VP – Facilities, Utilities, and Engineering Services

Job Title: Vice President – Facilities, Utilities, and Engineering Services

Job Summary:

The Vice President of Facilities, Utilities, and Engineering Services is an executive-level leader responsible for the strategic oversight, development, and performance of all physical infrastructure, critical utilities, and engineering support functions across the organization’s manufacturing, distribution, and corporate sites. This role ensures operational excellence, regulatory compliance, asset reliability, and sustainability through best-in-class engineering leadership, capital planning, and facilities management. The VP leads a multidisciplinary team to drive innovation, standardization, and long-term infrastructure readiness in alignment with corporate objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Define and execute the enterprise-wide strategy for facilities, utilities, and engineering services supporting manufacturing, R&D, logistics, and office operations.

• Serve as a key member of the operations leadership team, advising executive stakeholders on infrastructure investment, risk mitigation, and long-range asset planning.

• Champion strategic capital planning for facility expansions, utility infrastructure upgrades, and major engineering initiatives.

Facilities Management

• Oversee the maintenance, space planning, and performance of all company-owned and leased properties, ensuring optimal functionality, safety, and regulatory compliance.

• Standardize facilities operations, preventive maintenance programs, and service contracts across all sites.

• Lead site master planning efforts to support future growth, layout optimization, and employee experience.

Utilities Management

• Provide strategic oversight of all utility systems, including boilers, chillers, HVAC, compressed air, water treatment, and energy distribution.

• Drive enterprise-level sustainability initiatives, including energy efficiency, carbon footprint reduction, and renewable resource integration.

• Ensure regulatory compliance with EPA, OSHA, ASME, and local/state environmental regulations.

Engineering Services & Capital Execution

• Lead a high-performing engineering services team responsible for capital project execution, plant support, equipment standardization, and technical documentation.

• Ensure project governance, cost control, safety compliance, and cross-functional alignment throughout all phases of capital delivery.

• Optimize the use of engineering resources through standardized processes, vendor management, and advanced technology adoption.

Compliance, Safety & Risk Management

• Ensure all engineering, utility, and facility activities comply with food safety regulations (FDA, USDA, FSMA), 3-A sanitary standards, and corporate EHS policies.

• Lead risk assessments and contingency planning for infrastructure resilience and business continuity.

• Support internal and external audits, regulatory inspections, and facility certifications.

Team Leadership & Organizational Development

• Build and lead a team of directors, senior engineers, facility managers, and utility specialists across multiple geographic locations.

• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.

• Develop internal talent pipelines and succession plans for critical technical leadership roles.

Key Focus Areas:

• Enterprise facilities and utilities infrastructure strategy

• Capital project execution and engineering support services

• Multi-site facilities performance and compliance

• Sustainability and energy efficiency initiatives

• Leadership of cross-functional technical teams

• Risk management and regulatory compliance

Qualifications & Skills:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, or Industrial Engineering required

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, or Business (MBA) strongly preferred

Certifications:

• Professional Engineering (PE) license, Certified Energy Manager (CEM), or Facilities Management certification (CFM, FMP) preferred

• Project Management Professional (PMP) or Six Sigma certification a plus

Experience:

• 15+ years of progressive leadership in engineering, facilities, and utilities within food & beverage, pharmaceutical, or large-scale industrial manufacturing environments

• 7+ years in a senior or executive leadership role managing cross-functional technical teams and capital investment portfolios

• Proven experience in large-scale facility operations, sustainability initiatives, and utility systems optimization

Technical Skills:

• Deep understanding of plant utilities (HVAC, boilers, chilled water, compressed air, steam, electrical distribution)

• Expertise in facility master planning, infrastructure design, and regulatory compliance

• Proficiency in capital planning tools, CMMS, BMS, and project management software

• Strong knowledge of GMP, HACCP, OSHA, and environmental compliance frameworks

Leadership & Soft Skills:

• Executive-level communication, influence, and stakeholder management

• Strategic thinker with operational discipline and financial acumen

• Exceptional leadership, mentoring, and organizational development abilities

• Ability to drive cross-functional collaboration, innovation, and cultural transformation

• Strategic Leadership and Planning: Develop and implement comprehensive strategies for facilities management, utilities, and engineering services aligned with the company's overall business objectives. Lead long-term planning initiatives to ensure infrastructure scalability and resilience.
• Operational Oversight: Manage day-to-day operations of all facilities and engineering functions, ensuring optimal performance, safety, and compliance with local regulations and industry standards. Oversee maintenance, repairs, and upgrades of physical assets.
• Budgeting and Financial Management: Prepare and control budgets for facilities and engineering departments, monitor expenditures, and identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or safety.
• Team Leadership and Development: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of engineers, facilities managers, and technical staff. Foster a culture of continuous improvement, safety, and accountability.
• Project Management: Oversee large-scale engineering and facilities projects from conception through completion, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.
• Compliance and Safety: Ensure all facilities and engineering operations adhere to local, national, and international safety, environmental, and quality standards. Promote a safety-first culture across all sites.
• Vendor and Stakeholder Management: Establish and maintain relationships with vendors, contractors, and service providers. Negotiate contracts and service agreements to secure favorable terms.
• Innovation and Sustainability: Drive initiatives to incorporate sustainable practices and innovative technologies that improve energy efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and support corporate social responsibility goals.
• Reporting and Communication: Provide regular reports on facilities and engineering performance metrics to executive leadership. Communicate effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders.

Other Conditions

• Not specified

Key Competencies and Requirements

• Leadership and Strategic Thinking: Demonstrated ability to lead large teams and develop strategic initiatives that align with organizational goals.
• Technical Expertise: Extensive knowledge of facilities management, engineering principles, utility systems, and infrastructure maintenance.
• Financial Acumen: Strong experience in budgeting, financial analysis, and cost control within facilities and engineering operations.
• Project Management Skills: Proven track record of managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders, ensuring timely and within-budget delivery.
• Regulatory and Safety Compliance: Deep understanding of applicable safety standards, environmental regulations, and industry best practices.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Excellent ability to communicate effectively with diverse teams, vendors, and executive leadership.
• Innovation and Sustainability Focus: Commitment to integrating sustainable practices and innovative solutions into facilities and engineering operations.
• Educational Background and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, or related field; advanced degrees or certifications (e.g., PMP, LEED) preferred. Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in facilities, utilities, or engineering management.