Director Engineering Major Project Execution, North America Mid West
At a glance
Director-level Engineering Leadership role at Barry Callebaut. Chicago · $150,000–$180,000 base.
techroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Direct engineering delivery for the US manufacturing project, balancing cost, timing, safety, permits and technical readiness
- Set engineering scope, estimates and schedules, then apply stage-gate controls to guide project execution
- Lead internal and external engineering teams, track progress and bring technical updates to senior stakeholders
- Oversee construction and installation, coordinate with permitting authorities, and work with start-up teams toward a smooth launch
- Use TPM Early Management methods, including CQV and IQOQPQ, to support start-up readiness and project targets
What you bring
- An engineering degree at bachelor’s or master’s level, in chemical, mechanical or electrical engineering
- At least twelve years in engineering, including work in food processing or consumer packaged goods
- Substantial experience delivering and starting up major greenfield or brownfield projects
- Background leading engineering or technical departments, with experience developing teams
Who this fits
This director-level role suits an engineering leader who can guide internal and external teams through a major facility project and its start-up. You’ll be focused primarily on the US project and should expect travel averaging thirty percent, varying with the project cycle. The role also calls for advanced English and familiarity with TPM, initiative management and stage-gate project methods.
From the employer
About the role:
Barry Callebaut is a global organization poised for growth; a company which has embraced the vision to delight its customers, while out-performing its competitors, a business which is committed to sustainability, has innovation in its DNA, is a leader in complex manufacturing and supply chain solutions and is focused on being a best-in-class employer. Barry Callebaut seeks diverse and passionate people who thrive in a dynamic environment, focused on continuous learning, living Barry Callebaut’s Values and of course loving chocolate.
As part of Next Level footprint strategy and supply network optimization, Barry Callebaut (BC) has approved recently to build a new Greenfield or Major Brownfield Chocolate Manufacturing site in USA. The Engineering Execution Director will be responsible for overall engineering execution of the project: Cost, Schedule, Safety, Permitting, Technical Readiness and others. This role will be guiding both the internal and external engineering team, developing engineering scope, estimates and schedule, applying stage-gate project management process, interfacing with external authorities regarding permit applications, executing construction and installation activities, collaborating with the start-up team, and reporting/ tracking engineering deliverables with key stakeholders which include senior leadership. The critical delivery of the role is on the creation of a new high-performance and fully capable greenfield/ major brownfield site that achieves Vertical Start Up (VSU) status and within budget, adherence to schedule, zero TRIR, in line with corporate strategies, targets and objectives.
Key responsibilities include:
It is expected that the candidate has extensive experience in major capex project execution at blue chip companies and have also experienced initiative/ project start-ups applying TPM Early Management methodologies including CQV/ IQOQPQ.
He/she will provide guidance on setting up and driving an engineering project team (internal & external) that have as end goal the delivery of VSU and other critical KPIs., with support of start-up teams and program director, to deliver a smooth start-up of the US greenfield/ major brownfield site, covering SC balanced score cards across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, People and Environment.
Typical deliverables are:
● Zero TRIR and compliance process safety/people safety standards
● Zero quality defects and compliance with BC and local Food Safety Standards
● Meeting Ram-up curve up to OEE +85%
● Adherence to schedule (no delay)
● Adherence to both Capex budgets (no overruns)
Scope:
● Overall Manage and deliver US greenfield/ major brownfield project from an engineering standpoint
● Manage/ guide the engineering teams (internal & external), interface with other internal & external stakeholders, report/ track progress of the engineering execution, organize and lead regular technical steering team meetings and other including senior leadership.
● Be member and contributor to Global Engineering Community, a part of global engineering leadership team and setting and agreeing directions to be deployed as part of his/her role
About you:
● Bachelor/Master’s Degree required in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical or Electrical)
● Advanced level of English
● 12+ years of experience in an engineering environment, food process or CPG industry
● Extensive experience in major greenfield/ brownfield development, execution and start-up
● Experience in managing engineering department or different technical departments
● Team leadership and development experience
● Technical skills to understand and develop all core processes
● Accounting & budgeting skills
● Knowledgeable in MS Office Suite, SAP and engineering software
● In depth expertise in methodologies, such as: TPM, IM (Imitative Management) and Stage-gate Project Management
● Ability to work with ambiguity, breakthrough thinking, keep people accountable and directing them to right paths
● In principle fully allocated to US greenfield/ major brownfield project, also expected to travel for global meetings – 30% average travel depending on project cycle.
What you can expect from Barry Callebaut:
● Salary Range of $150,000 - $180,000, depending on factors such as experience and location, plus annual bonus and our comprehensive benefits package.
● MyFlex PTO (unlimited!) and Paid Holidays
● Hybrid work environment
● An atmosphere where diversity is embraced, and inclusivity is second nature. We call it #OneBC! Just ask our champions with the Americas Women’s Forum and the Racial Equality Forum!
● Ability to grow personally and professionally within an organization that values development and internal career growth.
● Be part of our mission in making sustainability the norm through Forever Chocolate with priorities centered around prospering farmers, zero child labor, carbon and forest positive, and creating 100% sustainable ingredients in all of our products.
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