We are seeking a highly experienced and operations-focused Director – Plant Utilities to lead the performance, reliability, and compliance of valves, pumps, compressors, and associated mechanical utility systems across the facility. This leadership role is responsible for the strategic oversight of utility infrastructure, maintenance programs, energy efficiency, and capital improvement projects. The ideal candidate brings deep technical knowledge, cross-functional leadership, and a strong focus on plant uptime, safety, and asset lifecycle optimization.
Strategic Oversight of Plant Utility Systems
Asset Reliability and Maintenance Optimization
Utility System Design, Commissioning, and Upgrades
Energy Management and Operational Efficiency
Compliance, Safety, and Environmental Stewardship
Team Development and Cross-Functional Coordination
Provide technical leadership and strategic direction for utilities operations including pumps, compressors, valves, cooling systems, steam, compressed air, and water systems.
Define long-term infrastructure goals aligned with production, sustainability, and regulatory needs.
Oversee utilities performance metrics and continuously improve reliability and system uptime.
Develop and manage preventive, predictive, and condition-based maintenance strategies for rotating and static utility equipment.
Ensure optimal performance of pumps, compressors, and valves through root cause analysis, maintenance planning, and asset health monitoring.
Implement reliability-centered maintenance (RCM) and failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) processes.
Lead or oversee the design, installation, and commissioning of new or upgraded utility systems.
Provide technical oversight on specifications, vendor selection, and QA/QC of major equipment (e.g., centrifugal pumps, screw/reciprocating compressors, control valves).
Coordinate capital projects and shutdown activities to minimize production impact.
Identify opportunities for energy conservation and system optimization across utility operations.
Lead initiatives to reduce energy consumption, emissions, and operating costs.
Ensure integration of automation, sensors, and smart systems for performance monitoring.
Ensure compliance with applicable regulations (OSHA, EPA, local utility codes, pressure equipment directives, etc.).
Maintain a high level of equipment and personnel safety, ensuring proper lockout/tagout (LOTO), confined space, and pressure system protocols.
Support environmental audits, incident investigations, and safety reviews related to plant utilities.
Lead a team of engineers, supervisors, utility operators, and maintenance technicians.
Foster a culture of continuous improvement, safety, and technical excellence.
Collaborate with production, EHS, procurement, and engineering teams to ensure seamless utility support.
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.
12+ years of experience in utility systems operation and maintenance within manufacturing, chemical, pharmaceutical, or heavy industrial settings.
Expertise in pumps (centrifugal, positive displacement), compressors (air, gas), and valves (control, isolation, pressure relief).
Demonstrated success in managing large teams, complex systems, and high-availability infrastructure.
Proficiency in CMMS, asset performance systems, and utility monitoring software.
Certified Energy Manager (CEM) or Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP)
OSHA 30, ISO 50001, or equivalent safety/energy credentials
PMP or other project management certification is a plus
Strategic and systems thinking
Technical problem-solving and risk-based decision-making
Leadership and team development
Cross-functional collaboration and communication
Data-driven performance management