Director of Engineering

Company Description

When it comes to being wild, we know a thing or two. We’re not afraid of trying something new or the hard work it takes to make it happen. It’s in our DNA. We’ve turned a family recipe into a new snacking category. And the wilderness into the world’s largest meat snack business, that’s still proudly family owned and operated.

We’re a company built by innovators, and are driven to not only satisfy your hunger, but to also feed your journey – whether that journey is on the road, on the run, at the campground, at the playground, in the office or in the moment. It’s a journey we share with you. It’s the journey forward of our people, of our communities, of our category…with a reverence for quality and an irreverence for the status quo.

At Jack Link’s Protein Snacks, we see every moment of every day as an opportunity to move forward, to forge new ground. To realize our vision of becoming the World’s #1 Protein Snack Company. We never give up. You never give up. Together, we keep going. Are you wild enough to join us?

Jack Link’s Protein Snacks is a global leader in snacking and the No. 1 meat snack manufacturer worldwide. Family-owned and operated with headquarters in Minong, Wisconsin, Jack Link’s Protein Snacks also has a large corporate hub in Downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. The company is made up of over 4,000 passionate team members, across 11 countries, who share an uncompromising commitment to delivering awesome products and feeding the journey of those who move things forward.

The Jack Link’s Protein Snacks portfolio of brands includes, Jack Link’s, Lorissa’s Kitchen, MATADOR Jerky, BiFi and Peperami.

The Director of Engineering is responsible for the successful execution of the company’s business strategy through development, deployment, and performance of all engineering & automation related strategies. This role will lead the Jack Link’s Engineering team to develop automation projects in collaboration with manufacturing plants and distribution centers and other functions/colleagues and will also provide hands‑on support for implementation.

The Director will be a thought leader, responsible for driving a culture of innovation to stay ahead of competitors and develop cutting‑edge improvements for the organization. This key leader will also be responsible for the development of our technological vision and ensuring it is appropriately applied to capital projects, plant modifications or other enhancements.

• Manage, direct, and support the Engineering team by providing strategic guidance, best practices, leadership, and mentoring.
• Lead the team to develop automation projects in collaboration with sites and other functions/colleagues and will also provide hands‑on support for implementation as needed.
• Work closely with operations leadership and stakeholders in other departments to identify, recommend, develop, implement, and support engineering and automation‑oriented solutions to optimize business processes and overall company performance.
• Responsible for driving a culture of innovation to stay ahead of competitors and develop cutting edge improvements for the organization from both a short‑term and long‑term basis.
• Responsible for the development of engineering vision and ensuring it is appropriately applied to capital projects, plant modifications or other enhancements.
• Manage large, complex projects and initiatives, deal with ambiguity and be responsible for embracing Jack Link’s commitment to customers, customer service and sales.
• Support manufacturing and operations by providing strategic direction and tactical support. Troubleshoot day‑to‑day issues, assigning team members as necessary to provide comprehensive solutions.
• Collaborate with the plant network on development and implementation of strategy for application of advanced automation and continuous improvement of automated systems in alignment with business value and network needs and priorities.
• Ensure that process automation activities are handled in accordance with current regulations governing safety, environmental protection, energy conservation, quality and other…