Chief Engineer - Kernersville, NC | JLL Job

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Brad, take a look at this and make sure aligns: Chief Engineer

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Chief Engineer to oversee all engineering operations and maintenance activities for our industrial facility. This leadership role requires a hands-on professional with extensive electrical and HVAC expertise who can ensure optimal performance, safety, and reliability of all building systems and equipment.

Key Responsibilities

Operations Leadership and Management

• Lead and manage all engineering and maintenance operations across the facility, including planning, scheduling, and execution of preventive and corrective maintenance programs.

• Oversee the operation, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems, HVAC equipment, and other critical industrial infrastructure.

• Develop and implement maintenance strategies that maximize equipment uptime, extend asset life, and minimize operational costs.

• Leverage AI-powered predictive maintenance tools and data analytics to anticipate equipment failures, optimize maintenance schedules, and improve operational efficiency.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives by exploring and implementing smart building technologies, automation solutions, and digital monitoring systems.

• Respond to emergency situations and equipment failures, implementing rapid solutions to minimize production disruptions.

• Be available to respond to critical facility emergencies and equipment failures during off-hours, weekends, and holidays as needed to ensure business continuity.

• Maintain accurate documentation of all maintenance activities, equipment specifications, and safety procedures.

• Utilize CMMS and digital reporting platforms to track maintenance activities, generate performance reports, and support data-driven decision-making.

Team Leadership and Development

• Supervise and mentor the engineering team, providing technical guidance and fostering professional development.

• Lead, coach, and develop engineering staff and technicians, providing performance feedback, career development opportunities, and technical training.

• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, safety, and continuous learning within the engineering team.

• Conduct regular team meetings to align on priorities, communicate updates, and address operational and technical challenges.

• Support recruitment, onboarding, and training of new team members in coordination with HR and facility leadership.

• Model cross-functional teamwork and encourage team members to embrace innovative technologies, best practices, and collaborative problem-solving.

Vendor and Contractor Management

• Coordinate with contractors and vendors for specialized repairs, installations, and service agreements.

• Build and maintain strong collaborative relationships with contractors, vendors, and service providers to ensure quality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.

• Oversee vendor performance, contract compliance, and service level agreements to ensure delivery meets established standards.

• Ensure that vendor procurement processes comply with JLL and client procurement guidelines as well as industry best practices.

Compliance and Safety

• Ensure all work complies with local, state, and federal regulations, including OSHA standards, electrical codes, and environmental requirements.

• Champion a proactive safety culture by conducting safety training, leading safety initiatives, and ensuring adherence to all safety protocols and regulatory requirements.

• Implement and monitor hazard control practices, conduct regular safety audits, and drive continuous improvement in safety performance.

• Ensure all Critical Environment Management (CEM) requirements and industry compliance standards are consistently met.

Financial and Strategic Management

• Manage the engineering department budget, including labor, materials, and capital improvement projects.

• Analyze financial data and operational metrics to identify cost-saving opportunities, operational efficiencies, and areas for performance improvement.

• Provide regular financial reporting, variance analysis, and budget forecasts to senior leadership and clients.

• Develop business cases for capital projects, equipment upgrades, and energy efficiency initiatives.

Client and Stakeholder Engagement

• Partner with facility management, operations teams, and client stakeholders to ensure engineering operations support organizational goals and client expectations.

• Deliver exceptional customer service by anticipating client needs, addressing concerns promptly, and maintaining consistent communication.

• Act as a trusted technical advisor to clients and senior leadership on facility engineering matters, providing strategic recommendations and insights.

• Conduct regular business reviews and performance meetings to ensure alignment on goals, expectations, and service delivery.

Innovation and Continuous Improvement

• Drive innovation and thought leadership by staying current on industry trends, emerging technologies, and engineering best practices.

• Champion energy conservation initiatives, sustainability programs, and operational efficiency projects.

• Explore and implement AI-driven solutions for predictive maintenance, energy optimization, space utilization analytics, and system performance monitoring.

• Lead change management initiatives and operational transformation projects to enhance facility performance and client value.

• Perform other duties as assigned by senior management to support strategic initiatives, operational objectives, and organizational goals.

Required Qualifications

Essential Experience:

• Minimum 7-10 years of progressive engineering experience in an industrial setting

• Extensive electrical systems experience, including high-voltage distribution, motor controls, PLCs, and industrial power systems

• Proven HVAC expertise in industrial environments, including chillers, boilers, air handling units, cooling towers, and process ventilation systems

• At least 3-5 years in a supervisory or leadership role managing engineering teams

Technical Requirements:

• Thorough understanding of industrial electrical systems, codes, and safety practices

• Deep knowledge of commercial and industrial HVAC design, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance

• Proficiency with building automation systems (BAS) and energy management systems

• Strong working knowledge of mechanical systems, including pumps, compressors, and hydraulics

• Familiarity with CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems) and preventive maintenance software

Certifications and Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, or related technical field preferred (or equivalent combination of education and experience)

• Valid electrical license or certification highly preferred

• HVAC certifications (EPA Universal, CFC certification) required

• Additional certifications such as Certified Plant Engineer (CPE), Certified Maintenance Manager (CMM), or similar credentials are advantageous

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with energy conservation initiatives and sustainability programs.

• Background in lean manufacturing or continuous improvement methodologies.

• Knowledge of industrial process equipment and production support systems.

• Professional certifications such as CFM (Certified Facility Manager), PMP (Project Management Professional), PE (Professional Engineer), or equivalent.

• Experience implementing AI-driven solutions, smart building technologies, IoT sensors, or advanced automation platforms in industrial or facility operations.

• Track record of successfully leading change management initiatives, operational transformation projects, and large-scale capital improvement programs.

• Experience managing multi-site engineering operations or supporting geographically dispersed facilities.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong leadership and team management abilities with excellent communication skills.

• Exceptional problem-solving capabilities and analytical thinking.

• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

• Commitment to safety culture and regulatory compliance.

• Budget management and cost control expertise.

• Strategic thinking with the ability to balance tactical execution with long-term planning and innovation.

• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships across cross-functional teams, diverse stakeholder groups, and senior leadership.

• Excellent presentation skills and ability to communicate complex technical information to non-technical audiences.

• Adaptability and openness to leveraging emerging technologies, including AI applications for facility optimization, predictive maintenance, and operational efficiency.

• Comfort with digital tools, data analytics platforms, and technology-driven decision-making to drive informed business outcomes.

• Customer-centric mindset with focus on delivering exceptional service and building trusted advisor relationships.

• High energy and resilience, with ability to flourish in fast-paced, dynamic, and challenging environments.

This position offers the opportunity to lead engineering operations in a dynamic industrial environment where your electrical and HVAC expertise will directly impact facility performance and operational excellence.

This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Location:

On-site –Kernersville, NC

If this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply, even if you don’t meet all the requirements.  We’re interested in getting to know you and what you bring to the table!

Personalized benefits that support personal well-being and growth:

JLL recognizes the impact that the workplace can have on your wellness, so we offer a supportive culture and comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes mental, physical and emotional health. Some of these benefits may include:

• 401(k) plan with matching company contributions

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Care

• Paid parental leave at 100% of salary 

• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays

• Early access to earned wages through Daily Pay

At JLL, we harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to efficiently accelerate meaningful connections between candidates and opportunities. Using AI capabilities, we analyze your application for relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications to generate valuable insights about how your unique profile aligns with the specific requirements of the role you're pursuing.

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