About this role
We are seeking a forward-thinking professional to own the strategy-to-portfolio operating system that converts corporate priorities into integrated roadmaps, funded initiatives, clear accountabilities, disciplined decisions, and measurable Engineering-enabled business results. This is not a project management role. Rather than managing day-to-day project execution, you will help shape where the Engineering organization is headed over the next years. You will translate business and customer needs into actionable strategic initiatives, challenge conventional thinking, and elevate how leaders plan for the future. Working closely with Engineering, Operations, Finance, Commercial, and Business Unit leaders, you will research, evaluate options, and help facilitate strategic decisions. While you will not own the business strategy itself, you will play a critical role in co-developing strategies with business partners, ensuring they are converted into practical roadmaps, prioritized investments, and measurable outcomes. What You'll Do... Lead the development and execution of Engineering strategy, roadmaps, and long-term capability plans aligned with business objectives. Partner with Engineering, Operations, Finance, and Commercial teams to align priorities, investments, and organizational goals. Manage a portfolio of strategic initiatives, including prioritization, resource planning, risk management, and performance tracking. Drive governance processes that ensure clear accountability, effective decision-making, and successful strategy execution. Develop and prioritize capital investment plans that support growth, operational excellence, and long-term business needs. Analyze market trends, technologies, manufacturing capabilities, and business opportunities to support strategic decision-making. Collaborate with customers, suppliers, and external partners to advance innovation and strengthen Engineering capabilities. Prepare executive-level business cases, roadmaps, and recommendations while facilitating cross-functional alignment and change management. Up to 25% travel, primarily domestic, with international travel possible. The Ideal Competencies... Strategic Thinking and Enterprise Perspective Portfolio and Investment Decision Making Business and Financial Acumen Systems Thinking and Integration Influence Without Direct Authority Executive Communication Facilitation and Conflict Resolution Analytical Rigor and Sound Judgment Personal Accountability and Follow-Through Collaboration, Trust, and Reliability Continuous Improvement and Learning Agility Organizational Change Leadership What You'll Bring... Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, operations, finance, supply chain, or a related field; engineering degree strongly preferred. Progressive experience in engineering, manufacturing strategy, portfolio management, transformation, product strategy, operations, capital planning, or management consulting. Six (6+) or more of progressive strongly preferred. Demonstrated experience developing and deploying enterprise, multi-site, or multi-function strategies and converting them into funded roadmaps and initiative portfolios. Demonstrated ability to lead complex cross-functional work and influence senior leaders without direct authority. Strong understanding of manufacturing economics, engineering processes, technology lifecycles, product commercialization, supply chains, capacity planning, and capital investment. Experience developing business cases, financial models, capital-budgeting analyses, net present value, return on investment, scenario analyses, and benefits-realization methods. Experience establishing governance, decision rights, performance scorecards, portfolio reviews, and escalation processes in a matrixed organization. Ability to synthesize substantial amounts of complex technical, operational, commercial, and financial information into clear conclusions and actionable recommendations. Advanced written, verbal, interpersonal, presentation, and facilitation skills, including executive-level communication. Advanced analytical and quantitative skills; proficiency with Excel-based modeling, portfolio analysis, dashboards, and presentation tools. Experience in manufacturing and/or consumer packaged goods is strongly, preferred. Experience in a multi-site or international environment, preferred. Experience working directly in Engineering, Operations, Product Development, Supply Chain, Capital Delivery, or a closely related technical function, preferred. Working knowledge of operational excellence, Lean principles, continuous improvement, risk management, and change leadership, preferred. Master of Business Administration, engineering management degree, or equivalent advanced strategic experience, preferred. Role Structure & Travel... Location: Corporate office in Mason, MI Work week is a hybrid schedule Up to 25% travel, primarily domestic, with international travel possible. Regular on-site engagement at our production locations #LI-KS1 Overview: Dart makes everyday products that give people the freedom to enjoy the food & drinks they love, wherever they are. From to-go containers and dinnerware to tamper-evident food packaging and even the red SOLO cup, Dart products have been keeping people on the go and having fun for 65 years. We’re a family-owned, family-focused company of 12,000 employees united by a shared set of values and dedicated to providing exceptional customer service. Headquartered in Mason, MI, with 30 locations in three countries, we’re proud of our ability to innovate, manufacture and lead the way with each new generation of quality products. Benefits: Dart Container full-time employees enjoy great benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) with company matching contributions, paid vacation, paid holidays, short-term disability, tuition assistance, product discounts and more. Dart Container is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are subject to a drug test (excluding THC*/marijuana/cannabis) and background check at the time of offer. *THC testing ONLY when such testing is required by law. Dart Container is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all candidates for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. https://www.dartcontainer.com/eeoaa/ If you have a disability and need an accommodation to access this website or for the application process, you should call Dart at (800) 545-3278 Ext 3370 or email us at [email protected]. Relay calls can be made by dialing 711 or the relay number for your state. If you experience difficulty applying online, you may call (800) 545-3278 Ext 3390 or email us at [email protected] for assistance.