What are the responsibilities and job description for the Facilities Mechanical Systems Lead position at Edesia Nutrition?
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:
Edesia is a non-profit social enterprise on a mission to end global malnutrition. We manufacture and distribute life-saving, ready-to-use therapeutic foods—such as Plumpy’Nut and Nutributter—to treat and prevent malnutrition among children and mothers in the world’s most vulnerable and hard-to-reach communities. Through strong partnerships with leading humanitarian organizations, NGOs, and Ministries of Health, we ensure our products reach those who need them most—even in the midst of the most complex and challenging humanitarian emergencies.
JOB SUMMARY:
The Facilities Mechanical Systems Lead will play a pivotal role in the successful startup and long-term operation of our new manufacturing facility. This position will begin with a focus on the qualification, commissioning, and integration of mechanical and utility systems during construction, as well as the coordination of construction projects within the existing facility. If successful, this role may transition into the ongoing management and optimization of those systems once the facility is operational.
The ideal candidate combines strong technical acumen with practical problem-solving and cross-functional coordination skills, ensuring the facility’s critical systems perform reliably and efficiently.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
Phase 1: Construction and System Qualification
(Construction and Startup Period – Approx. 12–15 Months)
- Coordinate with the Construction Management company and key Edesia departments on the series of construction projects that take place within Edesia’s existing facility.
- Coordinate utility and infrastructure tie-ins between the existing building and the new addition during the construction phase.
- Working closely with the project’s CQV Engineer, the candidate will support the commissioning, qualification, and performance verification of key systems, including:
- HVAC systems
- Nitrogen generation
- Compressed air
- Oil-based flush-in-place system
- Fire alarm and suppression systems
- Emergency generator (Recommission)Electrical system & control system
- Lighting system
- Gas heater system
- BMS system (new & existing)
- Burglar alarm system
- Security camera system
- EV charging stations
- All loading dock doors & roll up doors (automatic & manual)
- Raw material rail system & storage silo tanks
- Roofing and exhausting system
- Plumbing and drainage system
- Collaborate closely with engineering, construction, validation, and operations teams to ensure systems meet design intent, safety standards, and performance criteria.
- Support factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), and validation documentation activities.
- Establish preventive maintenance schedules, SOPs, and system documentation for operational readiness.
- Participate in project meetings and act as the primary liaison for mechanical and facility utility concerns.
Phase 2: Operations and Ongoing Facilities Management
(Post-Startup / Permanent Role Intent)
- Take ownership of the mechanical, utility, and safety systems post-qualification to ensure continuous, efficient, and compliant operation.
- Monitor and maintain the Building Management System (BMS), including alarm management, system optimization, and performance tracking.
- Oversee and maintain fire alarm and suppression systems, ensuring full functionality, inspection compliance, and contractor coordination.
- Manage the preventive maintenance programs for HVAC, nitrogen generation, compressed air, oil flush, and related systems.
- Coordinate grounds and exterior maintenance, including vendor management for landscaping, snow removal, Septic tanks clean up, roofing inspection, all safety inspection (internal & external) and related services.
- Serve as the primary contact for contractors, service providers, and vendors supporting facilities operations.
- Lead troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and corrective actions for mechanical and facility issues.
- Develop and maintain documentation, maintenance records, and performance metrics for audit readiness and continuous improvement.
- Support capital planning and long-term facility improvement initiatives.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical discipline (preferred).
- Minimum 5 years of experience in facilities, utilities, or mechanical systems management within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
- Proven experience with BMS platforms, fire protection systems, and utility commissioning.
- Strong project coordination and communication skills, with experience working across construction, engineering, and operations teams.
- Hands-on, proactive approach to troubleshooting and maintenance management.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- General office environment. High utilization of office equipment, including phones and computers. Occasionally works in the production, warehouse, and construction areas.
ADDITIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
- Initial 12–15-month contract, with the intention to transition to a permanent position upon successful completion of the construction and startup phases.
The requirements described are representative of those that must be met to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodation(s) may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
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