Engineering Director

Shank's Extracts, LLC d/b/a Universal Ingredients

• Shank's is a premier manufacturer of vanilla extracts, other extracts, natural and artificial flavors, food colors, syrups, and sauces. Shank's quality products are widely distributed to industrial, private-label, and grocery customers worldwide. We have an immediate opening for a Engineering Director

Available Immediately Upon Hire: Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA, HSA, EAP, ID Theft, 401K, and PTO.

Disclaimer: Shank's Extracts manufactures various products that identify as major food allergens (milk, eggs, tree nuts, wheat, and soybeans) as well as several other food ingredients. We cannot guarantee you will not be exposed to skin and/or odor contact with these various ingredients. Your health and safety are our number one priority, and we will do our best to accommodate within reason.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION:

The primary function of this position is to continually assess the current production processes and redesign to achieve increased efficiency, flexibility, and scalability ensuring full compliance with all applicable regulations. Initially, the responsibility is to have a successful start-up at 451's new production lines as well as XP relocation. This role will have ongoing responsibilities for continuous improvement of the production processes continuing the focus on increased efficiency including the development of efficiency metrics. This position will also be responsible for designing production processes as part of company expansion projects, possibly including green and brown development sites.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assesses current production processes and makes recommendations for improvements using existing equipment.

• Works closely with production teams.

• Evaluate flow and demand patterns.

• Determines the most efficient layout of the space.

• Presents scenarios to management regarding recommendations.

• Assesses current utilities and processes and makes recommendations on the feasibility of new products.

• Develops new or improved manufacturing processes to support growth and productivity objectives.

• Prepares and submits bi-annual Capital Plan.

• Recommends changes or upgrades to equipment, work methods, or other aspects of the process to improve. efficiency and utilization of resources including labor, energy, and raw materials.

• Provides supervision and direction for the Project Engineer.

• Acts as Project Manager for new construction to move production lines and install new lines.

• Executes projects ensuring adherence to safety, schedule, budget, and quality.

• Collaborates with project staff to create a strategic action plan and cost estimates of materials, time, labor, and other resources required to complete the projects.

• Select vendors for equipment purchases, installations, facility upgrades and oversee procurement of capital equipment.

• Manages and monitors compliance to applicable codes, procures permits, practices, quality assurance/quality control policies, performance standards, and specifications.

• Supervise equipment design changes, installation of new equipment, and building projects.

• Ensures successful completion of all projects.

• Drives continuous improvement in process design, cost-saving, quality, and resource allocation.

• Conducts studies in operations to maximize workflow and spatial utilization.

• Responsible for the optimization of existing processes to maximize plant efficiency.

• Validate new production processes.

• Recommends acquiring the most appropriate equipment to modify or expand production lines.

• Assesses and recommends improvements to all building's utility infrastructure.

• Works closely with Quality Control/Food Safety to maintain product quality.

• Works closely with Occupational Safety.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL/SKILLS NEEDED:

• Strong interpersonal skills are required.

• Strong presentation skills, both verbal and written are required.

• Ability to present to external audiences (contracts, governmental agencies etc.)

• Lean manufacturing/Six Sigma is preferred.

• English comprehension including speaking, reading, and writing is required for our business's necessity to ensure a safe and effective work environment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum BS in Engineering is required; Industrial or Mechanical Engineering preferred.

• 10 years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations management in a food manufacturing environment (possibly also Pharmaceutical) or equivalent is required.

• Project Management experience required.

• Budgeting experience required.

• Experience with production facility layout design is required.

• Proven Change Management experience required.

• Experience with automation in manufacturing environments is preferred.

• Managing a department's budget and personnel is required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or listen. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms.

• Exposure to food allergens such as, but not limited to, milk eggs, tree nuts, wheat, and soybeans will occur.

Conduct, Quality, Integrity, and Culture

Conduct: We will conduct every aspect of our business with honesty, integrity, and openness, respecting human rights and the interests of our employees, customers, and third parties.

Quality: Shank's is committed to food safety and product quality. We employ extensive food safety programs and controls at all levels. Our quality standards and food safety procedures are thoroughly being evaluated internally and externally. We continuously strive to improve our performance.

Integrity: Shank's and its employees will not offer, give, seek or receive, either directly or indirectly, improper inducements for business or financial gain. Where information is confidential, that confidentiality must be protected.

Culture: Shank's respects the cultural values of our employees, contractors, and customers. We also promote a balanced work-life environment. We recognize and celebrate our employees for their hard work and the contributions they make to our company.

Shanks Core Values:

ASPIRATION: Share a vision for achievement

ACCOUNTABILITY: Support company reputation

ADAPTABILITY: Evolve to meet business needs

• Competitive compensation and benefits package*

Shank's Extracts, LLC d/b/a Universal Ingredients

• Shank's is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) Employer.