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
o Oversee plant infrastructure, facilities, and utilities operations (including clean utilities).
o Lead the site’s Maintenance and Calibration Programs.
o Implement preventative and condition-based maintenance best practices.
o Ensure optimal performance of engineering stores, spare parts inventory, and workshops.
o Drive transition to digital systems for maintenance and calibration via SAP.
* Capital Projects & Asset Management
o Lead all capital projects from design and feasibility through to commissioning.
o Manage equipment/software end-of-life planning and upgrades to maintain reliability.
o Develop and maintain the Site Master Plan, outlining the 5-year strategy for asset investment and system enhancements.
o Ensure compliance with engineering standards and regulatory requirements (e.g. CE, ATEX, EHS, TCCC, etc.).
* Process Innovation & Technical Leadership
o Champion process automation, controls, and integration of new technologies.
o Support innovation and R&D, collaborating with internal and external partners on cutting-edge solutions.
o Input into early-phase project scoping and feasibility studies for corporate initiatives.
* Strategic & Budgetary Leadership
o Own engineering budgets for capital investment, facilities, and maintenance.
o Ensure supply chain resilience for key utilities including electricity, water, and natural gas.
o Drive sustainability initiatives aligned with corporate ESG goals.
* Team Development & Performance
o Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing, cross-functional engineering team.
o Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
o 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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