Engineering Manager

About

The Engineering Manager will lead and work alongside a small team of Industrial and Process Engineers to drive process improvements, cost reductions, and efficiency gains across greenhouse and distribution operations. This role is both hands-on and managerial—providing leadership, mentoring, and strategic direction while remaining actively involved in designing, developing, and optimizing production lines, equipment layouts, and operational processes. The Engineering Manager will ensure compliance with health, safety, food safety, and industry standards while promoting a culture of continuous improvement.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and coach a small team of Industrial and Process Engineers, & Project Managers, fostering skill development and accountability.
• Develop and support the use of engineering standards, processes, and procedures.
• Remain hands-on by contributing directly to facility layout design, process improvements, and engineering projects.
• Provide light maintenance support and hands-on troubleshooting for equipment and machinery when technical issues arise.
• Collaborate with production, maintenance, and quality teams to identify root causes of downtime or quality concerns and implement corrective actions.
• Design, optimize, and maintain production lines, workflows, and distribution processes for maximum efficiency and space utilization.
• Oversee equipment installations, commissioning, and integration into existing systems.
• Conduct cost-benefit analyses for projects and present recommendations for capital investments.
• Lead and participate in Lean, Kaizen, and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste, improve productivity, and enhance product reliability.
• Develop and maintain labor standards, routings, and process documentation using Value Stream Mapping (VSM) and other lean tools.
• Ensure compliance with Health and Safety, Food Safety, HACCP, and PrimusGFS standards across all engineering activities.
• Prepare technical specifications, request quotes, and manage relationships with suppliers and contractors.
• Report regularly to operational leadership on engineering performance, project status, and team development.
• Other core expectations as defined by the company.

Requirements and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience progressive engineering experience in greenhouse, food production, distribution, or manufacturing environments.
• At least 2 years in a supervisory or team lead role.
• Hands-on technical background, including experience with equipment troubleshooting, light maintenance, and process optimization.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; CAD/AutoCAD experience required.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six-Sigman, Kaizen, GMP, HACCP, and PrimusGFS programs.
• Experience with Click-Up project management software is considered an asset.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to balance management responsibilities with direct technical contributions.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and project management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, capable of engaging with both technical staff and senior leadership.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment with shifting priorities.
• Must be able to handle sensitive issues with tact and maintain strict confidentiality of private information.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and in a team.

Working Conditions

• Hours of work may vary depending on business needs; ability and willingness to travel with no restrictions.
• This job operates in a clerical office setting. Moderate work in a refrigerated warehouse, where temperatures range from 45-55°F. The noise level in the work environment can be loud due to packaging machinery, and forklift truck operation.
• Role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. Specific vision capabilities required; employee is to work in front of a computer, sitting for prolonged periods is re.
• This position requires the ability to regularly lift up to 30-pounds, occasionally up to 50-pounds.