Plant Engineer and Reliability Manager - CWD

Build your career at Sazerac! With almost 400 years of rich history, Sazerac Company has thrived as an independent, American family-owned company with operations in the United States and around the world. Since the 2000s, Sazerac has averaged double digit growth every year! Sazerac Company produces and markets the most award-winning bourbons and whiskeys in the world, including Buffalo Trace, Pappy Van Winkle, Eagle Rare, Blanton’s, and Sazerac Rye. Additionally, Sazerac owns many popular brands across a range of spirits, including Fireball, Southern Comfort, Seagram’s V.O., Myers’s, Goldschläger, Parrot Bay, 99 Brand, and Platinum Vodka. 

We’re proud of our award-winning culture and distilleries. Our Louisville office has been named one of the “Best Places to Work in Kentucky” four times, and our Buffalo Trace Distillery has earned the title of “world’s most award-winning distillery” through the dedication of our craftsmen for well over 200 years. Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced professional, Sazerac provides extraordinary opportunities for growth with competitive salaries and benefits in an exciting, entrepreneurial industry.

The Plant Engineer And Reliability Manager provides technical support for the facility, manages, and implements capital projects, directs the Engineering & Maintenance Teams, and ensures the safe and efficient operation of boilers, pressure vessels, and compressors. This position leads the development and execution of a five-year capital plan, manages associated projects and budgets, supports efficient usage of facility M&R budgets, and directs the vision and development of the Engineering & Maintenance Team. Additionally, the role involves maintaining compliance with safety regulations and driving continuous improvement efforts.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure operations achieve the highest efficiency and quality through capital planning, systems controls, general engineering, project management, and maintenance.
• Provide expertise to introduce new equipment and systems, and support cost savings projects by recommending new methodologies and equipment. Plan and implement improvements working with department managers and employees on joint problem-solving techniques.
• Review new product and process initiatives to determine the best production methods and necessary equipment. Oversee equipment purchases, installation, and startup, ensuring the best price and ongoing engineering support to maximize output and minimize downtime.
• Meet and exceed customer expectations by managing the Engineering and Maintenance departments to achieve targeted operational uptime, deliver quality products on time, and within budget. Support process and equipment reliability improvements.
• Lead the Engineering and Maintenance departments consistent with company culture, ensuring fair and respectful treatment of employees. Foster a team environment where all employees are encouraged to contribute to meeting and exceeding customer expectations. Lead site Maintenance Pillar and provide support to Autonomous Maintenance.
• Supports the safety program through engineering safety into every project. Addresses safety issues through ongoing preventive maintenance, ensures maintenance and engineering employees and all contractors adhere to all safety rules; ensures all engineering and maintenance employees participate in required and recommended safety training programs.
• Conduct performance discussions with Engineering and Maintenance staff to improve skills and performance. Evaluate, train, and develop department employees, creating personal development plans to enhance competencies and performance. Develop and maintain a progression plan for all maintenance employees to increase their technical skills.
• Obtain and maintain all necessary pressure vessel and operator certificates. Ensure adherence to all Personal Safety, Food Safety, Quality, and Environmental Policies and Practices.
• Develop and oversee Preventative Maintenance activities, troubleshooting, and plant modifications, including engineering and H&S projects. Actively lead building and machine modifications and production setup. Consult with operations team on cost savings projects applying engineering expertise to recommend new methodologies and equipment to ensure production efficiency, maximize output and prevent downtime without sacrificing quality.
• Drive continuous improvement efforts within the Engineering and Maintenance departments and throughout the operation. Drive continuous improvement efforts within the Engineering and Maintenance department and throughout the operation. Provides engineering expertise to analyze and resolve problems relating to product quality and operational efficiency.

Requirements: Must Have:

• Engineering or related degree or equivalent experience.
• Implementation or project management experience.  PMP preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong analytical and technical skills.
• Ability to communicate with all levels of the organization.
• 5-10 years of relevant experience, including management experience.
• Experience in the completion and management of Cap Ex plans and budgets.

Preferred:

• Experience in the Alcohol Beverage Industry or CPG overall.
• Experience managing in a union environment.
• Knowledge of environmental regulations and related compliance experience.
• Domain competency in controls and automation engineering.
• Operations Management experience, including understanding of cost accounting.
• Experience in managing engineering and maintenance in hazardous environments.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to pick up and/or move objects up to 50 pounds without assistance.
• Ability to work near moving mechanical parts.
• Ability to work 8-hour shifts and overtime if necessary.
• Ability to ascend/descend ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, and the like.
• Ability to work with the risk of electrical shock.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to pay attention to detail.
• In-person job attendance.
• Noise level at the workstation is loud (metal can manufacturing, large earth-moving equipment).