Senior Manager, Critical Systems Engineering - Refrigeration & PSM (Remote with travel required)

Summary

Lead critical systems safety, compliance, and reliability across Perdue?s operations. As a Critical Systems Engineering Manager of Refrigeration and Process Safety Management, you will provide technical leadership for the Critical Systems Management Program, overseeing anhydrous ammonia refrigeration, cryogenic gas systems, and related Process Safety Management requirements across 17 facilities. You will lead multi-site initiatives, develop program standards, conduct facility audits, and partner with engineering firms, technology providers, and cross-functional teams to strengthen safety, compliance, reliability, quality, and cost performance. This role is ideal for a strategic technical leader who excels at solving complex challenges, developing standards, coaching teams, and driving continuous improvement across a large-scale operation.

Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Serve as the subject matter expert for Process Safety Management of anhydrous ammonia and Critical Systems Management of cryogenic gases.

• Lead program development, implementation, and continuous improvement across multiple facilities.

• Work collaboratively with Safety, Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Environmental, and Food Safety and Quality Assurance leaders to develop and execute programs that support safety, compliance, quality, profitable growth, and cost objectives.

• Collaborate with Engineering subject matter experts and own standards for Facility Critical Systems.

• Evaluate technical, operational, and regulatory requirements and update standards to improve safety, efficiency, reliability, and business results.

• Establish and lead the Facility Critical Systems community of practice.

• Build technical capability through hands-on coaching, training, and troubleshooting.

• Recommend plant staffing and capability needs.

• Lead the Critical Systems Steering Team to support consistent application of program requirements across Perdue locations.

• Address implementation issues with site and functional leaders.

• Stay current on regulatory requirements, industry practices, technology, and equipment.

• Use research and benchmarking to recommend improvements in safety, compliance, quality, reliability, and profitability.

• Provide guidance on International Institute of All-Natural Refrigeration standards, Occupational Safety and Health Administration Process Safety Management requirements, Environmental Protection Agency Risk Management Program requirements, and Critical Systems maintenance and operating strategies.

• Troubleshoot complex technical and compliance issues.

• Escalate out-of-policy matters as appropriate.

• Champion the Critical Systems Management work process and tools.

• Establish program requirements and the frequency of risk assessments and audits.

• Evaluate results and update program policies and practices as needed.

• Lead audits and inspections of Facility Critical Systems across Perdue locations.

• Evaluate findings and recommend corrective actions.

• Follow up on implementation to support compliance with program requirements.

• Collaborate with external engineering firms, technology providers, and internal resources to evaluate and implement solutions for Facility Critical Systems.

• Lead the technical scope and coordination of significant multi-site initiatives.

• Provide indirect technical leadership through influence, coaching, and coordination with safety, Food Safety and Quality Assurance, production, maintenance, environmental, and engineering professionals.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and directly related experience.

• 8-12+ years of experience with facility utility systems, including anhydrous ammonia refrigeration systems, problem solving, multi-site program or project work, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Knowledge of Occupational Safety and Health Administration Process Safety Management (29 CFR 1910.119), Environmental Protection Agency Risk Management Program (40 CFR Part 68), and applicable International Institute of All-Natural Refrigeration standards.

• Demonstrated ability to evaluate complex technical and compliance issues, lead significant initiatives, coach others, and communicate technical concepts at all organizational levels.

• Ability to travel frequently to remote facilities, plants, and offices.

• Ability to climb ladders and work for significant periods in hot or cold environments.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Experience in food and beverage or poultry processing.

• Experience with hexane extraction systems and cryogenic gases.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

• Position is active, with work activities occurring at project and plant sites.

• Perform routine activities such as troubleshooting and redesigning existing systems.

• Move equipment occasionally.

• Access files, supplies, and equipment as needed.

• Work in areas where processing equipment is located.

• Work in environments including, but not limited to, normal office settings, construction sites, poultry processing operations, feed mills, hatcheries, and wastewater treatment facilities.

• Move throughout the complex and all facilities.

• Work on wet and moist floors, including metal and plastic grating surfaces.

• Be exposed to temperatures ranging from 28 degrees Fahrenheit to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, including conditions with up to 100% humidity.

• Handle product at temperatures ranging from 25 degrees Fahrenheit to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Be exposed to noise levels ranging from 50 dB to 110 dB.

• Be exposed to chemicals used in poultry and food processing facilities.

• Wear and use protective and safety equipment as required.

• Work on or around operating equipment.

• Complete Lockout/Tagout training and follow Lockout/Tagout procedures.