Role Overview for VP Engineering with a Beverage Manufacturer – Tampa, FL
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a dynamic and rapidly growing leader in the beverage manufacturing industry. Our client, renowned for its innovative products and commitment to quality, is seeking a visionary and strategic Vice President of Engineering to join their executive leadership team in Tampa, Florida. This is a pivotal role responsible for shaping the future of the company’s engineering and technical operations, driving innovation from concept to consumer.
The VP of Engineering will be a transformative leader, providing strategic direction and oversight for all aspects of the engineering function, including capital project management, process optimization, facility maintenance, and technological innovation across all manufacturing sites. You will be instrumental in developing and executing a long-term engineering strategy that supports aggressive growth objectives, enhances operational efficiency, and ensures the highest standards of safety, quality, and sustainability.
This executive will lead a multi-disciplinary team of engineers, project managers, and technical staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and excellence. The ideal candidate is a seasoned engineering leader with a proven track record in the food and beverage or consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, possessing a deep understanding of high-speed manufacturing environments. You are not just a manager; you are a mentor, a strategist, and a hands-on problem-solver who can translate broad business goals into actionable engineering initiatives. If you are passionate about building world-class manufacturing capabilities and thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment, this is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on a thriving organization.
Key Responsibilities of VP Engineering with a Beverage Manufacturer – Tampa, FL
The Vice President of Engineering will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, central to the company’s operational success and future growth. Key duties include:
Strategic Leadership and Technical Vision
Develop and implement a comprehensive, forward-thinking engineering and technology roadmap that aligns with the company’s overall strategic plan. Champion innovation and identify new technologies, automation opportunities, and process improvements to create a competitive advantage.
Capital Project Management and Execution
Lead the entire lifecycle of major capital projects, from initial concept, feasibility studies, and financial justification (ROI analysis) to engineering design, procurement, installation, commissioning, and validation. Manage an annual capital budget, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget.
Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement
Drive a culture of operational excellence across all manufacturing facilities. Utilize Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies to optimize production processes, improve equipment reliability (OEE), reduce waste, and lower manufacturing costs.
Team Leadership and Talent Development
Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing engineering and maintenance organization. Set clear goals and expectations, provide regular feedback and coaching, and foster a collaborative and innovative team environment. Develop talent and create succession plans for key technical roles within the organization.
Technology and Automation Strategy
Evaluate and implement cutting-edge manufacturing technologies, including robotics, automation, IoT, and data analytics, to enhance production efficiency, quality control, and traceability. Stay abreast of industry trends and best practices to ensure the company remains at the forefront of beverage manufacturing.
Facility and Maintenance Management
Oversee the maintenance and reliability programs for all plant infrastructure, production equipment, and utility systems. Implement robust preventive and predictive maintenance strategies to maximize asset uptime and lifespan, ensuring operational readiness and minimizing unplanned downtime.
Regulatory Compliance and Safety
Ensure all engineering activities, facility modifications, and equipment installations comply with relevant federal, state, and local regulations, including OSHA, FDA, EPA, and local building codes. Champion a world-class safety culture, ensuring that all engineering projects and maintenance activities are executed with the highest regard for employee safety and food safety standards.
Sustainability Initiatives
Develop and execute engineering strategies to support the company’s corporate sustainability goals. Lead initiatives focused on reducing energy consumption, water usage, and waste generation, and explore opportunities for renewable energy and environmentally friendly packaging solutions.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with other executive leaders, including Operations, Supply Chain, Quality Assurance, and R&D, to ensure seamless integration of new products, processes, and technologies. Serve as the primary technical advisor to the executive team, providing insights and recommendations on all engineering-related matters.
Requirements for the VP Engineering with a Beverage Manufacturer – Tampa, FL
We are seeking a distinguished leader with a deep technical background and extensive experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. The successful candidate will meet the following qualifications:
Education
A Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering or a related technical field is required. A Master’s degree in Engineering or an MBA is highly preferred.
Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive engineering and leadership experience, with at least 7 years in a senior management or director-level role (e.g., Director of Engineering, Plant Engineering Manager) overseeing multiple sites or a large, complex facility.
Industry Expertise
Direct experience within the food & beverage, CPG, pharmaceutical, or a related high-speed manufacturing industry is essential. Specific experience with beverage processing technologies such as blending, pasteurization, hot-fill, aseptic processing, bottling, and canning is strongly desired.
Capital Project Management
Demonstrated success in managing a portfolio of large-scale capital projects ($10M+), with a proven ability to control budgets, schedules, and resources effectively. PMP certification is a plus.
Technical Acumen
Deep knowledge of modern manufacturing principles, including automation, PLC controls, robotics, and packaging systems. Strong understanding of utility systems (boilers, chillers, compressed air, wastewater treatment) is required.
Regulatory Knowledge
In-depth familiarity with relevant regulatory requirements, including OSHA safety standards, FDA regulations, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
Leadership Skills
Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to inspire, motivate, and develop a diverse team. Proven ability to influence across the organization and build strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
Financial Acumen
Strong business and financial acumen, with experience developing and managing departmental and capital budgets, conducting financial analysis, and building business cases for new investments.
Problem-Solving
A strategic thinker with outstanding analytical and problem-solving skills. Must be able to navigate ambiguity, make data-driven decisions, and resolve complex technical challenges under pressure.
Communication
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. As a key member of the executive team, you can expect:
Competitive Executive Compensation
A highly attractive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus and long-term incentive plan.
Comprehensive Health and Wellness
A full suite of benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents, with low employee contributions.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Generous Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, in addition to paid company holidays, to support a healthy work-life balance.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family to facilitate a smooth transition to the vibrant Tampa, FL area.
Executive Perks
Additional benefits may include a vehicle allowance, life and disability insurance, and other executive-level perquisites.
Professional Development
A strong commitment to your professional growth with opportunities for continued learning, executive coaching, and participation in industry conferences and seminars.
Dynamic Work Environment
The opportunity to work with a passionate and talented team in a collaborative, innovative, and growth-oriented culture.
How to Apply
This is an exclusive search being conducted by JRG Partners. If you are a visionary engineering leader ready to take on a challenging and rewarding role with a leader in the beverage industry, we encourage you to apply.
To be considered for this exceptional opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and leadership accomplishments. For more information about our expertise in this sector, please visit our Food & Beverage Automation & Robotics Executive Search Firm page. . We look forward to reviewing your application. Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
