Director of Commissioning

Job Description

Job Description

Description :

General Summary : Manages all commissioning processes and projects, domestic and international. Oversees product line installs from coordinating delivery through training of customers at start-up to ensure quality and profitability. Develop staff to ensure effective resources are available to the overall Alkar organization. Selects, develops, evaluates and leads personnel to ensure the efficient operation of the commissioning function.

Principal Accountabilities :

• Overseas Alkar Service and installation and start-up / customer service technician staff to achieve customer service department functional goals and objectives.
• Develops and manages the Alkar Commissioning Department budget, with full accountability for financial performance. This includes forecasting departmental needs, setting annual budget targets, monitoring expenditures, and identifying cost-saving opportunities. Works closely with the Finance Department to ensure budget alignment with company goals, track variances, and implement corrective actions when necessary. Maintains a strong focus on financial discipline, transparency, and supporting strategic growth through responsible fiscal management.
• Regularly interacts with Alkar Engineering department to resolve reliability, maintenance or design problems as required. Provides input for developing operating manuals as related to equipment servicing.
• Works with Manufacturing to coordinate the scheduling, prioritization, and readiness of equipment for commissioning. Ensures seamless handoffs between departments and alignment of production timelines. Collaborates to resolve issues quickly and keep projects on track.
• Collaborates with the Installation Manager to develop and maintain an effective team of service and installation technicians aligned with sales goals by product line. Responsibilities include workforce planning, forecasting staffing needs, recruiting and hiring qualified personnel, managing performance, and making termination decisions when necessary. Ensures the department is properly staffed, trained, and structured to support project timelines, customer satisfaction, and overall business objectives.
• Directs activities of commissioning staff to support overall functional goals and objectives. Provides performance evaluation, feedback, appropriate job assignments and personal career development to commissioning team.
• Efficiently manages resources to establish accurate project ship dates and develop detailed project schedules, incorporating key milestones for engineering, purchasing, and assembly.
• Oversees the project feasibility reviews, specification definitions, material and labor cost input, design reviews and issuance of various Quality Documents, detailed design input, manufacturing releases, inspection coordination and development of “start up” equipment performance specifications.
• Supports Manufacturing and Engineering by coordinating resources to effectively address customer service calls and requests. Ensures timely response and resolution by facilitating communication across departments and prioritizing customer needs.
• Reviews warranty claims and expedites equipment service and repairs in a timely manner.
• Establishes and maintains a standardized commissioning documentation process to ensure consistency, accuracy, and traceability across all projects. This includes creating templates, defining documentation requirements, and ensuring all records are properly completed, stored, and accessible for internal use and customer reference.
• Develops and regularly conducts customer training seminars in collaboration with the Installation, Service, and Technical Food Services teams. Ensures training content is tailored to customer needs, promotes proper equipment usage, and supports long-term customer success and satisfaction.
• Ensure adequate service records are maintained.
• Remains alert to both prospective and established customer needs and requirements as well as federal, state and local safety regulations.
• Develops, recommends and implements service programs and operating policies.
• Maintains strong working relationships with equipment vendors and fosters effective team collaboration within the commissioning staff to support smooth project execution and communication.
• Monitor productivity of the department including individual contribution to teams in place.
• Cross train installation and servicing staff to utilize each other as resource / back up.
• Performs additional assignments as requested by Supervisor.

Requirements :

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required :

Bachelor’s degree in Project Management, Business, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

Minimum of 10 years of leadership experience, including direct supervision and development of cross-functional teams.

At least 10 years of experience in a manufacturing environment, with strong knowledge of product lines; experience in food processing is a plus.

Proven analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on operational efficiency and continuous improvement.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments and with external stakeholders.

Strong technical writing skills, with the ability to accurately review and interpret Service and Installation reports generated by ALKAR Technical Teams.

Areas Supervised :

Service

Installation

Description of physical working environment :

Office Environment : Frequent use of computer and phone while seated at a desk for extended periods.

Production Areas : Requires extended periods of standing and may involve climbing ladders, stairs, catwalks, and navigating around equipment.

Field Sites : Work environments vary and may include refrigerated processing rooms, plant rooftops, rough-grade construction sites, and areas containing ammonia refrigeration systems.

Travel : Domestic and international travel required, up to 25% of the time.