The Senior Director, Technical provides strategic leadership and operational management for the Technical Department within FMW.
This position has accountability for integrated technical operations encompassing Business Management Systems, Process Quality, Process Chemistry, Process Development & Commercialisation, Scientific Research & Innovation, Materials Management, Master Data & Formula Management, and Regulatory Compliance.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Business Management
Develop and execute Technical Department strategy aligned with Flavor Manufacturing and Coca-Cola Company objectives, encompassing quality, innovation, commercialisation, and compliance
Build / maintain strategic partnerships with Global R&D, Flavor Innovation, Ingredient Supply, Corporate Quality, and Manufacturing Operations teams
Represent Technical function in senior leadership forums, customer engagements, and stakeholder presentations
Champion operational excellence programmes and continuous improvement culture across all technical operations
Quality, Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance
Accountable for Quality & Food Safety Management Systems, ensuring compliance with all applicable regulatory / corporate standards
Drive zero-defect culture achieving no defective product releases
Oversee external audits (customers, regulatory bodies, certification agencies) ensuring zero major findings
Manage regulatory compliance programmes including REACH registration, IPR (Duty), hazardous materials, labelling (GHS), and customs requirements
Ensure robust Business Management System with rigorous adherence to SOPs, work instructions, validation protocols, and change control
Safeguard and protect all Company information, trademarks, intellectual property, and confidential flavor formulations
Process Technology, Innovation & Commercialisation
Lead scientific and innovation activities across process technology, process development, process engineering, and R&D collaboration
Direct pilot plant operations for flavor process development, scale-up validation, and commercialisation of new products and processes
Establish site as center of excellence (CofE) for citrus processing and allied flavor technologies
Provide technical leadership for proprietary flavor systems across major brand portfolio, working with senior leadership on confidential formulations
Sign-off on new innovations and process designs prior to major capital initiative commencement
Accelerate concept-to-commercial timelines through optimised development processes, reducing time-to-market aggressively
Drive process optimization (yield, quality and productivity improvements) through application of scientific knowledge
Manage contingency planning and technology transfer for supply point shifts and alternative sourcing scenarios
Master Data, Formula Management & Technical Systems
Oversee Formula Management System integrity, ensuring accurate product specifications, bill of materials, routing data, and compliance information
Maintain master data governance for ingredients, intermediates, finished products, packaging materials, and process parameters
Ensure accurate costing, pricing data, and supply chain planning parameters across all SKUs
Manage technical documentation including SOPs, work instructions, validation protocols, test methods, and specifications
Strategic Development & Technical Infrastructure
Collaborate with Engineering function on capital programmes, facility upgrades, equipment installations, and technology implementations
Provide technical input/sign-off for major capital - including equipment specifications, process design and qualification activities
Justify and secure approval for pilot plant investments, analytical equipment, and technical infrastructure to maintain CofE capabilities
Support automation, instrumentation, and control system enhancements to improve process capability, data integrity, and efficiency
People Leadership, Talent Development & Culture
Lead the Technical department, including direct management of key reports.
Provide strategic direction, mentoring, coaching, and technical leadership to build high-performing teams, fostering a zero-defect culture, continuous improvement, and operational excellence in a multi-product, high-volume flavor manufacturing environment.
Environmental, Health & Safety
Partner with EHS function to ensure safe work practices, risk assessment, incident prevention, and regulatory compliance
Support ISO *****, OHSAS *****/ISO ***** management systems and certification programmes
Drive environmental sustainability initiatives including waste reduction, energy efficiency, and emissions management
Ensure technical operations comply with IPPC, ATEX, and all applicable safety and environmental regulations
Maintain relationships with regulatory authorities including local authorities, HSA, HSE, EPA, IDA
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Management
Work collaboratively across Manufacturing Operations, Engineering, Finance, Commercial, Global R&D, and Corporate functions
Build value-based relationships with customers, suppliers, regulatory bodies, and industry organisations
Represent Technical function in cross-functional teams for new product launches, productivity initiatives, and strategic projects
Facilitate communication and alignment between site technical teams and global/regional technical networks
Support Company programmes, culture, and values within the organisation
Required Experience and Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Organic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Applied Chemistry or Analytical Chemistry.
PhD level desirable
Other science/engineering qualification with relevant experience also considered.
At least 15 years' experience in process / chemical plant or industrial manufacturing projects
Experience working within regulated manufacturing environments (food, beverage, chemicals, pharma, or similar)
Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
Key Competencies
Strategic thinking and decision making
Commercial and contractual awareness
Excellent communication, influencing, and negotiation skills
Cross Functional Influence
Financial and business acumen
High level of professionalism, integrity, and discretion
Strong problem-solving skills with excellent execution & delivery
Location(s)
Ireland
City/Cities
Wexford
Travel Required
00% - 25%
Relocation Provided
No
Job Posting End Date
March 25, ****
Our Purpose and Growth Culture
We are taking deliberate action to nurture an inclusive culture that is grounded in our company purpose, to refresh the world and make a difference.
We act with a growth mindset, take an expansive approach to what's possible and believe in continuous learning to improve our business and ourselves.
We focus on four key behaviors – curious, empowered, inclusive and agile – and value how we work as much as what we achieve.
We believe that our culture is one of the reasons our company continues to thrive after 130+ years.
Visit Our Purpose and Vision to learn more about these behaviors and how you can bring them to life in your next role at Coca-Cola.
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