The Vice President of Engineering & Process Control is a strategic executive responsible for leading the development, optimization, and execution of engineering and process control initiatives across multiple food and beverage (F&B) manufacturing facilities. This leader ensures operational excellence, automation reliability, regulatory compliance, and alignment with business growth strategies through innovation in manufacturing processes, utilities, and plant systems.
Define and drive the overall engineering and controls strategy for all F&B production and processing plants.
Oversee capital planning and project execution related to facility upgrades, automation, packaging lines, and process systems.
Lead multi-site engineering teams, including mechanical, controls, automation, and electrical engineers.
Establish best practices and KPIs to ensure operational performance, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.
Develop and maintain advanced process control (APC) frameworks, SCADA, PLC/HMI systems, and MES integrations.
Ensure real-time data collection, traceability, and control to maintain product consistency and quality.
Guide cybersecurity and digital transformation initiatives related to plant automation.
Evaluate and implement Industry 4.0 solutions (e.g., IoT, AI, predictive analytics) across operations.
Ensure systems comply with food safety (FDA, USDA, FSMA), environmental, and health and safety regulations.
Drive continuous improvement in energy efficiency, water reuse, and emissions control via engineering innovations.
Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for engineering or control failures.
Collaborate with production, quality, maintenance, IT, and corporate leadership to align plant systems with business goals.
Interface with suppliers, integrators, and technology partners to introduce cutting-edge solutions.
Serve as a key voice in business expansion planning, facility design, and M&A technical due diligence.
Engineering leadership and multi-site capital project management
Advanced process control, automation, and digital transformation
Manufacturing efficiency, food safety compliance, and systems integration
Cross-functional alignment across operations, IT, and corporate functions
Energy efficiency, sustainability, and plant utility optimization
Technology selection, standardization, and vendor management
Team building, knowledge transfer, and engineering culture development
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or Chemical Engineering required
Master’s degree or MBA preferred
Certifications:
Lean Six Sigma, PMP, or PE License a plus
Relevant certifications in food safety (HACCP, PCQI) beneficial
Experience:
15+ years in engineering leadership roles in the food & beverage, CPG, or pharmaceutical industry
Proven track record leading plant automation, controls, and process optimization projects
Strong knowledge of GMPs, food safety regulations, and industrial automation platforms (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens, Wonderware)
Skills:
Executive-level leadership, budgeting, and strategy development
Advanced understanding of controls engineering, process modeling, and plant utility systems
Excellent communication, collaboration, and team development skills
Experience managing multimillion-dollar capital projects across multiple sites