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YER USA

Technical Director

YER USA, Grand Forks, North Dakota, United States, 58203

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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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