Manager of Process Engineering

Manager of Process Engineering

Position Summary

The Manager of Process Engineering leads the pursuit of operational excellence across manufacturing operations by developing people, processes, and performance. This role manages a high-performing team of Process Engineers and Process Improvement Technicians, leveraging data analytics, Lean manufacturing principles, and structured problem-solving to deliver measurable improvements in safety, quality, productivity, and cost.

This position also plays a key role in capital project execution and the development of durable engineering solutions that support sustainable, long-term continuous improvement across the organization.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Process Engineers and Process Improvement Technicians.
• Build technical capability while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Drive ownership of performance at all levels of the organization.

Strategy Development & Execution

• Translate business and operational goals into actionable process engineering strategies.
• Support long-term operational planning through equipment upgrades, process improvements, and alignment of capital investments.

KPI Development & Performance Management

• Develop, track, and own key performance indicators (KPIs) aligned with safety, quality, productivity, and cost objectives.
• Implement dashboards and reporting tools to improve visibility and accountability.
• Review performance data daily with the Process Engineering team and partner cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and other departments to drive alignment and results.

Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement

• Lead data-driven problem solving using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and TPM methodologies.
• Optimize processes to improve yield, throughput, efficiency, and equipment uptime while reducing waste and variation.

Analytical & Statistical Performance Monitoring

• Utilize statistical analysis tools (e.g., Minitab) and production data to monitor process and product performance.
• Identify trends, risks, and opportunities, initiating corrective actions to ensure safety, quality, and efficiency.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Training, and Engineering to standardize procedures, improve documentation, and enhance training effectiveness.
• Drive consistent execution of best practices across departments.

Capital Project Support

• Provide technical leadership and guidance for capital projects, including scope development, resource planning, timelines, and implementation coordination.

Operational Support & Food Safety

• Support day-to-day manufacturing operations and long-term improvement initiatives.
• Immediately escalate any food safety or quality concerns to appropriate personnel with authority to take action.

Direct Reports

• Process Engineers
• Process Improvement Technicians

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Systems) required.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive process engineering experience, including at least 5 years in a leadership role focused on equipment and manufacturing process optimization.
• Minimum of 5 years of food manufacturing experience required.
• Demonstrated expertise in data analytics, Lean Manufacturing, project management, and technical communication.
• Proven success applying continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Values-Based Leadership: Demonstrates company values of family, commitment, authenticity, ingenuity, integrity, and humility.
• Leadership & Influence: Leads cross-functional teams, drives accountability, and promotes a culture of ownership and continuous improvement.
• Strategic Thinking: Connects engineering initiatives to business goals and long-term operational performance.
• Prioritization & Communication: Effectively manages competing priorities and proactively communicates changes, constraints, and risks to leadership.
• Project Management: Proven ability to plan, scope, schedule, and execute complex technical projects across functions.
• Advanced Analytics: Strong capability to analyze and visualize process data to drive informed decisions.
• Technical Expertise: Knowledgeable in manufacturing safety and quality systems, Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Root Cause Analysis, and Six Sigma. Proficient with Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and Minitab.
• Process Improvement Mindset: Applies TPM, Kaizen, and structured problem-solving to implement sustainable improvements.
• Communication Skills: Clearly translates complex technical insights into actionable plans for diverse audiences.
• Collaboration & Relationship Building: Builds strong partnerships across departments to drive alignment and shared success.
• Results-Oriented: Focuses on measurable outcomes including productivity gains, cost savings, and KPI performance.

Additional Information

Work Location

• On-site 

Travel Requirements

• Occasional travel (approximately 10%).

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to sit, use hands, and communicate verbally.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• May occasionally lift or move up to 20 pounds.
• Requires close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

• Primarily manufacturing and office environments with no substantial exposure to adverse conditions.