Engineering Leader - Food Manufacturing Reliability

Sofina Foods Europe; Tullamore; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Sofina Foods is seeking an Engineering Manager/Head of Engineering to lead the engineering and maintenance function at a busy pork manufacturing site in Ireland. You will ensure equipment reliability, minimise downtime and foster a proactive culture that supports operational excellence.

You will manage a team of engineers and technicians, oversee preventative and corrective maintenance, drive safety and compliance, and partner with Production, Technical and Operational teams on continuous

Qualifications

• A Level 5 Engineering qualification or equivalent.
• IOSH qualification.
• Experience in Engineering Manager, Engineering Supervisor or similar leadership role within food manufacturing.
• Experience managing maintenance programmes, equipment reliability and engineering compliance activities.
• Strong knowledge of maintenance systems and quality systems within a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Experience leading teams and developing engineering capability.
• A strong understanding of root cause analysis, continuous improvement techniques and problem-solving methodologies.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with stakeholders across the business.
• Experience reporting engineering performance and managing KPIs.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the engineering and maintenance team, creating a high-performing and engaged culture.
• Manage planned preventative maintenance programmes to maximise equipment reliability and operational efficiency.
• Oversee reactive maintenance activities, ensuring issues are resolved quickly and effectively.
• Lead site shutdowns, maintenance projects and engineering improvement initiatives.
• Develop and implement engineering standards, systems and procedures that support operational excellence.
• Work closely with Production and Technical teams to reduce downtime and improve overall equipment performance.
• Manage calibration programmes and ensure compliance with food safety, quality and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor and report on engineering KPIs, identifying trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Manage external contractors and suppliers, ensuring work is completed safely and to the required standard.
• Provide engineering leadership and support across the site, including participation in on-call activities where required.

Skills

Engineering leadership

Maintenance management

Root cause analysis

Continuous improvement

Planning & organisation

Communication with stakeholders

On-call leadership

Team development

KPI reporting

Education

Level 5 Engineering qualification

Engineering apprenticeship

NEBOSH qualification (nice-to-have)

Job description

Sofina Foods is seeking an Engineering Manager/Head of Engineering to lead the engineering and maintenance function at a busy pork manufacturing site in Ireland. You will ensure equipment reliability, minimise downtime and foster a proactive culture that supports operational excellence.

You will manage a team of engineers and technicians, oversee preventative and corrective maintenance, drive safety and compliance, and partner with Production, Technical and Operational teams on continuous