Overview
Director of Engineering — Location: Wexford. Industry: Manufacturing / FMCG / Pharma / Food & Beverage. Reports to: Site Leadership Team. Type: Full-time | Permanent.
About the Role
We are seeking an accomplished Director of Engineering to lead a high-performing, multidisciplinary team at a large-scale manufacturing facility. This is a pivotal leadership role that will drive operational excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement across all engineering functions.
The successful candidate will bring a strategic mindset and a hands-on leadership approach to ensure the plant remains at the forefront of performance, compliance, and technology. You will be a key member of the site leadership team, directly influencing long-term planning and day-to-day operations.
Key Responsibilities
As Director of Engineering, you will have ownership and oversight of the following areas:
Facilities & Maintenance
Oversee plant infrastructure, facilities, and utilities operations (including clean utilities).
Lead the site’s Maintenance and Calibration Programs.
Implement preventative and condition-based maintenance best practices.
Ensure optimal performance of engineering stores, spare parts inventory, and workshops.
Drive transition to digital systems for maintenance and calibration via SAP.
Capital Projects & Asset Management
Lead all capital projects from design and feasibility through to commissioning.
Manage equipment/software end-of-life planning and upgrades to maintain reliability.
Develop and maintain the Site Master Plan, outlining the 5-year strategy for asset investment and system enhancements.
Ensure compliance with engineering standards and regulatory requirements (e.g. CE, ATEX, EHS, TCCC, etc.).
Process Innovation & Technical Leadership
Champion process automation, controls, and integration of new technologies.
Support innovation and R&D, collaborating with internal and external partners on cutting-edge solutions.
Input into early-phase project scoping and feasibility studies for corporate initiatives.
Strategic & Budgetary Leadership
Own engineering budgets for capital investment, facilities, and maintenance.
Ensure supply chain resilience for key utilities including electricity, water, and natural gas.
Drive sustainability initiatives aligned with corporate ESG goals.
Team Development & Performance
Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing, cross-functional engineering team.
Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Support talent development through apprentice and graduate programs, ensuring future pipeline strength.
What We’re Looking For
Education & Experience:
Degree-qualified in Mechanical, Chemical, or a related Engineering discipline.
Minimum 10 years’ experience in a high-volume, high-tech manufacturing environment (FMCG, pharma, food, healthcare).
At least 3 years in senior engineering leadership roles.
Proven experience leading capital projects and managing large teams.
Technical Knowledge:
Strong grasp of Process Control & Automation systems (PLC, Ethernet, DeviceNet, ControlNet, etc.).
Experience with CMMS tools – ideally SAP.
Deep understanding of regulatory frameworks and safety standards (e.g. ATEX, COMAH, Seveso, HAZOP, COSHH).
Leadership & Soft Skills:
Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
Strategic thinker with strong analytical and decision-making capabilities.
Proven ability to balance operational priorities with long-term innovation and sustainability goals.
You’ll be part of a forward-thinking leadership team at a site with ambitious growth and transformation plans. Your expertise will shape the future of manufacturing performance, drive innovation, and leave a lasting impact.
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