Plant Engineering Director

True North Consultants, Inc.; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 160,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

True North Consultants, Inc. is seeking a Plant Engineering Director in Sioux Falls, SD.

You will lead maintenance and engineering to maximize equipment uptime and safety, directing capital projects and advanced maintenance strategies. Qualifications include a bachelor’s (10+ years) or a master’s (8+ years) in engineering or business, with strong leadership, SAP knowledge, and the ability to drive KPIs and continuous improvement across the plant.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business or related field with 10+ years in engineering management.
• Master’s degree in Engineering, Business, or related field with 8+ years of relevant experience.
• 5+ years in a leadership role with team development.
• Advanced technical skills in mechanical/electrical fields (PLCs, instrumentation).
• Thorough knowledge of maintenance systems, work orders, preventive/predictive maintenance, TPM.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and SAP.
• Strong communication, planning, teamwork, analytical reasoning and adaptability.
• Ability to communicate technical ideas to non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead capital projects from concept to completion—on time, on budget, with emphasis on safety and compliance.
• Manage all phases to minimize disruption and enhance plant capabilities through strategic improvements.
• Drive maintenance strategies—Preventive, Predictive and TPM—to keep operations at peak performance.
• Lead and inspire the maintenance team with effective delegation, policy enforcement and safety-first planning.
• Provide proactive problem-solving to reduce recurring issues and keep production running smoothly.
• Develop and track KPIs for equipment reliability, supplier performance and overall equipment effectiveness.
• Lead and develop engineering teams through coaching and collaboration with HR, fostering safety and teamwork.

Skills

Leadership

Maintenance strategy

Preventive maintenance

Predictive maintenance

TPM

Problem solving

Communication

Team development

Safety compliance

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business or related field

Master’s degree in Engineering, Business, or related field

Tools

SAP

Job description

Job Title: Plant Engineering Director

Location: Sioux Falls, SD

Salary: $160-210K plus bonus

Job Summary of the Plant Engineering Director: As the head of Maintenance and Engineering in a fast-paced plant, you’ll ensure peak equipment performance and minimal downtime. You’ll implement advanced systems like Preventative and Predictive Maintenance and TPM, propelling our plant toward high performance.

Job Duties & Responsibilities of the Plant Engineering Director:

• Lead capital projects from concept to completion—on time, on budget, and with zero compromise on safety, food safety, or environmental standards.
• Manage all phases to minimize operational disruption and enhance plant capabilities through impactful, strategic improvements.
• Drive the development and execution of advanced maintenance strategies—including Preventive and Predictive Maintenance and TPM—to keep operations running at peak performance.
• Lead and inspire the maintenance team through effective task delegation, policy enforcement, and safety-first planning.
• Become the ultimate problem solver for daily operational challenges. From troubleshooting to long-term fixes, your proactive approach will minimize recurring issues and keep production running smoothly.
• Drive continuous improvement by developing and tracking Key Performance Indicators that measure the success of the maintenance function. From equipment reliability to supplier performance and overall equipment effectiveness, your insights will be crucial for maintaining peak performance across all areas of the plant.
• Lead and develop high-performing engineering teams through coaching, performance management, and collaboration with HR. Foster a culture of safety, communication, and recognition while building a diverse, empowered workforce.

Education & Experience Requirements of the Plant Engineering Director:

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited four-year college or university in Engineering, Business or related field and 10+ years of experience in Engineering management; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
• Candidates with a Master’s degree in Engineering, Business, or related field from an accredited four-year college or university and 8+ years of relevant experience will be considered qualified.
• 5+ years’ experience in a position of leadership to include team development and management, required.
• Possess advanced technical skills in the mechanical/electrical fields (e.g. PLCs, instrumentation, mechanical engineering, etc.) and is able to lead resource planning efforts in a large manufacturing environment.
• Thorough knowledge of maintenance systems, work order process, preventive/predictive maintenance, TPM, etc.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and SAP.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• High level of written and oral communication skills, organizational planning, teamwork, analytical reasoning, and adaptability.
• Ability to communicate technical ideas to a non-technical audience effectively.
• Strong interpersonal, technical and presentation skills, required.
• May be required to work long hours and weekends.
• Knowledge of different pork products and the Meat Industry, preferred.
• Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.