Head of Engineering

Role Overview

As our client's Head of Engineering, you'll be the driving force behind all things engineering on‑site - keeping operations smooth, efficient, safe, and always moving forward. You'll lead projects, shape strategy, guide an ambitious team, and make sure our equipment and processes run like clockwork.

What You'll Be Doing

Engineering Leadership & Operations

• Take charge of all engineering activities - from capital planning and project prioritisation to process optimisation, energy efficiency, and maintenance delivery.
• Build and manage a top‑tier preventative maintenance programme that keeps us compliant, reliable, safe, and performing at our best.
• Roll up your sleeves and use your technical expertise to tackle challenges, support new product introductions, and continuously improve site performance.
• Own the site‑engineering budget, ensuring smart spending and alignment with business needs.
• Review plant and equipment criticality, adjusting engineering strategies to maximise uptime and efficiency.
• Oversee spare‑parts strategies so we always have the right stock - without overstocking the shelves.
• Track and analyse engineering KPIs, using insights to guide decisions and enhancements.
• Keep engineering standards, documentation, and SOPs fresh, relevant, and effective.

People & Talent

• Recruit and onboard diverse, high‑quality engineering talent who bring energy, skill, and fresh thinking.
• Hold meaningful performance and development conversations that help people grow and stay engaged.
• Build a strong, collaborative team with a shared identity, clear goals, and plenty of autonomy.
• Develop internal talent pipelines aligned with organisational goals and succession plans.
• Create and deliver technical training programmes that elevate skills across the team.
• Maintain training matrices, development plans, and clear role expectations.
• Recognise individuals' strengths, support their development needs, and help them shine.
• Communicate the team's vision and purpose with clarity and enthusiasm - motivating people to take action.

What You Bring

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in Process Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a similar technical discipline.
• Several years of experience in a large‑scale process industry (food manufacturing is a plus!).
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive working relationships across functions.
• Proven ability to guide teams and foster engagement.
• Practical, hands‑on engineering abilities with a problem‑solving mindset.
• Experience developing people and supporting career growth.
• Solid business sense and confidence working with cross‑functional partners.
• Fluent in English and German, both spoken and written.

Technical Knowledge

You're familiar with (or excited to work with!) areas such as:

• Automation and process‑control technologies - ideally within food manufacturing.
• Asset care strategies and maintenance technologies.
• Energy‑management frameworks and efficiency initiatives.
• Process‑engineering tools and techniques.
• Project‑management approaches and delivery.
• Procurement and cost control.
• Regulatory and food‑safety compliance.
• Industrial utilities (e.g., compressed air systems).

Key Skills

• Strong leadership and team‑development capabilities.
• Skilled negotiator with change‑management experience.
• Excellent organisational and communication talents.
• Ability to coach, mentor, and empower team members.

If this sounds like you, please reach out or APPLY NOW!