Associate Plant Technical Manager - Cedar Rapids, IA

We exist to make food the world loves. Our company prioritizes being a force for good, a place to expand learning, explore new perspectives, and reimagine new possibilities. We look for bold thinkers with big hearts who challenge one another and grow together to become the undisputed leader in food.

About the role

The Associate Plant Technical Manager (APTM) assists the Plant Technical Manager (PTM) in providing technical expertise and leadership to deliver results for the plant and its supported businesses. This developmental role prepares individuals for leadership as a PTM, with customized development areas covering maintenance, system engineering, project engineering, capital stewardship, and people leadership. The APTM will have salaried direct reports and reports directly to the site PTM, with dotted-line engineering accountability to the North America Retail Region Engineering Leader at our HQ in Minneapolis.

Responsibilities

• Leadership development of the site strategic plan for technical staffing, capital investment, general competencies, and system/technology improvements.
• Coach, mentor, and develop plant technical resources.
• Manage external technical relationships with A/E firms, contractors, and equipment vendors.
• Provide technical leadership and ensure site compliance with EPA and OSHA requirements in collaboration with functional experts.
• Lead initiatives to maximize and optimize capital assets, site utilization, and safety in technical areas.
• Champion progression to zero using tools, processes, and standards defined in the Zero Loss Culture guidebook.
• Develop short-term and long-range capital investment plans and ensure accountability for planning and execution of all projects.
• Oversee the capital investment process for the site, including standards, project management, and capital approval.
• Develop and support strategies integrating Vertical Start-Up (VSU), Continuous Improvement (CI), and Zero Loss Culture methodologies into the Master Plan.
• Provide leadership for applying Zero Loss Culture to meet business objectives.
• Lead technical solutions for operational problems, including systems optimization, debottlenecking, and troubleshooting.
• Accountable for the strategy, design, and implementation of control systems and manufacturing information systems.
• Coach and develop the Maintenance and Facilities Manager to improve maintenance systems aligned with Zero Loss Culture.
• Provide strategy and support for maintenance programs, tools, resources, personnel selection, training, and development.
• Integrate maintenance into the broader technical strategy for the plant.
• Ensure proper selection, training, development, and motivation of leaders to maximize performance.
• Lead and support plant continuous improvement initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering or related field with applicable experience, or extensive relevant work experience.
• 6+ years of technical experience in project engineering, systems or process engineering, facilities management, or technical discipline engineering in a manufacturing environment, with maintenance experience.
• Strong track record of engineering aptitude, application of engineering principles, and problem-solving.
• Proven leadership skills, including experience leading others in projects or programs and managing team leaders and mechanics.
• Ability to interact effectively with multiple business functions, including Quality Control, Purchasing, Distribution, Human Resources, Finance, and Operations.
• Ability to identify potential business solutions involving broad thinking across businesses and functions to drive innovation.
• Unwavering commitment to food, human, and environmental safety as the top priority.

Preferred Qualifications

• Engineering degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Electrical Engineering (ABET-accredited).
• Experience directly leading maintenance teams.
• Experience directly leading a team of engineers.
• Experience with industrial and/or labor relations in a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of and experience with manufacturing improvement methodologies such as Six Sigma, TPM, CI, Zero Loss Culture, or Lean Manufacturing.

Additional Considerations

International relocation or remote working arrangements outside the U.S. will not be considered. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis; General Mills will not sponsor work visas for this position.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $110,800 - $166,300 annually. Pay is determined by factors such as education, skills, work experience, and certifications. Beyond base salary, General Mills offers a competitive Total Rewards package focusing on overall well-being, including health benefits, retirement and financial well-being, time off programs, well-being support, and perks. Eligible employees may participate in an annual incentive program based on individual and organizational performance.