Director, Engineering and Maintenance

The Director, Engineering and Maintenance is responsible for leading the capital spending process, the project pipeline process, effective project implementation and maintenance effectiveness for Vestis Operations. This role is regionally aligned and responsible for 25-30 facilities per region.

This role will utilize the Lean Six Sigma Methodology to measurably improve operational and/or business processes across Vestis 300 facilities in North America. Must work effectively with leadership and the financial community to translate sustainable process improvements into budgeted financial improvements. May be required to coach and/or support Green Belts and Part Time Black Belts on their kaizen or DMAIC projects. May be required to lead projects impacting customers, customer service and sales personnel.

This is an exceptional opportunity to work for a dynamic and highly successful executive leadership team to drive strategy, deliver results and develop a team-based, data-based problem solving culture. This role requires extensive travel up to 75%.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

• Work with key leadership to align on priorities, business needs, project opportunities (this role drives and manages the project pipeline process across Vestis)
• Execute > 6 projects per year having a significant impact on our business (Engineering and Maintenance Directors are expected to provide > $1MM in hard savings annually)
• Lead 2-4 project improvement teams (capital and/or CI) concurrently, at multiple locations
• Responsible for all capital project implementation across the region. Oversee region and plant level project leaders to ensure success.
• Drive the Maintenance Excellence process across Vestis including the launch and implementation of CMMS process/system, driving improvement in PM compliance, equipment MTBF and MTTR
• Collaborate with Sourcing to optimize MRO spend and inventory to ensure target OEE/TEEP across all machines/equipment in Vestis facilities
• Maintain plant and equipment drawings, processes, vendors, etc. in the Vestis Plant Operations, Engineering and Field Supply Chain Sharepoint Site
• Coach multiple Green Belt projects per year
• Work effectively with operations/business to translate process improvement findings into production specifications and standard work
• Maintain project documentation and savings within the Project Library
• Ensure standards of project execution for Capital, DMAIC and Kaizen projects are met
• Consistently identify project opportunities to improve the business using the project pipeline process

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Intimate knowledge of operations support systems like Boilers, Compressors, Generators, Water Softening/Treatment Systems, HVAC, Electrical/Controls Experience, Automation, Material Handling Equipment/Processes, etc.
• Knowledge of OSHA, FDA/Food Handling, HAACP, ISO 9000 is preferred
• Demonstrated ability to execute projects in fast paced and dynamic environments using team-based, data-based approach
• Demonstrated ability to coach, teach, and mentor technical and non-technical knowledge to hourly and salaried employees to drive business results
• Must have a team building and collaborative approach
• Must have a bias for action, but it is also important “how” you get things done
• Must be just as comfortable working on the shop floor leading Kaizen Events with Operators as on Cadence reviews delivering project successes and updates to Sr. Leadership
• Must be willing to learn industry specific equipment and processes in order to meet maintenance and performance goals

What You Will Need to Succeed:

• BS/BA Engineering Preferred; 5 – 10 years of relevant industry/operations experience with progressive growth in leadership and business required
• Become Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt in 2-3 years if not already
• Passion and drive to improve systems and processes
• Strong financial acumen with ability to create financial models used to support project selection and determine net project value to the P&L
• Proficient with Minitab, Microsoft Office, Visio, and/or Sharepoint
• Intermediate knowledge of Lean Six Sigma tools and methodology
• Driven with a sense of urgency to achieve results
• Exceptional interpersonal and presentation skills from the shop floor to executive level
• Skilled Decision maker and Systematic Problem Solver
• Ability to Positively Influence and Persuade Others
• Capable of assuming authority as needed
• Team builder

Working Environment/Safety Requirements:

• Will work in both office and shop floor environments
• Extensive travel required – up to 75%

Benefits: Vestis offers a wide array of comprehensive benefit programs and services, including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, basic life insurance, and paid parental leave. Employees can enroll in the company’s 401k plan. They are eligible for 120 hours of vacation, 40 hours of floating holidays, and paid sick time every year. Employees will also receive 6 paid holidays throughout the calendar year.

Compensation: The salary for this position ranges from $120,000 to $135,000, depending on circumstances including an applicant’s skills and qualifications, certain degrees and certifications, prior job experience, market data, and other relevant factors. Additional compensation may include a bonus based on incentive plan.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.