Manager, Plant Engineering Group

The Manager of the Plant Engineering Group at Knauf Insulation North America is primarily responsible for overseeing the Corporate Plant Engineer Team, managing impactful projects, and leading the annual General Capital Allocation process. This includes preparing reports, collaborating with teams for project approvals, and driving continuous improvement initiatives while ensuring project execution aligns with company standards.

To qualify for the Manager, Plant Engineering Group position at Knauf Insulation North America, candidates should possess at least a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Chemical, or Manufacturing Engineering, along with a minimum of eight years of experience in an industrial manufacturing environment. Notably, at least three years must be in a managerial role with a proven track record in project management and capital allocation.

The Manager of the Plant Engineering Group contributes significantly to Knauf Insulation North America's success by leading engineering initiatives that promote efficiency and innovation. This role involves overseeing project management, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards, and fostering team collaboration to enhance performance and project execution.

Knauf Insulation North America offers various growth opportunities for the Manager, Plant Engineering Group, including the chance to lead significant projects that impact the company's engineering functions. Employees are also encouraged to develop professionally through tuition reimbursement and participation in continuous improvement strategies, allowing for personal and career growth within the organization.

The work culture at Knauf Insulation North America is characterized by innovation, collaboration, and accountability. As the Manager of the Plant Engineering Group, you'll be part of an environment that prioritizes employee engagement and retention, where team members are encouraged to contribute and feel valued for their input. This inclusive culture enhances personal satisfaction and professional dynamism.

When answering this question, focus on specific projects you've managed, emphasizing your role in planning, execution, and outcomes. Discuss any challenges you faced and how you overcame them. Highlight aspects like budget management, team collaboration, and alignment with overall business goals to showcase your expertise.

It's important to convey that you prioritize safety and quality throughout every project phase. Discuss the protocols you implement, such as regular safety audits, training for team members, and adherence to industry standards. Provide examples of how you have successfully maintained or improved safety and quality in previous projects.

In your response, emphasize your approach to fostering an inclusive and productive team environment. Talk about how you set clear expectations, provide ongoing feedback, and encourage professional development for team members. Sharing specific examples of mentorship success stories can make your answer compelling.

Outline your method for identifying potential projects, conducting cost/benefit analyses, and prioritizing initiatives based on strategic alignment with company goals. It's beneficial to provide a real-world example of how you've effectively managed capital allocation in previous roles, demonstrating your analytical and decision-making skills.

Mention relevant tools and software you've used, such as SAP PM, project management software, or any other application relevant to the industry. Discuss how these tools have helped you improve project efficiency, communication with team members, and tracking of project milestones and reports.

Provide a detailed example of a continuous improvement project you took on, explaining the problem, your approach to solving it, the team's involvement, and the results achieved. Highlight how this initiative positively impacted production efficiency, cost savings, or employee engagement to illustrate your capability in driving change.

Discuss your approach to resolving conflicts calmly and effectively, focusing on open communication and seeking common ground. Share a specific instance where you addressed a conflict, detailing the steps you took and the positive outcome it produced. This showcases your ability to foster a respectful and collaborative work environment.

It's crucial to detail your knowledge of pertinent regulations in the manufacturing sector. Discuss previous roles where you ensured compliance with safety, environmental, or quality regulations and how you stay updated on industry changes. This demonstrates your understanding of the regulatory landscape and its significance to project success.

Talk about the key performance indicators (KPIs) or metrics you use to evaluate project success, such as budget adherence, timeline completion, quality of deliverables, and stakeholder satisfaction. Provide an example of a project that met these criteria and how you measured the results, highlighting your analytical skills.

Share your intrinsic motivations, such as a passion for innovation, facilitating teamwork, and contributing to sustainable practices. Describe how you inspire and motivate your team through leading by example, setting clear goals, and fostering an environment of support and accountability, demonstrating your commitment to both individual and collective success.