Role Overview for VP, Plant Engineering with a Heavy Equipment Manufacturer – Peoria, IL
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a globally recognized leader in the heavy equipment manufacturing industry. Our client, headquartered in the manufacturing hub of Peoria, IL, is renowned for its commitment to quality, innovation, and durability. With a legacy spanning decades, they have consistently set the benchmark for excellence, producing machinery that builds the world’s infrastructure. We are seeking a transformative and strategic leader to join their executive team as the Vice President of Plant Engineering. This is a cornerstone role responsible for the entire engineering lifecycle of the manufacturing facilities, from strategic capital planning to daily operational excellence.
The VP of Plant Engineering will be the primary driver of engineering strategy, facility development, and maintenance reliability for all production sites. This executive will oversee a large, multi-disciplinary team of engineers, maintenance professionals, and project managers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, safety, and technological advancement. The ideal candidate is a visionary with a deep understanding of modern manufacturing processes, including automation, robotics, and IoT integration within a heavy industrial setting.
You will be responsible for ensuring that our client’s facilities are not only efficient and reliable but also scalable and prepared for the next generation of manufacturing challenges. This role requires a unique blend of technical mastery, financial acumen, and inspirational leadership to guide capital investments and engineering initiatives that directly impact the company’s profitability, market position, and long-term growth trajectory. You will be instrumental in shaping the physical and technological landscape of a company at the forefront of its industry.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Plant Engineering with a Heavy Equipment Manufacturer – Peoria, IL
Strategic Leadership & Planning
Develop and execute a comprehensive, long-range plant engineering and maintenance strategy that aligns with the company’s overall business objectives. Champion initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product quality through engineering excellence.
Capital Project Management
Oversee the entire lifecycle of large-scale capital projects, from conception and feasibility analysis to budgeting, execution, and commissioning. Manage an annual capital budget exceeding tens of millions of dollars, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget. This includes new facility construction, major equipment installations, and infrastructure upgrades.
Maintenance & Reliability Excellence
Direct all plant and equipment maintenance programs, implementing world-class predictive and preventive maintenance strategies to maximize asset reliability and uptime. Drive a culture of proactive maintenance, leveraging CMMS and other technologies to optimize resource allocation and minimize production disruptions.
Team Development & Mentorship
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of engineering and maintenance professionals. Foster a collaborative and innovative environment, promoting professional growth, accountability, and a deep commitment to safety and quality.
Technology & Innovation Integration
Serve as the primary advocate for adopting and integrating new manufacturing technologies. Evaluate and implement solutions in automation, robotics, IIoT, and data analytics to create ‘smart factory’ environments that boost productivity and provide a competitive edge.
Regulatory Compliance & Safety
Ensure all facilities and engineering activities strictly adhere to local, state, and federal regulations, including OSHA, EPA, and other environmental and safety standards. Champion a ‘safety-first’ culture across all engineering and maintenance operations.
Budgetary & Financial Oversight
Develop and manage the annual operating and capital budgets for the plant engineering and maintenance departments. Conduct rigorous financial analysis to justify investments, track performance against financial goals, and ensure a strong return on investment for all engineering expenditures.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with other executive leaders, including Operations, Supply Chain, and R&D, to ensure seamless integration of engineering initiatives with production schedules and new product introductions. Serve as the key technical advisor to the executive team on all matters related to facility infrastructure and manufacturing technology.
Continuous Improvement Leadership
Drive a robust continuous improvement culture using methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM). Identify and eliminate waste, streamline processes, and empower teams to continuously seek out opportunities for enhancement.
Vendor & Contractor Management
Establish and manage strategic relationships with external engineering firms, equipment suppliers, and construction contractors. Lead negotiation and contract management to ensure the company receives maximum value and quality from its partners. Uphold the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) standards of excellence in all partnerships and operations.
Requirements for the VP, Plant Engineering with a Heavy Equipment Manufacturer – Peoria, IL
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
- A minimum of 15 years of progressive engineering and leadership experience within a large-scale, heavy manufacturing environment (e.g., automotive, aerospace, industrial machinery, or heavy equipment).
- At least 7 years of experience in a senior management role (Director-level or higher) with significant P&L, budgetary, and strategic planning responsibilities.
- Demonstrated track record of successfully managing a multi-million dollar capital project portfolio from concept to completion.
- Expert knowledge of modern maintenance methodologies, including predictive maintenance (PdM), preventive maintenance (PM), and reliability-centered maintenance (RCM).
- Strong understanding of federal and state environmental and safety regulations (OSHA, EPA).
- Proven ability to lead, inspire, and develop large, multi-disciplinary technical teams.
- Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a Master of Science in an engineering discipline.
- Professional Engineer (P.E.) license or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
- Extensive experience with Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma (Black Belt certification is highly desirable).
- Hands-on experience with the implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies, such as industrial automation, robotics, and IIoT systems.
- Experience working in a unionized manufacturing environment.
- Proficiency with modern CMMS and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to investing in their employees and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive executive compensation package, including:
- An attractive base salary and executive bonus program.
- Long-term incentives, including stock options and performance shares.
- Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
- A robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match.
- Significant paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
- Full relocation assistance package for the successful candidate and their family.
- Executive-level professional development opportunities and tuition reimbursement.
- Employee wellness programs and on-site amenities.
- The opportunity to make a significant impact on a global industry leader.
How to Apply
This is a retained search conducted by JRG Partners. If you are a visionary engineering leader with the experience and drive to lead a world-class manufacturing operation, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this exceptional opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications. For more information on our expertise in this sector, please visit our Industrial & Manufacturing practice area. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how you can contribute to our client’s continued success.
