Electrical Manager

Location:

Western Illinois (On-site) - Relocation Expensens Fully Covered, Salary: Up to $110,000 / year + benefits (based on qualifications)Travel: 10–15%Employment Type: Full-TimeIndustry: Custom Capital Equipment / Food Processing Systems

About the Opportunity

Our client is a privately held manufacturer of custom food processing and automation systems, known for their in-house engineering, fabrication, and controls capabilities. They design, build, and integrate complete systems for processors across North America.

They’re seeking an experienced Electrical Manager to lead their growing electrical department. This is a hands-on leadership role that blends technical depth with people management and operational strategy. You’ll guide a talented team while helping to formalize processes, safety programs, and training initiatives for continued growth.

What You’ll Do

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of 5–6 electricians, PLC software engineers and technicians across shop, field, and maintenance functions

• Oversee planning, budgeting, and execution of electrical projects from concept through commissioning

• Partner with engineering, controls, and project management to ensure seamless project delivery

• Develop training programs, service contracts, and preventive maintenance systems

• Respond to and assign service calls, coordinate parts sales, and support after-sales activities

• Maintain compliance with electrical codes, safety standards, and quality systems

• Prepare and manage building of materials (BOMS), schedules, and vendor relationships for materials and subcontracted work

• Track and report KPIs, budgets, and progress to company leadership

• Support continuous improvement initiatives, automation strategies, and new technology adoption

Must-Have Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent hands-on experience)

• **7–10 years

  ** of electrical or automation experience within manufacturing or capital equipment

• **3–5 years

  ** in a leadership or supervisory role

• Strong understanding of industrial electrical systems (control voltages, 110v - 480v - 3phase), PLCs /MMI, control sensors, variable speed drives, and control panels

• Proven ability to manage budgets, schedules, and personnel

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills

• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel up to 15% (domestic, occasional international)

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience in food processing, packaging, or sanitary equipment environments is a plus

• Familiarity with UL panel shop operations

• Experience managing service contracts or after-sales support teams

• Knowledge of preventive/predictive maintenance programs

• Comfortable using project management or ERP systems

Physical & Work Environment

• Office-based with frequent time in the manufacturing plant and customer sites

• Ability to lift 50 lbs, bend, climb, and stand for extended periods

• Must be able to operate equipment and travel by car, train, or plane

Why You’ll Love This Role

• **High-impact position

  ** with autonomy to build structure and drive growth

• Blend of leadership, strategy, and hands-on technical work

• Join a stable, growing manufacturer with a strong reputation in engineered systems

• Direct influence on safety, quality, and performance outcomes

• Opportunity to shape the department’s direction and future growth path

Keywords / Skills for Matching

Electrical Manager • Electrical Operations • Automation • Controls • PLC • Industrial Equipment • Panel Shop • Capital Equipment • Preventive Maintenance • Leadership • UL Panels • Food Equipment Manufacturing • Project Management • Allen Bradley • Siemens • Schneider Electric • MES • SCADA • Man Machine Interface (MMI) • Inputs / Outputs • Electrical Switch Gear • Motor Control Center (MCC) • Single Line Diagram • Electrical Drawings

You should be proficient in:

• Electrical Schematics
• Electrical Troubleshooting Skills
• Troubleshooting Skills
• Single and Three Phase Power
• 120/208/240/480 Voltage Systems
• Motor Replacement/Repair/Maintenance
• CNC Machine Repair
• CNC Machine Installation
• CAD Software
• Commercial Electrical Expertise
• Electrical Installation
• Electrical Troubleshooting
• Electrical Repair
• National Electrical Code (NEC)
• Relay Testing
• PLC Programming Experience
• Electrical / Electronic Systems
• High Voltage Systems
• Conduit Pulling
• Engineering Degree

Machines & technologies you'll use:

• SCADA
• Variable Frequency Drives (VFD)
• CAD Software (AutoCAD, Solidworks, Solid Edge, Catia, Pro-E / Creo, Autodesk Inventor, Onshape, Siemens NX, NX CAD (Siemens))
• Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) (Fanuc, Allen Bradley, Mitsubishi, Omron, Siemens, Panasonic, Schneider Electric, Beckoff, Modicon, B&R Industrial Automation, Sigmatek)
• Servo Motors