Director of Engineering

About Sara Lee Frozen Bakery

Sara Lee desserts have always stood for incredible flavor and superior value in the frozen food aisle and away from home markets. The Sara Lee Frozen Bakery collection of top brands includes Sara Lee, Chef Pierre, Van's, Bistro Collection, Superior on Main and Cyrus O'Leary's.

Sara Lee Frozen Bakery is proud to take these iconic brands into a new era and to continue the evolution that transformed one small Chicago bakery into an American institution. Using carefully sourced ingredients and time-honored recipes, the company is committed to making life's moments a little sweeter, putting its customers first and discovering new ways to make everyone's favorite foods even better.

Working for Sara Lee

Our vision is to be the world's most beloved bakery by creating irresistible foods, growing with our customers, and delivering value for all. We will achieve success through collaboration and innovation in an environment where employees feel empowered to execute with speed. We believe that each of us has unique points of difference and experience to offer. We believe that there is always a better way, and we will never be satisfied with status quo. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, continually seek process improvements and a strong sense of customer service, then this is the right type of environment for you.

Function Summary:

The Director of Engineering plans and directs all aspects of engineering activities and projects within the organization. Ensures all engineering projects, initiatives, and processes are in conformance with organization's established policies and objectives. Utilizes best practice engineering methods and provides expert technical guidance for engineering initiatives. Incorporates components, materials, and tools that result in cost-effective and quality output. Has a profound understanding of new and relevant technologies for the purpose of realizing efficiency. Ensures the optimal application of engineering resources to meet product development and consumer requirements. Responsible for maintaining the overall engineering budget and costs.

Works with outside engineering firms as required in order to manage excessive, short-term project workloads in order to meet aggressive, customer or market driven deadlines.

Manages a complex matrix of cross-functional relationships with Bakery Leadership, Finance, Research & Development, Sales, Quality.

The Director of Engineering has 3 direct reports and plays a mentorship role to all engineering team members, assisting in their duties as needed, and promoting the growth of their professional skills.

Dimensions:

Tasked with the planning, management, execution, and implementation of projects that require capital investment, inclusive of any ongoing existing projects to include scope management, issue and risk management, as well as regular status reporting.

Ability to outline the business's technical vision that guides all aspects of technological development in coordination with the R&D, FSQA, Finance, Sales, and Bakery Leadership Teams.

Oversees the strategic deployment of the departmental resources leading to optimal resource allocation along with the smooth and successful development of all engineering activities needed for all products and other initiatives.

Possesses a demonstrated ability to collaborate and work closely with company leaders at many levels, vendors, and customers as required in all Capital Project strategic planning.

Works with company management in order to ensure that systems meet the overall business requirements and standards.

Is a subject matter expert for early equipment management and drives a zero loss culture within her/his areas of influence and responsibility.

The successful candidate is comfortable navigating in a high-paced environment that requires creative solutions and finding the right balance between structure and agility.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Schedule projects and follow up to ensure engineering deadlines are being met. Oversees progress and timeliness across all projects.
• Reviews project reports to ensure projects are on schedule and within budget.
• Plan, organize, follow up and make decisions regarding the execution of multiple projects and resources.
• Collaborate in the development of new products that will increase sales through a combination of ideas from multiple departments within the business.
• Develop and ensure adherence to departmental expense budgets.
• Provide all departments with engineering support as required including assistance with training and customer visits.
• Ensure compliance with standards and regulations.
• Manage projects by setting requirements, goals and timelines aligned with business needs.
• Prepare and manage the engineering department's budget and the organization's annual and long term Capital Budget.
• Design strategies for future development projects based on the company's overall objectives and resources.
• Select, retain, and develop high level engineering talent.
• Implement innovative technologies and creative solutions to meet company needs.
• Coordinate with external stakeholders for new integrations and tools.
• Review and update policies relevant to internal systems and equipment.
• Plans and coordinates the work of engineering staff.
• Oversees engineering staff and ensures that they meet goals and objectives.
• Conducts performance evaluations that are timely and constructive.
• Provides training and mentoring for the Engineering team and technical leaders at our bakeries as well as for their own team.
• Key Supply Chain liaison with Marketing, Sales, FSQA, Finance, and R&D for all new products from concept to testing through first production run.
• Drives low cost and/or creative solutions that contribute to the EBITDA performance of the firm. Must balance speed vs. risk mitigation to move at the pace of this dynamic organization.

The position responsibilities outlined above are not to be construed as all encompassing. Other duties and responsibilities may be required and/or assigned as necessary.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

• 10+ years of engineering experience with 3+ years of work experience as a Director of Engineering or in a similar senior-level position at an engineering department;
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering required. Master's in engineering preferred.
• Food & Beverage Manufacturing/Ops experience preferred - Bakery Experience is a plus.
• Strong project management and leadership capabilities; high sense of urgency and accountability is required.
• Extensive technical knowledge of engineering and product development.
• Excellent financial skills and ability to analyze financial data.
• Uses vision, influencing skills and tenacity to drive initiatives through completion and leverage peer influence. Must be a master at managing in a Matrix Environment
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communicator; excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Sound interpersonal skills enabling the incumbent to work effectively within cross-functional teams.
• Ability to travel domestically to SLFB plants (~40% travel may be required)
• Mastery of project management methodologies and Stage Gate Process.
• Solid track record of coaching engineers to deliver projects on time, at cost, and at performance success criteria.
• Solid understanding of Product Launch and the role Engineering plays to enable an effective supply chain solution and startup. Understands technical readiness systems and the work required to support Vertical startups.
• Knowledge of engineering documentation systems.
• Able to organize and prioritize own work schedule and team schedules. Meet deadlines and work under pressure. Work overtime as needed to complete assignments.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Personal Attributes:

The Sara Lee Leader is one who:

• Role Models Integrity - Creates a culture of respect and inclusion, where all team members are empowered to contribute.
• Masters their Craft - Continually develops their skills and expertise to drive self, team, and company forward. Is intellectually curious, asking questions to inspire a better way.
• Values Partnerships - Frames the tough issues and works productively through them. Paves the way for their team to build relationships and collaborate effectively.
• Behaves Like a Business Owner - Perseveres toward a goal, despite obstacles and distraction.
• Navigates Change - Adapts quickly to address the most critical business needs. Leads the charge around capabilities, processes, and systems.

Sara Lee Frozen Bakery provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.