Director of Commissioning

Alkar; Wisconsin; Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Alkar seeks a seasoned leader to direct and oversee all domestic and international commissioning operations and projects. The role focuses on delivering high-quality installations, start-ups, and customer training while optimizing resources and profitability.

You will guide the Service, Installation, and Start-Up teams, develop staffing plans, and establish standardized processes across the Commissioning Department.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of leadership experience.
• 10+ years in manufacturing with product knowledge; food processing experience preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree requirement or equivalent experience.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities.
• Strong technical writing and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee domestic and international commissioning operations and projects.
• Lead Service, Installation, and Start-Up teams.
• Develop and manage Commissioning Department budget and forecast.
• Coordinate with Engineering to resolve reliability and design issues.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing to plan scheduling and readiness for commissioning.
• Coach and develop commissioning staff; monitor performance.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional teams

Operational efficiency

Strategic planning

Stakeholder collaboration

Technical writing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Project Management, Business, or related field

Job description

Description

General Summary:

Directs and oversees all domestic and international commissioning operations and projects for Alkar product lines. Responsible for ensuring the successful execution of equipment installations from delivery coordination through start-up, commissioning, and customer training, with a focus on quality, operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and profitability. Provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Commissioning Department by developing personnel, optimizing resources, and establishing effective processes to support organizational objectives. Leads, evaluates, and develops commissioning staff to ensure high performance, technical excellence, and the efficient execution of commissioning functions across the organization.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Lead the Alkar Service, Installation, and Start-Up/Customer Service Technician teams to achieve departmental goals and customer service objectives.
• Develop and manage the Commissioning Department budget, including forecasting, expense monitoring, and cost-control initiatives.
• Partner with Engineering to resolve equipment reliability, maintenance, and design issues, while contributing to the development of equipment operating and service manuals.
• Coordinate with Manufacturing to manage equipment scheduling, prioritization, and readiness for commissioning activities.
• Collaborate with the Installation Manager to build and maintain an effective service and installation workforce, including staffing, hiring, workforce planning, and performance management.
• Direct and support commissioning staff through coaching, evaluations, feedback, and career development initiatives.
• Manage resources and project timelines to establish shipment dates, project schedules, and milestone tracking.
• Oversee feasibility reviews, specification development, cost analysis, design reviews, and equipment performance standards.
• Support Manufacturing and Engineering by coordinating resources to respond to customer service requests and technical support needs.
• Review warranty claims and expedite equipment repairs and service resolutions.
• Establish and maintain standardized commissioning documentation and reporting processes.
• Develop and deliver customer training programs in partnership with cross-functional departments.
• Ensure accurate and complete service documentation and records are maintained.
• Stay informed of customer needs, industry trends, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop, recommend, and implement service programs, policies, and operational procedures.
• Maintain strong vendor relationships and promote collaboration within the commissioning team.
• Monitor departmental productivity and individual employee performance.
• Cross-train installation and service personnel to improve operational flexibility and team effectiveness.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned by the President.

Areas / Teams Supervised:

• Service
• Installation

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Project Management, Business, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Minimum of 10 years of leadership experience, including supervising and developing cross-functional teams.
• At least 10 years of experience in a manufacturing environment with strong product line knowledge; food processing industry experience preferred.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and continuous improvement skills with a focus on operational efficiency.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with external stakeholders.
• Strong technical writing and documentation skills, including the ability to review and interpret Service and Installation reports generated by Alkar technical teams.