategy, and infrastructure initiatives across a large-scale manufacturing organization. This leader will be responsible for driving operational excellence through strategic capital investments, engineering innovation, and the development of high-performing technical teams.

The ideal candidate combines strong engineering leadership with deep experience managing complex capital programs within a multi-site manufacturing environment. This role requires a strategic mindset, excellent leadership skills, and a passion for continuous improvement, safety, and operational performance.

Key Responsibilities

Enterprise Engineering & Capital Programs

• Provide executive leadership for engineering, maintenance, infrastructure, and capital project functions across multiple manufacturing operations.
• Direct the planning, prioritization, and execution of large-scale capital investments while ensuring projects are delivered safely, on schedule, and within approved budgets.
• Establish and refine engineering and project management standards that promote consistency, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence.
• Partner with operations and business leaders to identify capital investment opportunities that improve productivity, reliability, quality, and cost performance.

Engineering Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of engineering and project management professionals while fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Build organizational capability through succession planning, coaching, and leadership development initiatives.
• Promote a culture centered around safety, engagement, innovation, and operational excellence.

Manufacturing Technology & Automation

• Evaluate emerging manufacturing technologies, automation solutions, and engineering best practices that enhance operational performance.
• Assess technical and financial feasibility for new equipment, automation initiatives, and process improvements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional leadership to optimize manufacturing systems, equipment reliability, and facility infrastructure.

Operational Strategy & Continuous Improvement

• Develop long-range engineering strategies that support business growth, operational efficiency, and product quality.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives by sharing successful practices across manufacturing locations.
• Support enterprise initiatives focused on improving productivity, asset utilization, and manufacturing performance.

Safety, Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure engineering activities and capital projects meet all applicable safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Champion a proactive safety culture throughout project planning, execution, and ongoing facility operations.
• Maintain engineering processes that support compliance with internal standards and external regulations.

Financial & Resource Management

• Develop and oversee capital budgets and project portfolios.
• Ensure appropriate project planning, financial oversight, and resource allocation throughout the project lifecycle.
• Partner with senior leadership to develop multi-year capital investment strategies aligned with organizational objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related technical discipline (or equivalent combination of education and professional experience).
• 12+ years of progressive engineering leadership within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven success leading managers and developing high-performing technical organizations.
• Significant experience overseeing multiple large-scale capital projects from planning through execution.
• Previous experience in engineering project management or capital program leadership.
• Working knowledge of ERP systems (such as SAP) and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong executive communication, presentation, relationship-building, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability and willingness to travel approximately 50% to support multiple manufacturing locations.