Director of Engineering

MAIN FUNCTION:

· Plans and directs company’s overall capital expenditures program, including the review and approval of all RFE’s (request for expenditures), design and implementation of all capital projects, and management of capital project budgets and schedules.

· Develops and implements continuous and innovative engineering solutions to optimize carbon black plant operations and maximize energy recovery.

· Provides engineering support and services to both domestic and foreign operations, including applicable technology licensees.

· Provides leadership in establishing standard equipment designs, operating procedures, and process optimization in carbon black operations.

· Develops and implements corporate engineering policies and procedures related to the above.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Engineering

· Oversees the activities of the engineering staff as well as contract design and drafting personnel.

· Reviews, approves, and monitors capital RFE’s to ensure proper scope, justification, cost estimates, and definitions are properly prepared. In coordination with plant management, evaluates progress of all capital projects to ensure compliance with approved scope, budgets, and schedules.

· Actively participates in the development and preparation of company’s strategic business plan and the Annual Operating Plan. Directly responsible for the preparation and management of Engineering Department’s operating budget.

· Proactively provides expertise consultation and advice to all plant operations where problem resolution is required through interaction with Plant General Managers.

· Makes plant production and process equipment design and selection decisions that will reduce cost while improving effectiveness in plant operations.

· Defines and establishes KPI’s (key performance indices) for Engineering Department and plant personnel.

· Maintains and updates all Engineering records, data, drawings, charts, and packages to preserve satisfactory status and integrity in company’s engineering activities.

· Stays abreast of new engineering technologies to determine suitability of application in company operations for the purpose of process optimization and achieving “best in class” status.

· Leads the development, evaluation, and implementation of energy recovery projects that include steam and power generation. Engages and works with outside technical consultants when appropriate.

· Administers personnel policies and procedure relating to department personnel.

· Able to articulate technical and engineering issues to subordinates as well as to senior management team.

· Management and Leadership

· Creates a team oriented work environment within the department and the corporation.

· Establishes process to identify and to groom high potential employees in critical-skill areas.

CHARACTERISTICS:

· Self-confident, high energy level, team player with strong technical and interpersonal skills.

· Ability to work and carry out responsibilities with minimal supervision. Self-motivated and possesses a strong work ethic. Able to think and work independently. Able to troubleshoot and determine cause and affect relationships. Able to recognize opportunities and develop solutions.

· Freedom to travel to project locations both inside and outside of the USA as required.

· The ability to interface well with all levels of employees (management through “hands-on” personnel) to accomplish preset goals on a cost-effective basis within established time constraints.

QUALIFICATIONS:

· B.S. in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering, MS or MBA preferred. Minimum of 15 years of relevant work experience, including 5 years of demonstrated success in a similar position with a similarly-sized manufacturing company.

· Proficient with computerized, integrated information systems. Excellent communicator, both oral and written.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Relocation assistance
• Vision insurance