Global Engineering Director (M/F/D)


Düsseldorf
Permanent
Negotiable
Engineering
PR/549349_1754579702
Global Engineering Director (M/F/D)

Global Engineering Director (M/F/D) - Food & Beverage

Location: Düsseldorf, Germany (Hybrid)
Reports to: Chief Operations Officer / VP Global Operations
Travel Requirement: Up to 30% international travel


About the Role

We are seeking a visionary and results-driven Global Engineering Director to lead the strategic engineering function across our global Food & Beverage operations. This role will be based in Düsseldorf and offers a hybrid working model. You will be responsible for shaping and executing a world-class engineering strategy that drives innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth across our manufacturing footprint.


Key Responsibilities

1. Global Engineering Strategy & Governance

  • Develop and continuously refine a global engineering roadmap aligned with corporate growth, sustainability, and digital transformation objectives.
  • Establish and enforce engineering governance frameworks, including design standards, risk management protocols, and lifecycle asset management strategies.

2. Capital Investment & Portfolio Management

  • Lead the global capital investment portfolio, overseeing feasibility studies, project prioritization, budgeting, and execution of multi-million euro projects.
  • Implement stage-gate processes and performance metrics to ensure capital efficiency, risk mitigation, and strategic alignment.

3. Technology Innovation & Digital Transformation

  • Drive the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies including AI-driven process optimization, robotics, IoT, and predictive maintenance.
  • Collaborate with IT and Digital teams to integrate smart factory solutions and data-driven decision-making tools across global operations.

4. Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

  • Partner with regional operations leaders to identify and implement engineering solutions that enhance throughput, reduce waste, and improve energy efficiency.
  • Champion Lean Six Sigma methodologies and lead cross-functional Kaizen initiatives to embed a culture of continuous improvement.

5. Sustainability & Regulatory Compliance

  • Lead engineering contributions to corporate ESG goals, including carbon footprint reduction, water stewardship, and circular packaging initiatives.
  • Ensure all engineering activities comply with international food safety standards (e.g., HACCP, ISO 22000), environmental regulations, and local building codes.

6. Strategic Partnerships & Vendor Management

  • Build and manage strategic relationships with global OEMs, engineering consultancies, and technology providers to ensure access to cutting-edge solutions and competitive pricing.
  • Negotiate and oversee global framework agreements for equipment, services, and engineering support.

7. Talent Development & Organizational Leadership

  • Build and mentor a high-performing global engineering team, fostering technical excellence, leadership development, and cross-regional collaboration.
  • Define organizational structure, succession planning, and capability development programs to future-proof the engineering function.

8. M&A and Expansion Support

  • Provide technical due diligence and integration support for mergers, acquisitions, and greenfield/brownfield expansions.
  • Lead engineering assessments for new market entries, including facility design, utility planning, and regulatory alignment.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial, or related field).
  • 15+ years of progressive engineering leadership experience in the Food & Beverage or FMCG industry.
  • Proven track record in managing large-scale capital projects and global engineering teams.
  • Deep understanding of manufacturing processes, packaging technologies, and regulatory requirements in the F&B sector.
  • Strong business acumen with the ability to align technical solutions with strategic objectives.
  • Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and intercultural leadership skills.
  • Fluent in English; German is a strong advantage.

What We Offer

  • A strategic leadership role with global impact.
  • Hybrid working model with flexibility and autonomy.
  • Competitive compensation and executive benefits.
  • A collaborative, innovative, and purpose-driven culture.
  • Opportunities for international travel and career growth.

FAQs

Congratulations, we understand that taking the time to apply is a big step. When you apply, your details go directly to the consultant who is sourcing talent. Due to demand, we may not get back to all applicants that have applied. However, we always keep your resume and details on file so when we see similar roles or see skillsets that drive growth in organizations, we will always reach out to discuss opportunities.

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That's why we recommend registering your resume so you can be considered for roles that have yet to be created. 

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