Engineering Director, Food Manufacturing

Lawler Foods; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Dessert Holdings, the leading premium dessert company, seeks a Director of Engineering to lead capital projects and manufacturing improvements across its ten food plants. Based in St.

Paul, MN or near a facility, this role travels to sites as needed and coordinates with Corporate and Site Management teams. You will drive asset and process standardization, champion automation and Lean practices, and manage 3–5 year capital plans, budgets, and vendor contracts while ensuring GMP, OSHA, EPA, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering required or equivalent technical degree.
• 10-15 years of engineering leadership with project management and food manufacturing experience.
• Ability to travel up to 75% across US and Canada.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and drive initiatives with management.
• Experience with automation and robotics in manufacturing.
• Knowledge of six sigma and Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Familiarity with GMPs and regulatory requirements (OSHA, EPA, FDA).

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering leadership for multiple facilities and project engineers.
• Manage capital projects including expansions and brownfield/greenfield work.
• Champion cost-reduction projects through process or equipment improvements and automation.
• Define technology and capabilities to support new business and line extensions.
• Develop 3–5 year capital plans, budgets, and contractor coordination.
• Prepare studies, estimates, and capital justifications in approved formats.
• Ensure facility planning, equipment specifications, and regulatory compliance.
• Maintain engineering records and coordinate with vendors and external partners.
• Communicate effectively with plant personnel and corporate teams.

Skills

Engineering leadership

Project management

Communication skills

Lean Six Sigma

AutoCAD

GMP knowledge

Robotics

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Dessert Holdings, the leading premium dessert company, seeks a Director of Engineering to lead capital projects and manufacturing improvements across its ten food plants. Based in St.

Paul, MN or near a facility, this role travels to sites as needed and coordinates with Corporate and Site Management teams. You will drive asset and process standardization, champion automation and Lean practices, and manage 3–5 year capital plans, budgets, and vendor contracts while ensuring GMP, OSHA, EPA, and