About the role

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. Read on to find out what you will need to succeed in this position, including skills, qualifications, and experience. 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 RoleAre 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? xmcpwfu 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!

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JOB OVERVIEW

Salary

$180,000 - $210,000 per year

Experience level

Manager

Location

Chicago, IL

Occupation

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Industry

Engineering Services

Posted

3 days ago

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