Head of Engineering

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

Drive Engineering Performance and Reliability in a Fast-Paced Pork Manufacturing Environment Role Overview

As Engineering Manager/Head of Engineering, you'll lead the engineering and maintenance function for a busy pork manufacturing operation producing sliced meats and ready meals. Playing a critical role in site performance, you'll be responsible for ensuring equipment reliability, minimising downtime and driving a proactive engineering culture that supports operational excellence.

Leading a team of engineers and technicians, you'll oversee both preventative and corrective maintenance activities, ensuring all assets are maintained safely, efficiently and in line with food manufacturing, quality and compliance requirements.

Working closely with Production, Technical and Operational teams, you'll help deliver continuous improvement initiatives, optimise asset performance and ensure the site is equipped to meet current and future business demands.

Key Duties

You will:

• 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.

Ideal Candidate

We're looking for an experienced engineering leader with a strong background in food manufacturing and a passion for continuous improvement.

You will have:

• A Level 5 Engineering qualification or equivalent.


• IOSH qualification.


• Previous experience in an 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.

It would be advantageous if you also have:

• A completed engineering apprenticeship.


• NEBOSH qualification.


• Experience working within high-care or high-risk food manufacturing environments.


• Experience delivering capital projects, engineering upgrades or site improvement programmes.

Why Join Us?

This is an exciting opportunity to take a leadership role within a major pork manufacturing facility, where you'll have the opportunity to influence operational performance, improve engineering reliability and develop a talented team.

You'll work within a collaborative environment that values continuous improvement, innovation and people development, while gaining exposure to a complex manufacturing operation producing high-quality food products. As part of a growing business, you'll also have opportunities to develop your career and make a lasting impact.

About Sofina

Sofina Foods is more than just a food company. It's a place where you can grow your career, learn new skills, and make a positive impact.

With a wide range of meat and seafood products that delight consumers worldwide, Sofina Foods is always looking for talented and passionate people to join its team of over 13,000 employees across 40 sites in Canada and Europe.

At Sofina Foods, you will be part of a culture that values innovation, quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. You will work with diverse and delicious products that are sourced responsibly and sustainably from over 50 different protein sources from 5 continents.

Our vision is to be the most successful food company in the world. If you are looking for a rewarding and exciting career in the food sector, Sofina Foods is the place for you.

Equal Opportunities

Sofina Foods is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We're committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences – regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation