Associate Director, Plant Engineering

Kellanova; Nilai; On-site; MYR 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global snacks company in Malaysia is seeking an engineering professional to lead fixed-asset and maintenance operations. This role includes supervising technical teams and leveraging metrics for operational excellence. The ideal candidate has over 12 years in engineering and maintenance, strong team leadership skills, and expertise in preventive maintenance methodologies. You will play a crucial role in sustainability efforts while ensuring effective planning and execution of maintenance strategies. Competitive compensation and growth opportunities are provided.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Career development opportunities

Inclusive work environment

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in engineering and maintenance within a manufacturing environment.
• 5+ years in a team management or supervisory role.
• Experience in preventive and predictive maintenance methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead fixed-asset and maintenance operations to drive reliability.
• Supervise technical teams, contractors, and third parties.
• Participate in process and packaging optimization initiatives.

Skills

Maintenance strategies

Team leadership

Preventive maintenance

Sustainability principles

Project management

Education

Degree in Engineering or related field

Job description

We’re seeking a proactive engineering professional to lead fixed-asset and maintenance operations, ensuring effective planning, execution, and performance tracking. You will apply critical maintenance and utility metrics to drive reliability and operational excellence. The role includes supervising technical teams, contractors, and other third parties. You will support the acquisition and start-up of production equipment and industrial services, contributing as part of a multidisciplinary team across mechanical, electrical, and automation areas. You’ll also participate in process and packaging optimization initiatives that enable continuous improvement. Additionally, you will lead our energy-management and sustainability efforts while meeting defined KPIs through strong self-management.

A Taste of What You’ll Be Doing

• Key Responsibly: Fixed Assets Maintenance responsibilities, including maintenance budget preparation and control (preferably including exposure to TPM, preventive maintenance planning and/or maintenance execution)
• Key to understand and use critical metrics for maintenance and utility performance.
• Personnel Supervision of technical teams, contractors, or other 3rd parties
• Preparation of Investment budgets $3M USD, and acquisition of technical equipment for Production and/or Industrial Services
• Participation in the development of engineering projects >500k USD, as part of a multidisciplinary team preferably including different products and technologies, and both, the mechanical and E&A areas
• Participation in the start-up of technical equipment and/or production lines preferably including industrial services supply.
• Participation in multi-disciplinary teams that focuses in process or packing optimization/continuous improvement
• Sustainability - Lead the energy management program.
• Self-Management following defined KPIs/Objectives, and proactively tracking them

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Initiative - Being at site level, the Plant Engineer has ultimate responsibility to ensure proper implementation of the Engineering Policy, Strategy and Key Activities
• Lead People - The Plant Engineer direct reports are critical for the operation of the factory, so is the need to lead and empower them, encouraging high performance
• Proactive Cooperation - The Plant Engineer must ensure that the engineering team operates as part of a multi-functional team, with clear and open communication with the other relevant areas
• Results Focus - The Plant Engineer needs to meet several KPIs through all factory operation, covering all Engineering Activities, thus impacting long term overall business
• Commitment to ensure an attitude of complete intolerance for non-compliance, in relation to product quality, people and environment safety, and change management

We’re Looking for Someone With

• A minimum of 12+ years of experience in engineering and maintenance, with a strong background in managing fixed assets, maintenance strategies, and technical operations within a manufacturing environment
• At least 5 years of experience in a team management or supervisory role, demonstrating the ability to lead, coach, and develop technical teams, contractors, and third-party service providers
• Minimum 10 years in a technical field, preferably within the food manufacturing or consumer goods industry, in roles such as Project Engineer, Project Manager, Industrial Services Engineer, E&I or Automation Engineer, or similar technical positions
• Proven expertise in preventive and predictive maintenance methodologies (e.g., TPM), maintenance planning, equipment reliability, and the use of maintenance performance metrics
• Strong experience working in multidisciplinary engineering teams across mechanical, electrical, automation, and industrial services domains
• Demonstrated involvement in equipment installation, commissioning, and startup activities for production lines and technical utilities
• Experience contributing to or leading process and packaging optimization, continuous improvement initiatives, and operational efficiency projects
• Solid understanding of sustainability principles, including hands‑on involvement in energy management programs or resource‑efficiency initiatives
• Strong self‑management capability, with a track record of meeting KPIs, driving improvements, and proactively managing priorities in a dynamic environment

What’s Next

After you apply, your application will be reviewed by a real recruiter, so it may take us a few weeks to get back with you by email or phone. Visit our How We Hire page to get insights into our hiring process and more about what we offer.

Get to Know Us

At Kellanova, we are driven by our vision to be the world’s best-performing snacks-led powerhouse, unleashing the full potential of our differentiated brands and our passionate people. Our portfolio of iconic, world-class brands include Pringles, Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts, MorningStar Farms, Special K, Krave, Zucaritas, Tresor, Crunchy Nut, among others.

Our focus on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I) enables us to build a culture of belonging where all employees have a place at the table and are inspired to share their passion, talents and ideas to work.

Mars has agreed to acquire Kellanova in a combination that will shape the future of snacking! The transaction is anticipated to close within the first half of 2025 (subject to Kellanova shareowner approval and other customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals). The companies remain separate until closing.

You can learn more at www.futureofsnacking.com and our hiring teams will be happy to discuss further questions if your application advances in the hiring process.

About Kellanova AMEA

Home to 75% of the world's population and contributing to 50% of the global GDP, the AMEA region represents a vast and promising market for Kellanova. This region provides an extensive geographic presence and holds substantial growth potential, especially considering our diverse portfolio spanning multiple categories.

AMEA is strategically positioned for growth, positioning itself to become a prominent player in the snacking industry while maintaining a steady trajectory of cereal growth. As we expand our product offerings, reach new geographic horizons, and increase investments in emerging markets within AMEA, you have the opportunity to become an integral part of a dynamic and forward-thinking organization. We are deeply committed to investing in our people and enhancing our capabilities to deliver value to our stakeholders.

The best brands. The best people. The best you.

Kellanova is an Equal Opportunity Employer that strives to provide an inclusive work environment, a seat for everyone at the table, and embraces the diverse talent of its people. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. For more information regarding our efforts to advance Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, please visit our website here.