Director of Engineering

JSK Recruiting, Inc.; Illinois; On-site; USD 180,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30% annual bonus

Long-term stock options

Comprehensive relocation assistance

Maternity and paternity leave

Strong medical, dental, and vision plans

Job summary

A leading food manufacturing company in the Greater Chicago Area is seeking a Director of Engineering to oversee capital initiatives and drive innovation. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of leadership experience in high-speed manufacturing, a strong track record in capital project management, and the vision to lead transformative projects in the industry. Competitive compensation package and growth opportunities to VP within 2-5 years are provided.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of engineering leadership experience in food or beverage manufacturing.
• Proven track record in managing large-scale capital projects.
• Willingness to travel as needed for project oversight.

Responsibilities

• Manage a team of 10 Engineers and Project Managers.
• Lead development of a 5-year capital master plan.
• Optimize manufacturing processes through advanced technologies.

Skills

Capex project management - $100 million

Leadership skills

Problem-solving

Education

BS in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, or related fields)

Master’s/MBA degree

Job description

This range is provided by JSK Recruiting, Inc.. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Compensation

• Salary Range: $180,000 - $210,000
• Bonus: 30% annual bonus, with the past 10 years paying out at 150% or higher of targets
• Incentives: Long-term stock options
• Relocation: Comprehensive relocation assistance is provided to ensure a seamless transition for the right candidate.

Job Details

• Job title: Director of Engineering, Capex Projects
• Location: Greater Chicago Area
• Seniority: Director
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Engineering, Manufacturing, and Project Management
• Industries: Food and Beverage Manufacturing, Dairy Product Manufacturing, and Baked Goods Manufacturing

About the Role

Are you a visionary engineering leader passionate about transforming the future of food manufacturing? We are seeking a Director of Engineering, Capex Projects to oversee groundbreaking capital initiatives, including new plant builds and advanced manufacturing upgrades. This role is critical to driving efficiency, sustainability, and innovation across a growing network of facilities.

Why Join Us?

• Impactful Leadership: Play a pivotal role in shaping the future of food manufacturing through innovative engineering.
• Exceptional Compensation: Competitive salary, industry-leading bonuses, long-term stock options, and comprehensive relocation support.
• Growth-Oriented Culture: Join a forward-thinking team committed to sustainability and operational excellence.
• Growth: Lead transformative projects, greenfields and brownfields that define the next generation of food manufacturing.
• Next Step: Growth to a VP in the next 2-5 years
• Benefits: Maternity and paternity leave, low-cost medical, dental and vision plans with a strong bonus, and pension

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a team of 10 Engineers and Project Managers
• Lead the development and execution of a 5-year capital master plan, aligning projects with strategic business objectives.
• Oversee greenfield and brownfield expansions, managing every phase from scoping to implementation.
• Optimize manufacturing processes by introducing advanced technologies, improving packaging lines, and enhancing overall efficiency.
• Cultivate and manage vendor relationships, including contract negotiation, RFP development, and partnership alignment.
• Build and lead a high-performing team of engineers and contractors, driving accountability and fostering professional growth.
• Collaborate across departments—operations, R&D, quality, finance, and procurement—to ensure project success and operational synergy.
• Monitor compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards while maintaining a focus on sustainability initiatives.
• Regularly evaluate project performance through KPIs, budgets, and timelines, providing actionable insights to stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Education: BS in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, or related fields); Master’s/MBA degree preferred.
• Experience: 10+ years of engineering leadership experience within the food, beverage or closely related high-speed manufacturing industry.
• Expertise: Proven track record in managing large-scale capital projects, with a focus on high-speed packaging and process improvements.
• Leadership: Strong ability to inspire and guide teams, handle competing priorities, and deliver measurable results.
• Skills: Capex project management - $100 million, end-to-end project management and solving bottlenecks at 12+ facilities throughout North America.
• Fit: Flexible, able to problem solve, think outside the box and solution oriented.
• Travel: Willingness to travel as needed for project oversight and vendor engagement, 30% or less.

Are You Ready to Drive Change?

If you’re a seasoned engineering leader ready to make a lasting impact in food manufacturing, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today to be part of an innovative team shaping the industry’s future!