Director Of Engineering

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.