Director Technical Offer Management - Cottage Grove - GEA

Description

GEA Group, founded in Germany in 1881, is a global leader in engineering solutions, serving industries such as food and beverage, pharma, dairy, and more. With over 18,000 employees worldwide and a strong U.S. presence since 1929, GEA combines the heritage of a well-established company with the innovation of a forward-thinking industry leader. At GEA, we're not just building equipment, we're building lasting careers with an average employee tenure range from 8 + years, reflecting the strong culture, growth opportunities, and support we provide.

Responsibilities / Tasks

• Start strong – Medical, dental, and vision coverage begins on your first day
• Recharge and refresh – Enjoy 12 paid holidays, including a flexible floating holiday, and 136 hours of PTO to relax or explore
• Invest in your future – A 7% 401(k) employer match helps grow your retirement savings faster
• Keep learning – Take advantage of tuition reimbursement to further your education or skillset
• Live well – Our wellness incentive program rewards healthy habits
• Get support when you need it – Access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program for personal or professional guidance
• Save smart – Flexible Health Savings and Spending Accounts to manage out-of-pocket expenses

The typical base pay range for this position at the start of employment is expected to be between $145,000 - $165,000 per year. GEA Group has different base pay ranges for different work locations within the United States.

The pay range is not guaranteed compensation or salary. The estimated range is the budgeted amount for the position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications, and other job-related reasons. You may be eligible for additional rewards, such as a discretionary bonus (based on eligibility) and/or equity awards.

Position Summary

The Director Technical Offer Management (TOM), leads the LFF Technical Offer Management team, comprised of process and application engineers responsible for developing high-quality technical scopes of supply and accurate cost bases for sales projects. These projects range from single-technology solutions to complex, multi-technology systems.

This role plays a critical part in supporting the sales organization through the full proposal lifecycle—from opportunity qualification through final negotiation—while ensuring alignment with business strategy, technical excellence, and risk management. The Director is accountable for the delivery of robust technical proposals, process designs, and cost calculations, and for fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. This position is based at our Hudson WI facility and follows a hybrid work schedule, with four (4) days onsite and one (1) day remote per week.

Roles and Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and develop the LFF Technical Offer Management (TOM) team to deliver timely, accurate, and competitive technical proposals.
• Act as a visible, motivating leader and coach, particularly for direct reports.
• Manage resource allocation, workload prioritization, and utilization to meet business needs.
• Support employee development through Perform & Grow, training, and education opportunities.
• Collaborate with the Department Head on career development and compensation for direct reports.
• Foster a positive, communicative, and high-performing team environment.

Technical & Proposal Oversight

• Oversee process design, technical proposals, and cost calculations for all LFF offers.
• Ensure technical scope definitions, acceptance criteria, KPIs, and process warranties mitigate GEA risk.
• Oversee GEA core technologies including Filtration, Heat Treatment, Mixing Systems, Brewery Systems, and other liquid processing technologies.
• Ensure compliance with BU Americas TOM Governance, PPP, and NPE Rulebook procedures.
• Govern opportunity qualification to ensure complete and accurate input for TOM development.
• Monitor proposal progress, process design reviews, and risk mitigation strategies.

Business & Strategic Alignment

• Work closely with the LFF Sales Director to align TOM prioritization with NPE NAM strategy.
• Ensure alignment with NPE innovation strategy and the Center of Competence project portfolio.
• Support sales teams in customer engagements by presenting technical competencies and solutions.
• Participate in optimization of business processes and best-practice sharing.
• Drive knowledge anchoring, internal project participation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Work proactively across GEA Systems North America LLC and other GEA Group companies to maximize synergies.
• Maintain effective communication with GEA management.

Financial, Safety & Compliance

• Meet budgetary and strategic targets and ensure accurate reporting.
• Manage cost center expenses in line with budget and business goals.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, safety rules, and regulations.
• Ensure employees have access to and effectively use appropriate tools in daily work.
• Secure alignment with overall business objectives.

Your Profile / Qualifications

Education

• M.Sc. or B.Sc. in Mechanical, Chemical, or Process Engineering
• Equivalent education combined with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience may be considered
• General leadership training or diploma preferred

Professional Experience

• Minimum 10 years of experience in similar applications and technologies
• Experience working in matrix organizations; ability to influence without direct authority is a strong advantage
• Proven experience in change management
• Experience in negotiation and contracting

Skills & Competencies

• Fluent in English (written and verbal)
• Strong technical expertise with end-to-end process and project management knowledge
• Strong commercial acumen
• Open-minded, innovative, and comfortable driving change
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills
• Self-motivated with the ability to motivate others
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and intercultural skills
• Collaborative team player
• Comfortable working across multiple companies, locations, and cultures
• Confident presenter and public speaker
• Willingness to travel globally (approximately 30–40 days per year)

At GEA, we don't just offer jobs, we offer opportunities to thrive, grow, and make an impact.

#engineeringforthebetter

Please note: This position is based in the United States and does not offer visa or work sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future sponsorship.

GEA Group is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where all clients and employees feel welcomed, accepted, and valued. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

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