Chief Engineer

Chief Engineer Lead engineering solutions to optimize manufacturing assets and processes.

CHIEF ENGINEER

Purpose
To lead the identification, development, and implementation of engineering solutions aimed at optimizing the efficiency and effectiveness of manufacturing assets and processes.

Qualification and Experience

• BSc. Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.
• Fifteen (15) years combined experience in engineering, maintenance, or other technical process/asset management roles.
• Ten (10) years experience leading teams responsible for process design and major equipment selection, upgrades, installation, and commissioning.
• Five (5) years experience in a food manufacturing environment.
• A Registered Engineer with the Board of Engineering of Trinidad and Tobago.
• Training in asset management and maintenance management systems.
• CQE or CQM certification would be considered an asset.
• Certification in HACCP development and internal auditor certification under a GFSI standard would also be considered assets.
• Training in HSE risk assessment and engineering design for hazard elimination would be considered an asset.

Responsibilities:

Leading the development of technical competencies across manufacturing operations:

• Leading the development of a competency matrix for production asset management and operation.
• Leading the development of internal training modules and working with plant leadership teams in the design, development and execution of competency assessments, competency development programs, and annual competency certification programs.

Leading the execution of asset failure analyses and the development/implementation of failure prevention strategies:

• Researching technology developments to guide improvements to plant OEE, in alignment with world-class manufacturing ideologies.
• Partnering with the production and operations integrity teams to develop effective and efficient operational data capture systems that support timely and robust failure analysis.
• Leading the analysis of repeat equipment failures, critical equipment failures, process deviations, and the subsequent development of sustainable engineering solutions to eliminate or minimize these operational impediments.
• Leading the development of equipment standard operating procedures, control point settings and troubleshooting manuals, for use by plant operations personnel.
• In conjunction with Plant Maintenance Managers, leading the development of robust, effective, preventive maintenance programs for all production and auxiliary equipment. This includes but is not limited to:

• Routine inspection plans.
• Routine cleaning, tightening, adjustment, and lubrication plans.
• OEM guided and experientially developed replacement schedules.
• Annual overhaul and rebuild schedules.

Leading the design of plant layout/infrastructure, manufacturing systems and material storage/handling systems, inclusive of selection of associated equipment.  Projects may be focused on capacity expansion, waste reduction, efficiency improvement, loss prevention, quality/food safety assurance and regulatory compliance.

• Maintaining an active professional network and membership in appropriate bodies which allows identification of technical support providers as needed during design efforts.
• Staying abreast of local and global industry developments in the areas of manufacturing materials, manufacturing technology, and manufacturing management systems, to guide the development of business growth, innovation, and resilience strategies.
• Leading efforts in conjunction with operations teams to define capital project scopes, establish project design requirements, develop project budgets and execute project feasibility studies.
• Ensuring that material transportation, production and cleaning processes, associated equipment and facility infrastructure are designed in conformance with GFSI standards, with the capability to reliably deliver food-safe products which possess desired organoleptic characteristics, and that facilities comply with all regulatory and customer requirements.

Leading the execution of capital projects and non-routine asset maintenance/ upgrade projects

• Planning and implementing detailed project plans needed to successfully complete projects and to track progress.
• Determining the resources (time, money, equipment, etc.) required to complete the project.
• Developing schedules for project completion that effectively allocate resources to the activities.
• Reviewing the project schedule with senior management and all other staff that will be affected by the project activities and revising as required.
• Liaising with contractors on the specifications for project assignments to ensure the achievement of established technical, cost, and time specifications.
• Contracting the services of qualified consultants to work on projects as and when appropriate.
• Managing project staff in accordance with established policies of the company to maintain effective levels of productivity.
• Monitoring the progress of projects and making necessary adjustments to ensure successful completion.
• Managing all project funds according to established accounting policies and procedures.
• Ensuring that accurate financial records for projects are maintained.
• Providing progress reports to stakeholders and management.
• Reviewing the quality of the work completed with the project team regularly to ensure fulfillment of project standards.
• Ensuring that the project deliverables are on time, within budget, and at the required level of quality.
• Evaluating project outcomes established during the planning phase.

Supporting the development and implementation of Management Systems related to quality assurance/ food safety, health and safety, environmental sustainability, asset maintenance and customer requirements.

• Partnering with operations teams to:
  • Conduct routine risk assessments.
  • Develop and implement policies, procedures, controls and guidelines
  • Conduct internal management system audits

• Partnering with operations teams to:
  • Analyze major loss events and routine loss streams for identification of failure root causes
  • Develop and implement corrective action plans