Department Manager Food Consumer Products Dept.

$125,000 - $155,000/Yr

SSOE - Midland, MI

Full-time - Manager

Midland, MI

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

SSOE is seeking a Department Manager for our Food & Consumer Products (Process Controls) Department. This role is pivotal in overseeing and leading a team of professionals dedicated to delivering high-quality consulting services in the food and consumer products sector. The Department Manager will be responsible for a variety of tasks including hiring and training new employees, monitoring team performance, and ensuring that departmental goals align with the broader objectives of the organization. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in fostering a positive work environment that encourages professional growth and development among team members. In this position, the Department Manager will be tasked with acquiring and retaining qualified talent, which encompasses all aspects of employee relations such as manpower planning, staffing, coaching, and supervision. The manager will ensure that the technical competency of the team is maintained through selective talent acquisition and ongoing professional development initiatives. This includes arranging mentoring relationships with senior staff and ensuring that all team members adhere to the company's quality assurance procedures. The Department Manager will also be responsible for developing and implementing departmental standards and initiatives, monitoring Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and making necessary adjustments to meet performance objectives. Participation in business development activities is essential, as the manager will assist project managers in preparing proposals and presentations, as well as reviewing project change orders. Additionally, the manager will oversee project work schedules and ensure that resource management tools are kept current. This role requires a proactive approach to identifying professional development needs within the team and prioritizing training opportunities. The Department Manager will also be responsible for meeting financial goals and resource utilization targets, ensuring fair compensation for staff while maintaining profitability. Travel may be required to support various duties, including visits to client offices, manufacturing plants, and other SSOE locations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and lead staff members within the Food & Consumer Products Department.
• Hire and train new employees, ensuring a competent and qualified team.
• Monitor, evaluate, and guide team performance to meet departmental goals.
• Manage budget and ensure achievement of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Implement strategic initiatives to achieve business objectives.
• Participate in business development activities and assist in proposal preparation.
• Review and approve project change orders before submission to Project Manager.
• Prepare and monitor project work schedules and workload forecasts.
• Document strengths and weaknesses of department personnel for professional development.
• Develop and implement an annual training program with the Learning and Development Department.
• Ensure compliance with quality assurance procedures and mandatory training requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor or Master's degree in Engineering from an accredited program.
• A minimum of ten to twelve years of practical working experience in a relevant field.
• Valid driver's license required, may be waived for international assignments.
• Prior experience in the consulting engineering sector is preferred.
• Experience in the food, beverage, or pharmaceutical sectors is preferred, including business development experience.
• Professional Engineering registration is preferred.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with sanitary design in food and beverage industries.
• Familiarity with project management software and tools.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• 401K
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Paid holidays