Director of Engineering

Work is Sweet!

'Quality without Compromise' is not just a motto at See’s Candies. It is the most important ingredient in our recipe for success. See’s Candies has been in business since 1921 and maintains a reputation for producing the highest quality candy and providing superior customer service.

See’s is a leader in the confectionery industry with over 250 retail shops across the USA, a growing e-commerce business, and expanding opportunities internationally. We are seeking friendly, enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about helping us grow and thrive in our second century.

Job Description Summary:

The purpose of this position is to develop and direct the Engineering function for See’s manufacturing and packing operations in five facilities in Los Angeles and San Francisco/Bay Area CA. The role is responsible for long term planning, capital budgeting, project design, installation and supplier relationships. The role directly manages the Engineering group and works closely with plant maintenance, Quality Assurance, Research and Development, Information Technology, and Finance on design, financial control and implementation.

The pay range for this position is expected to be $220,000k -$250,000 annually; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Job Description:

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for life-cycle management and total equipment cost of processing and packaging equipment in five locations in the San Francisco/Bay Area and Los Angeles, California.
• Evaluates existing environment, equipment, condition, safety, utilization, operating cost and ability to meet current & future business needs.  Based on above and knowledge of supplier and equipment market, recommends modifications, replacements and expansions through capital budgeting process.
• Owns capital budgeting and project execution process for processing and packaging equipment.  Coordinates all information, including complete ROI or other analysis to ensure accurate fiscal budget is prepared and presented along with a five-year development plan indicating longer term capital requirements.  Follows and helps to improve approval and financial control processes.
• Oversees and/or manages execution of individual projects coordinating assignments to line managed Engineering team members and plant managed maintenance team members ensuring project management processes include all stakeholders (plants, QA, Finance etc.).  Ensures delivery of projects on time, on scope and on budget through startup support and handover to plants.  Escalates project and supplier issues as needed.
• Leads detailed monthly project status reviews including KPIs and project timeline status with Senior Management.
• Able to understand and develop technology utilization to support efficient and progressive improvement of confection production.  Works closely with Information Technology and Production teams to improve equipment management and reporting efficiency.

• Maintains relationships and contact with equipment suppliers and follows new developments in technology and food processing and packing industry.  Ensures supportive and productive relationships between business stakeholder and suppliers.

• Establishes principles for change and maintains change momentum through employee communication, engagement and development. Also learns from, measures and sustains change results.
• All See’s staff must be committed to the company’s core principles and workplace values, including a demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least 10 years Engineering experience in food manufacturing or food process development with a demonstrated proficiency in the utilization of a variety of technologies.  At least 6 of 10 years’ experience should include personnel management.
• Experience creating and managing plant Safety, Health and Environmental programs.
• Demonstrated proficiency in utilization of technology to support utilizing digital and systems-based controls and tracking of production quantities and quality.
• Proven skills in Project Management including conducting ROI analysis.  Track record of delivering projects on time, on budget and to the original project scope.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required.

The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, in addition to a full range of generous medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

See's is an EOE
See’s will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable local, state or federal law (including San Francisco Ordinance #131192 and Los Angeles Municipal Code 189.00).