Guided Search Partners (GSP)
Guided Search Partners is an Executive Search firm built on Trust, Transparency, Specialization, and Long-term Relationships.
We connect high-performing professionals with organizations that value people, performance, and growth—helping leaders find roles where they can make an impact and build meaningful careers.

About the Opportunity

We’re partnering with a multi-site food manufacturing organization in growth mode, investing in equipment, reliability, and project execution. This Director of Engineering role is built for a leader who can run a strong engineering function—delivering capital projects, tightening standards, and supporting safe, consistent production.

This is not a “desk-only” seat. It’s visible, operational, and best suited for someone who can balance strategy with daily execution and bring structure to a fast-moving environment.

What You’ll Do

• Lead an engineering team responsible for project planning, development, and execution.

• Own scope, schedule, budget, staffing, subcontractors, and day-to-day project problem-solving.

• Run bidding support: pre-bids, scopes of work, contractor coordination, contracts, and invoice approvals.

• Improve engineering processes so projects are consistent, documented, and easier to deliver.

• Drive cost control: labor tracking, change orders, productivity, and savings opportunities.

• Provide technical support on design issues; verify work against drawings/specs.

• Close out projects with post-checks, as-builts, and clean documentation.

• Interface with external firms and regulators/inspectors as needed.

Who You Are

You’re organized, hands-on, and calm under pressure. You set clear expectations, follow through, and hold teams accountable without drama. You’re comfortable leading multiple projects at once—and you communicate clearly with plant teams and leadership.

Preferred Experience & Attributes

• BS in Engineering with 10+ years leading manufacturing engineering teams.

• Food or beverage processing experience.

• Strong blueprint/spec reading ability.

• Experience managing multiple concurrent projects.

• Ammonia refrigeration experience.

• Knowledge of environmental regulations/reporting.

• AutoCAD or Inventor familiarity.

• Willing to work occasional weekends, travel on short notice, and relocate.

• Proficient in MS Office.

Why This Role Matters

Engineering drives safety, reliability, and scalability here. You’ll work closely with senior leadership to improve how projects are executed and how standards are built—so the operation can grow without sacrificing consistency.