The Utilities & Facilities Engineering Manager is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of all plant utility systems and facility infrastructure across one or more manufacturing sites. This role leads engineering efforts related to boilers, steam, chilled water, compressed air, HVAC, electrical distribution, wastewater treatment, and building systems. The manager ensures utility performance supports production needs, sustainability goals, and regulatory compliance while leading capital improvements, maintenance strategies, and cross-functional coordination.
Oversee the operation, design, and continuous improvement of plant utility systems including steam generation, refrigeration, compressed air, water, HVAC, and electrical power distribution.
Develop and execute utility strategies for energy efficiency, system reliability, and capacity planning.
Monitor performance metrics (e.g., energy usage, uptime, system loads) and drive cost-effective improvements.
Manage maintenance and upgrades of facility infrastructure including roofs, structural systems, building automation, lighting, and safety systems.
Ensure facilities support GMP, food safety, and environmental requirements.
Partner with site leadership to support expansions, renovations, and facility modifications.
Lead and support capital projects related to utilities and infrastructure—from scope development through startup and commissioning.
Develop technical specifications, manage contractors and vendors, and oversee project budgets and timelines.
Implement and maintain standard engineering practices and documentation protocols (P&IDs, as-builts, manuals).
Ensure compliance with all relevant local, state, and federal regulations (OSHA, EPA, NFPA, FDA, USDA, etc.).
Support sustainability initiatives such as energy conservation, water reuse, and carbon footprint reduction.
Drive proactive risk management and reliability improvements in utility systems.
Lead a team of utility technicians, engineers, and facility support staff.
Collaborate with Production, Maintenance, EHS, Quality, and Corporate Engineering teams.
Serve as technical subject matter expert during audits, inspections, and system failures.
Utility system performance, reliability, and energy optimization
Facility maintenance and infrastructure planning
Regulatory compliance and environmental responsibility
Capital project execution and cost control
Engineering leadership and cross-functional collaboration
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Facilities Engineering required
Master’s degree or related certifications (e.g., CEM, PE, PMP) preferred
Experience:
8+ years of experience in utilities/facilities engineering, preferably in food, beverage, pharmaceutical, or CPG environments
3+ years of supervisory or leadership experience in plant engineering or utilities management
Demonstrated success managing complex utility systems and infrastructure projects
Technical Skills:
Strong knowledge of boilers, chillers, compressors, cooling towers, HVAC systems, and electrical distribution
Familiarity with control systems, SCADA, building automation, and energy monitoring tools
Understanding of GMP, sanitary design principles, and environmental permitting
Leadership & Soft Skills:
Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills
Ability to manage contractors, prioritize multiple projects, and lead technical teams
Strategic thinker with hands-on operational expertise