Job Description

Join Agristo in building something from the ground up.

We're a leading global producer of frozen potato products, and we're expanding into the U.S. with a brand-new large scale greenfield plant. As Technical Director , you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the technical strategy, leading all engineering and project execution efforts, and building the team that will bring this state-of-the-art facility to life.

Purpose of the Role

The Technical Director is responsible for setting the strategic direction and vision for the technical department in the US, ensuring alignment with the company's overall goals and values. This role involves leading and overseeing all technical projects in the US, driving innovation, and fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. The Technical Director will play a key role in shaping the future of the company's technical capabilities and ensuring sustainable growth. The Technical Director will play a crucial role in the expansion of Agristo in the US.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and implement a long-term technical strategy that aligns with the company's vision and business objectives
• Provide strategic input to executive management on technical matters such as large investments, and contribute to the overall business strategy
• Translate the company's business strategy into a mid-to-long-term technical roadmap, setting clear objectives and priorities for the technical department
• Continuously seek opportunities for optimization and innovation within the technical department
• Maintain and enhance the company's reputation by ensuring high standards of technical excellence and innovation
• Budget responsibility for large investment projects (+500 m$)

Departmental Leadership:

• Build the technical team, taking into account the speed of growth of Agristo in the US. The technical team consists out of several subteams: technical engineering, technical design, and automation.
• Plan, organize, coordinate, and adjust the activities within the technical team to ensure effective, efficient, and high-quality project execution
• Foster a performance-oriented and collaborative environment within the technical team
• Ensure the technical team has the necessary resources, skills, and support to achieve their goals
• Promote knowledge sharing and best practices within the technical team
• Regularly review and adjust departmental processes and procedures to enhance efficiency and effectiveness

External Relationships:

• Develop and maintain relationships with all relevant contractors, suppliers, and partners in the market
• Negotiate contracts and agreements to obtain a network of trusted technical partners in the US.

Project Oversight:

• Oversee the execution of major technical projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards
• Translate investment plans into concrete project plans with clear timelines and deliverables
• Ensure effective communication and coordination between project teams and other departments
• Monitor project progress and provide regular updates to executive management
• Ensure smooth project handovers to the organization, including all necessary documentation and training

• Risk Management:
• Assess and manage risks associated with technical projects and partnerships
• Evaluate the capabilities and capacity of suppliers and partners to deliver on project requirements
• Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to ensure project success

Standardization and Innovation:

• Establish and maintain standards for materials, processes, and methodologies to ensure consistency and efficiency.
• Drive innovation by staying informed about industry trends and developments and integrating new technologies and practices into the company's operations

People Management:

• Building the team in the US is needed to proceed with the expansion of Agristo in the US.
• Inspire, motivate, and develop team members to achieve their full potential
• Select, coach, and evaluate team members, ensuring they have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed
• Foster a positive work environment that encourages collaboration and continuous learning
• Conduct regular performance appraisals and provide feedback to team members

Safety, Health, Environment, Order, and Hygiene:

• Ensure compliance with safety, health, environmental, and hygiene regulations and standards.
• Promote a culture of safety and environmental responsibility within the technical team
• Implement measures to prevent risks and ensure the well-being of employees and the environment

Autonomy

The Technical Director operates with a high degree of autonomy, making strategic decisions within the framework of the company's overall goals and values.

Internal Contacts

• Executive Management
• Plant and Production Management
• Maintenance Managers
• Process Engineers
• Various internal stakeholders related to technical projects

External Contacts

• Suppliers and Contractors
• Study Bureaus and Architects
• Government and Regulatory Bodies
• Peers in the Industry
• Subsidy Providers

Candidate profile

Education:

• Master’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical, or related fields)
• Additional education in business administration , project management , or strategic leadership is a strong asset

Experience:

• 10+ years of progressive experience in technical and engineering roles within manufacturing or industrial operations
• 5+ years in a senior leadership role managing large-scale technical projects and teams
• Proven track record in:
• Strategic technical planning and execution
• Capital investment project management
• Cross-functional leadership and team building
• Working in a fast-growing or scaling environment (ideally with international exposure)

Skills & Competencies:

Strategic Visionary:

• Capable of translating business strategy into a technical roadmap
• Able to make long-term decisions with a focus on scalability and innovation

Leadership & People Development:

• Experience building and leading multi-disciplinary technical teams
• Strong coaching and mentoring skills
• Advocates for performance culture and team collaboration

Project Oversight & Execution:

• Expert in managing complex technical projects from concept to delivery
• Skilled in budgeting, scheduling, and risk management
• Familiarity with construction, machinery, utilities, and production line installation in food or industrial environments is a plus

Process Standardization & Innovation:

• Passion for continuous improvement and operational efficiency
• Track record of implementing new technologies, systems, and standards

Communication & Stakeholder Management:

• Able to engage with executive management, government agencies, and contractors
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills

Other Requirements:

• Based in the US , ideally in North Dakota, or willing to relocate (US contract)
• Comfortable working in a growth environment with limited structure
• Fluent in English
• Willingness to travel occasionally (domestic and potentially international)

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