SBU Engineering Manager

greif; Lexington (KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Greif, a global leader in performance packaging, seeks an SEM to balance business partnership, people leadership, and engineering execution across the assigned SBU. This senior role sets roadmaps, coordinates capital plans, and drives safe, reliable, cost-effective outcomes.

You will lead cross-functional teams, work with Operations, EH&S, Finance, and Supply Chain, develop leaders, and ensure alignment with strategic priorities. Significant travel in the region is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering required.
• 10+ years of engineering and project management experience in a manufacturing environment.
• 5+ years of experience leading engineers or technical teams.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional initiatives and capital programs.

Responsibilities

• Ensures engineering execution across SBU delivers: reliable equipment solutions, safety and regulatory compliance, quality, cost, and schedule adherence.
• Provides leadership oversight for plant facilities, equipment, tooling, automation, and machine standards; design, development, acquisition, installation, maintenance, and upgrades.
• Leads major SBU, regional, and network engineering projects as assigned.
• Establishes and maintains a cadence of accountability for project execution, capital deployment, and engineering performance.
• Monitors engineering KPIs, project performance, and capital spend; drives corrective actions and continuous improvement.
• Owns SBU engineering budget execution, variance management, and forecasting in partnership with Finance.
• Supports Maintenance Excellence and Lean Manufacturing initiatives across the SBU.
• Develops and manages external engineering partners, suppliers, and contractors to support SBU priorities.
• Ensures equipment safety standards are implemented and maintained in coordination with EH&S.

Skills

Strong leadership capability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Job description

Greif is a global leader in performance packaging located in 40 countries. The company delivers trusted, innovative, and tailored solutions that support some of the world's most in demand and fastest-growing industries.

With a commitment to legendary customer service, operational excellence, and global sustainability, Greif packages life's essentials - and creates lasting value for its colleagues, customers, and other stakeholders.

Learn more about the company's Customized Polymer , Sustainable Fiber , Durable Metal , and Integrated Solutions at www.greif.com and follow Greif on Instagram and LinkedIn.

OUR VISION:

To Be the Advantage That Helps Our Customers Win.

OUR PURPOSE:

Creating packaging solutions for life's essentials.

Job Requisition #:

035451 SBU Engineering Manager (Open)

Job Description:

The SBU Engineering Manager (SEM) is a senior engineering leader responsible for balancing business partnership, people leadership, and engineering execution across the assigned Strategic Business Unit (SBU).

This role leads the SBU engineering organization to deliver safe, reliable, cost-effective, and scalable engineering outcomes, while serving as a trusted business partner to SBU leadership. The SEM is accountable not only for project and technical execution, but also for developing engineering capability and future leaders, strengthening cross‑functional alignment, and enabling long‑term organizational performance.

The SEM reports to the VP Engineering and works in close partnership with the SBU Leadership Team and other functional leaders to translate business strategy into engineering priorities, investments, and capabilities.

Local presence matters - Local candidates preferred within one of the specified locations. Significant travel is required throughout the assigned region to drive business engagement, lead teams, and support ongoing development.

• Chicago, IL
• Delaware, OH
• Atlanta, GA
• Houston, TX

Business Engagement & Organizational Leadership

Serves as a key engineering and business partner to SBU leadership team, actively contributing to SBU strategy, capital planning, and operational priorities.

Translates business needs into engineering roadmaps, capital plans, and resource strategies that balance near‑t.

Leads and participates in SBU, regional, and enterprise strategic planning, including growth initiatives, cost optimization, and network investments.

Builds strong cross‑functional relationships with Operations, Maintenance, EH&S, Finance, Supply Chain, and other enabling functions to drive alignment and execution.

Seeks and integrates feedback from SBU leadership and peers to continuously improve engineering value delivery.

Shows and promotes a Global Engineering mindset. This specifically shows in leveraging the global footprint of Greif.

Team Leadership & Talent Development

Leads, coaches, and develops the SBU engineering organization, creating a strong engineering bench and succession pipeline .

Establishes clear expectations, performance goals, and development plans for engineering team members.

Creates a culture of empowerment, accountability, continuous improvement, safety, and collaboration .

Responsible for staffing, onboarding, training, performance management, and colleague engagement.

Coaches engineering team on project management, standards, and effective cross‑functional interactions.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensures engineering execution across SBU delivers:
  • Reliable equipment solutions
  • Safety and regulatory compliance
  • Quality, cost, and schedule adherence
  • Selection of equipment for the right purpose
• Provides leadership oversight for:
  • Plant facilities, equipment, tooling, automation, and machine standards
  • Design, development, acquisition, installation, maintenance, and upgrades
• Leads major SBU, regional, and network engineering projects as assigned.
• Establishes and maintains a cadence of accountability for project execution, capital deployment, and engineering performance.
• Monitors engineering KPIs, project performance, and capital spend; drives corrective actions and continuous improvement.
• Owns SBU engineering budget execution, variance management, and forecasting in partnership with Finance.
• Supports Maintenance Excellence and Lean Manufacturing initiatives across the SBU.
• Develops and manages external engineering partners, suppliers, and contractors to support SBU priorities.
• Ensures equipment safety standards are implemented and maintained in coordination with EH&S, reinforcing commitment‑based safety practices.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Engineering Required
• 10+ years of engineering and project management experience in a manufacturing environment
• 5+ years of experience leading engineers or technical teams
• Demonstrated experience leading cross‑functional initiatives and capital programs

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong leadership capability