Critical System Engineering - Fire & Life Safety Systems Manager (Remote with Travel required)

Perdue Foods is a family-owned food and agricultural business focused on premium proteins and a supportive, inclusive workplace. The Critical System Engineering - Fire & Life Safety Systems Manager will lead the Critical System Management Program across more than 75 facilities, overseeing Process Safety Management, evacuation notification systems, fire alarm and suppression systems, and insurance-driven requirements. The role develops standards, leads audits and training, advises on staffing, and promotes risk management and safe, compliant facility operations.

Responsibilities:

• Be the “go to” person for Hexane PSM Program, Evacuation Notification Systems, Fire Alarm & Suppression Systems for all Perdue locations. Lead program development and execution. Lead interactions with Insurance driven improvements
• Work collaboratively with Safety, Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and Environmental leadership to execute programs that deliver Safety, Compliance, Quality, Profitable Growth, and Cost
• Collaborate with Engineering Subject Matter Experts and own the standards for Facility Critical Systems. Responsible for development and continuous improvement of standards to drive business results; identifying areas for improvement and implementing changes to enhance safety, efficiency and reliability
• Capability Building: Establish and lead the community of practice for Facility Critical Systems and recommend plant staffing levels. Build Technical capability into the organization via hands on coaching, training programs and troubleshooting
• Leverage Critical Systems Steering Team to ensure consistent application of program requirements across all Perdue Locations
• External Benchmarking: Stay up to date on regulatory requirements, technology and equipment to enable best in class engineering design. Identify key technology and processes to apply within Perdue to deliver improvements in Safety, Compliance, Quality and Profit
• Safety and Maintenance: Provide guidance on best practices regarding and compliance with NFPA 54 National Fuel Gas Code, NFPA 13 Standard for Installation of Sprinkler Systems, NFPA 17/17A: Standards for dry and we chemical extinguishing systems, NPFA 25 Standard for Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of water-based fire protection systems, NFPA 101 Life Safety Standard, and NFPA 36 Standard for Solvent Extraction Plants . Be a “subject matter expert” for Critical Systems maintenance and operational strategies
• Engineering Work Process Champion: Champion and drive the use of Critical Systems Management work process and tools. Establish program requirements, frequency of risk assessments & audits, and continuous updating of program policies and practices
• Lead audits and inspections of Facility Critical Systems to ensure compliance with all program requirements
• Collaborate with external engineering and internal resources to commercialize innovative technology and deliver safe and effective management of Facility Critical Systems
• Collaborate with Global Risk and Perdue facilities to ensure all insurance driven recommendations are addressed effectively
• This position has no direct reports but works collaboratively with safety, FSQA, production, maintenance, environmental, engineering, and global risk managers

Requirements:

• High School Diploma and at least 8-12 years of experience with Facility Utility Systems, including a track record in problem solving, developing multi-site strategies, and influencing cross functional teams to navigate technical challenges
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts at all levels of the organization
• Must be able to frequently travel to remote facilities, plants and/or other offices
• This position will require frequent climbing of ladders, working in hot and/or cold temperatures for significant periods of time
• Familiarity with the OSHA regulations pertaining to emergency planning (29CFR1910 Subpart E) and OSHA Process Safety Management regulation (29CFR1910.119)
• Position is active on the floor activities such as troubleshooting and re-design of existing systems are routine
• May need to move equipment occasionally
• May need to access files, supplies and equipment
• Work activity is where the processing equipment is located
• Work environment includes, but is not limited to, a normal office environment and construction site as well as climate extremes found in a poultry processing operation, feed mill, hatchery and a wastewater treatment facility
• Position requires an associate to have the ability to move throughout the complex and all facilities
• Exposure primarily consists of wet and moist floors which include metal and plastic grating surfaces
• May be exposed to temperatures of 28 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit with both ambient and 100% humidity
• May handle products from 25 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit
• Maybe exposed to noise ranges of 50 db. to 110 db
• May be exposed to all chemicals used in poultry, food, and processing facility
• Must wear and use protective and safety equipment required for the job as directed by the Company
• Must be able to work in confined and or permit required confined spaces and heights. Must be able to work on and around operating equipment
• Must be trained and use Lockout/Tagout
• BS degree in Engineering or Engineering Technology; Prior experience in facility utility systems and will be considered in lieu of a degree
• Food and Beverage or Poultry Processing experience is preferred
• Experience with NFPA 13 Standard for Installation of Sprinkler Systems, NFPA 17/17A: Standards for dry and chemical extinguishing systems, NPFA 25 Standard for Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of water-based fire protection systems, NFPA 101 Life Safety Standard, AND NFPA 36 Standard for Solvent Extraction Plants