Dairy Farmers of America · 1 month ago
Regional Engineering Director
Kansas City, KS
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$140K/yr - $200K/yr
10+ years expDairy Farmers of America is seeking a Regional Engineering Director to manage long-range capital planning for manufacturing plants in the Cheese, Taste and Flavor, and Dairy Powders divisions. The role involves collaboration with stakeholders to develop and execute a capital expenditure plan that enhances safety, quality, and operational efficiency across multiple locations.
AgricultureDairyDietary SupplementsFood Processing
Responsibilities
Develop the long-range capital plan in collaboration with the designated plants and stakeholders following standards for budgeting with the purpose of maintaining or achieving safe and reliable operations without compromising quality or safety standards
Identify and include ROI projects with justification in long range capital plan that will improve overall plant performance
Coordinate timely and accurate preparation of (Board) capex proposals in line with DFA standard Capital Expenditure and Fixed Asset Policy
Ensure annual capex plan is executed in full and on time
Manage expense and capital projects via scope generation, competitive bids, project timeline, ensuring end deliverables are met for the business case. This is to include labor, repairs, maintenance expenses and outside contractor services
Facilitate, through expansion, equipment and facility design or renovation, company goals and objectives of capacity, productivity, maintenance and efficiency
In multi-disciplinary projects, use RASCI matrix to identify and agree on project responsibilities
During project design and execution, always look for the most cost-effective solutions, without compromising safety and quality. For example, by re-using obsolete equipment or equipment purchased at auctions
Ensure DFA engineering standards are followed during design, construction and commissioning
Manage and execute facility downtime coordination via scope schedule limiting the impact and risk to operations including startup and post project support for operations and maintenance
Continually strive to optimize facility and manufacturing operating costs by providing best option technical solutions and/or utilizing best method analyses towards improving internal systems
Utilize and share best practices across DFA manufacturing sites
Ensure successful expense or capital project handoff (“operations readiness”) to facility staff supporting operations and maintenance
Lead and manage capital and expense projects at multiple locations as designated
Support maintenance excellence corporate strategy that includes predictive and preventative maintenance programs at designated sites
Communication to stakeholders following an escalation process if or when issues arise for alignment moving forward including standard updates
The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required
Qualification
Required
Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering or a related degree; or equivalent combination of education and experience
10+ years' experience in food manufacturing
5+ years' experience of technical engineering and project management in a manufacturing environment
Working knowledge of architectural, mechanical, electrical, and process engineering for food production facilities
Working knowledge of power system design and maintenance plan, electrical one-line, schematics design, HMI programs PLC-5 / CLX programming, electrical equipment including Pump/VFD maintenance, and instrumentation
Working knowledge of utility systems and technology (e.g., power system, water treatment, boiler house, NH3 and freon cooling system, air supply system)
Knowledge of Historian, thin client and servers, SQL database, network communication, distribution switches
Knowledge of Federal Drug Administration (FDA), GMP, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and EPA policies and regulations
Knowledge of regulatory codes and translating into blueprints and schematics
Knowledge of project management processes, techniques, and tools utilizing systems already established
Advanced skills in root cause analysis, gap analysis, and planning actions
Knowledge of ISO processes for engineering and quality assurance
Strong developed analytical skills
Negotiation skills
Skilled in planning, organization, and analysis
Skilled in contractor and vendor management
Ability to develop scope, schedule, budget and lead plant capex projects
Knowledge of continuous improvement tools and ability to use CI tools in projects
Able to communicate at all levels clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
Able to complete problem analysis and resolution
Able to manage projects for multiple plants simultaneously
Able to communicate and collaborate with diverse range of individuals to ensure needs and requirements are met
Able to think creatively and develop short- and long-range innovation
Must be able to read, write and speak English
Understanding of financial modeling of capex proposals (ROI, NPV, PBT)
Ability to use tools such as but not limited to, PowerPoint, Excel, Visio, AutoCAD, Microsoft Project, MS Teams, Zoom, WebEx
Ability to provide engineering support to all stakeholders
Ability to work and communicate effectively with different internal and external stakeholders including, but not limited to VP's, (Sr.) Directors, project managers, plant managers, vendors and government staff
Preferred
The preferred candidate will live in the central part of the US, near the Kansas City, KS area, or in Minnesota, with an easy access to an airport
Company
Dairy Farmers of America
Dairy Farmers of America is a milk marketing cooperative owned and served by farmers across the nation.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
Dairy Farmers of America has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (3)
2024 (6)
2023 (1)
2022 (2)
2021 (2)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$45MKey Investors
U.S. Department of Agriculture
2022-09-15Grant· $45M
Leadership Team
Dennis Rodenbaugh
Chief Executive Officer
Daniel Jones
Division Chief Financial Officer
Recent News
2025-12-15
Family Features
2025-11-04
Company data provided by crunchbase