The Director of Plant Utilities is a senior leader responsible for the strategic management, operation, and optimization of all utility systems, including boilers, HVAC, chillers, and associated infrastructure across multiple food and beverage manufacturing sites. This role ensures that utility assets deliver reliable, efficient, and compliant performance to support production goals, sustainability initiatives, and safety standards. The director leads a team of utility engineers and technicians, drives continuous improvement, and partners with cross-functional departments to align utility services with business needs.
Key Responsibilities:
Utility Systems Leadership & Strategy
Develop and implement the strategic vision and roadmap for plant utility systems including boilers, HVAC, chillers, compressed air, steam, and water treatment.
Ensure utilities meet production demands with optimal efficiency, reliability, and sustainability in mind.
Lead capital projects and infrastructure upgrades to modernize and expand utility capabilities.
Operations & Maintenance Oversight
Oversee daily operation, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting of boiler systems, HVAC units, chillers, and related utilities.
Implement best practices for energy management, system controls, and asset lifecycle management.
Manage emergency response plans and contingency strategies for utility failures or disruptions.
Regulatory Compliance & Safety
Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory codes and standards such as ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code, OSHA, NFPA, EPA, and local environmental and safety regulations.
Champion safety culture and lead risk assessments for all utility operations and projects.
Monitor environmental impacts and drive initiatives to reduce energy consumption and carbon footprint.
Team Leadership & Development
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of utility engineers, technicians, and contractors.
Establish clear performance goals, conduct regular training, and foster a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
Coordinate with maintenance, production, engineering, and EHS teams to align utility support with operational priorities.
Budgeting & Vendor Management
Develop and manage budgets for utility operations, maintenance, and capital expenditures.
Evaluate and manage contracts with equipment suppliers, service providers, and utility vendors to ensure cost-effective and high-quality services.
Negotiate service agreements and monitor vendor performance.
Innovation & Sustainability
Identify and implement innovative technologies and practices to improve utility system efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Lead energy conservation programs and sustainability initiatives related to plant utilities.
Benchmark utility performance against industry standards and pursue continuous optimization.
Qualifications & Skills:
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Energy Management, or related field required
Advanced degree or certifications in energy management, HVAC, or facilities management preferred
Certifications:
Professional Engineering (PE) license or relevant utility/system certifications (e.g., Certified Energy Manager (CEM), HVAC certifications) preferred
Experience:
12+ years of experience managing plant utilities in food & beverage, pharmaceutical, or heavy manufacturing environments
5+ years in a leadership role with responsibility for boilers, HVAC, chillers, and complex utility systems
Proven track record overseeing capital projects, utility operations, and energy management initiatives
Technical Skills:
In-depth knowledge of boiler systems, HVAC design and operation, chilled water systems, steam and compressed air utilities
Familiarity with regulatory codes such as ASME, OSHA, NFPA, EPA, and environmental compliance requirements
Strong analytical skills for utility data monitoring, energy usage analysis, and system troubleshooting
Leadership & Soft Skills:
Strong leadership and team development skills with ability to manage multi-site teams
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate across functions and with external vendors
Strategic thinker with ability to balance operational demands with long-term utility system planning
Hands-on problem solver focused on safety, reliability, and continuous improvement