The Vice President of Plant Systems and Mechanical Operations is a key executive leader responsible for the strategic direction, design, reliability, and optimization of mechanical systems and infrastructure across the company’s food and beverage manufacturing operations. This role ensures that plant systems—including utilities, HVAC, refrigeration, material handling, and mechanical infrastructure—are safe, efficient, scalable, and aligned with overall operational and business goals. The VP plays a critical role in driving innovation, lifecycle management, and system standardization across multiple facilities.
Define and execute the vision for plant mechanical systems and infrastructure across all manufacturing locations.
Lead multi-site initiatives focused on mechanical system standardization, energy efficiency, and reliability engineering.
Partner with operations, engineering, maintenance, and capital project teams to align plant systems with throughput, safety, and quality objectives.
Oversee the design, operation, and maintenance strategies for HVAC, compressed air, steam, water, wastewater, and refrigeration systems.
Direct implementation of predictive and preventive maintenance programs for critical mechanical systems.
Ensure high mechanical reliability to support uptime, OEE improvement, and overall plant performance.
Lead enterprise-wide mechanical asset lifecycle planning, including system specification, procurement, commissioning, and end-of-life strategies.
Establish KPIs, reliability standards, and failure mode analysis procedures to reduce downtime and optimize asset performance.
Integrate condition monitoring, vibration analysis, and CMMS systems to support real-time maintenance and reliability efforts.
Provide executive oversight of utility performance (e.g., steam, chilled water, compressed air, natural gas, electricity) to improve cost efficiency and environmental impact.
Lead initiatives to reduce energy consumption, carbon emissions, and water use through advanced utility management.
Ensure utility systems are right-sized for current needs and scalable for future production demands.
Ensure mechanical systems meet all regulatory requirements related to food safety (FDA, USDA), occupational safety (OSHA), and environmental compliance (EPA, state/local).
Lead mechanical risk assessments, audits, and root cause investigations related to system failures or compliance issues.
Champion safety-first culture and design principles in all mechanical systems and operations.
Provide mechanical engineering leadership for new facility builds, expansions, and major capital upgrades.
Guide technology and vendor selection for plant mechanical equipment, building systems, and utility infrastructure.
Ensure seamless integration of mechanical systems with process automation and digital plant platforms.
Strategic oversight of plant mechanical and utility systems
Mechanical reliability and asset lifecycle management
Utility efficiency, energy optimization, and sustainability
Regulatory compliance and mechanical system safety
Capital planning and systems integration
Cross-functional collaboration and technical leadership
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field required
Master’s degree, MBA, or PE License preferred
Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP) or similar preferred
Energy management or safety certifications (CEM, OSHA 30, etc.) a plus
15+ years of mechanical or plant systems engineering leadership in the food & beverage, CPG, or pharmaceutical industries
Proven success managing mechanical infrastructure across multiple manufacturing facilities
Strong background in utility systems design, energy optimization, and mechanical reliability
Executive-level leadership and cross-functional influence
Deep expertise in HVAC, refrigeration, boiler/steam systems, compressed air, and water systems
Strong analytical, capital planning, and problem-solving skills
Experience with reliability engineering tools, CMMS systems, and predictive technologies