Head of Applications Engineering

GEA Group, founded in Germany in 1881, is a global leader in engineering solutions, serving industries such as food and beverage, pharma, dairy, and more. With over 18,000 employees worldwide and a strong U.S. presence since 1929, GEA combines the heritage of a well-established company with the innovation of a forward-thinking industry leader. At GEA, we’re not just building equipment, we’re building lasting careers with an average employee tenure range from 5 to over 11+ years, reflecting the strong culture, growth opportunities, and support we provide.

• Start strong – Medical, dental, and vision coverage begins on your first day

• Recharge and refresh – Enjoy 12 paid holidays, including a flexible floating holiday, and 136 hours of PTO to relax or explore

• Invest in your future – A 7% 401(k) employer match helps grow your retirement savings faster

• Keep learning – Take advantage of tuition reimbursement to further your education or skillset

• Live well – Our wellness incentive program rewards healthy habits

• Get support when you need it – Access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program for personal or professional guidance

• Save smart – Flexible Health Savings and Spending Accounts to manage out-of-pocket expenses

As Director, Applications Engineering you will oversee the management of the Applications Engineering and Product Management team of the Valves & Pumps group in North America and implement strategies to align the department with the company’s overall business objectives.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Directly manage the Applications Managers and Engineers and Product Managers in the Applications Engineering Team
• Assist with recruitment, interviews, hires, and training process.
• Handle discipline and termination of employees in accordance with company policy.
• Support Team with conflict resolution, both with internal and external parties.
• Review high-level status of all work and tasks being executed by the group, including regular meetings with all Applications Managers and Engineers and Product Managers.
• Monitor resources and resource capacity planning of the department.
• Liaise with VP V&P-NAM and directors of other V&P NAM departments to achieve company goals, as defined from V&P Group management.
• Provide performance evaluations of all direct reports.
• Resolve conflicts with resource allocation, escalated by other managers within the department.
• Facilitate training and learning experiences of managers within the team.
• Act as a point of contact for emergencies and accident reporting within their team.
• Keep informed of company news and happenings and inform team as necessary.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Responsible for providing Hygienic and Aseptic Application and Product Technical support to our Regional Managers, Inside TSE group, End-Customers and external partners, such as Integrators and Distributors
• Establish strong communication guidelines with other company departments.
• Assist in the development of procedures and best practices of Application and Product management functions
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the department.
• Collaborate with Sales and Service leaders on a regular basis to support company financial targets.
• Interface with our German and Swiss V&P factories to communicate new and updated Product Technical Information to the entire V&P-NAM organization
• Approve PTO, expense reports, and other department expenditures.
• Assist the VP, V&P-NAM in the setting of annual SIP Targets for all Team Members in the SIP Program
• Analyze and implement efficient team member utilization
• Collaborate with commercial coordinators to track project budgets and invoicing of manifold and specific engineering-included projects
• Provide Applications and product training as required for our Regional Managers, Inside TSE group, End-Customers and external partners, such as Integrators and Distributors
• Assist Finance department with reporting and risk mitigation of manifold and specific engineering-included projects
• Assist with addressing legal risks to the company, as required by upper management.
• Liaise with Procurement team and maintain approved and preferred manifold fabrication suppliers list.
• Review employee survey results and create action plan to address employee concerns

Bachelor’s degree in engineering discipline and at least ten years of experience in mechanical separation or a related engineering field.

Proven track record of successful management and leading teams, ideally of 10 or more direct or indirect reports.

Proven track record of successful collaboration with other company departments and disciplines.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to multi-task on a regular basis.
• Thorough understanding of the business including focus on customer expectations.
• Strong networking skills and ability to work as a team with other departments.
• Strong leadership traits including entrepreneurial competencies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Other duties as assigned.

At GEA, we don’t just offer jobs—we offer opportunities to thrive, grow, and make an impact.

The typical base pay range for this position at the start of employment will be communicated to you by the Hiring Manager. GEA Group has different base pay ranges for different work locations within the United States.

The pay range is not a guarantee of compensation or salary.  The estimated range is the budgeted amount for the position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications, and other job-related reasons.  You may be eligible for additional rewards.

GEA is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will therefore receive consideration for employment without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, world view, national origin, genetics, disability, gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other protected characteristic required by applicable law. Applicants with disabilities are welcome and will be given special consideration if they are equally qualified.

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