Packaging Engineering Lead

Baker Finn Recruitment; Cork; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Baker Finn Recruitment is seeking an experienced Packaging Engineering Lead for a major greenfield nutrition manufacturing facility in Ireland. You will own end-to-end packaging engineering execution across filler and downstream systems, leading installation, commissioning, qualification and operational readiness.

Report to the Project Director and coach two engineers while collaborating with EPCM partners and internal functions.

Qualifications

• Engineering degree in a relevant field.
• 5+ years in food/beverage/pharma manufacturing.
• Experience leading CAPEX/greenfield or brownfield projects.
• Experience with aseptic/high-hygiene packaging technologies.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing external partners.
• Understanding of automation and process control including PLC/SCADA.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end packaging engineering execution across filler and downstream systems.
• Oversee installation, integration, commissioning and qualification of packaging systems.
• Coordinate with Operations, Quality, R&I, EHS, Maintenance and Supply Chain for packaging readiness and changeover planning.
• Manage CAPEX packages, budgets, schedules and supplier engagements.
• Ensure GMP/HACCP and hygienic design principles are followed.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Troubleshooting

Stakeholder management

Safety-first culture

Education

Tertiary qualification in Mechanical/Chemical/Food/Industrial Engineering

Job description

Baker Finn Recruitment is currently recruiting an experienced Packaging Engineering Lead on behalf of our client, a leading organisation delivering a major greenfield investment in a next-generation specialised nutrition manufacturing facility.

This senior engineering position will take ownership of end-to-end packaging engineering execution across filler and downstream/end-of-line systems, leading installation, integration, commissioning, performance testing and operational readiness.

Reporting to the Project Director, the successful candidate will lead two specialist engineers across Filler and EOL workstreams while collaborating closely with EPCM partners, OEM suppliers, construction teams and internal functions including Operations, Quality, R&I, EHS, Maintenance, Supply Chain and CAPEX Procurement.

Key Responsibilities

Packaging Engineering Leadership

• Lead the Filler and EOL packaging engineering workstream, setting priorities and performance expectations.
• Manage and coach two direct reports across Filler and EOL engineering, developing technical capability and a safety-first culture.
• Act as the packaging engineering authority throughout the project and ensure alignment with applicable engineering standards and best practices.
• Oversee installation, integration, commissioning and qualification of packaging systems including aseptic filler/closer, sterilisation, capping, conveyors and accumulation, inspection systems, labelling, case/tray packing, palletising, stretch wrapping and AGV/pallet conveyor interfaces.
• Lead the commissioning and start-up strategy including FAT/SAT, IQ/OQ/PQ, ramp-up to target OEE and punch-list closure.
• Troubleshoot packaging issues during construction, commissioning and start-up to achieve safety, quality, capacity, efficiency and hygiene requirements.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Coordinate with Operations, Quality, R&I, EHS, Maintenance and Supply Chain for packaging readiness, trial runs and changeover planning.
• Act as the primary interface with EPCM partners, OEMs and construction teams for installation sequencing, utility tie-ins and commissioning plans.

CAPEX Management & Governance

• Manage Filler and EOL CAPEX packages across scope, cost control, forecasting, schedule adherence and reporting.
• Work with the Engineering Project Team and CAPEX stakeholders to align priorities and support on-time, in-full financial execution.
• Support change control and project risk-management activities.
• Lead technical aspects of tenders for Filler and EOL equipment, including URS/SoW, bid evaluations, clarifications and technical alignment.
• Support supplier selection, contract negotiations, performance guarantees and acceptance criteria.
• Manage OEMs through FAT/SAT, training, spare/format parts and commissioning deliverables.

Standards, Compliance & Handover

• Ensure packaging systems comply with GMP/HACCP, aseptic and hygienic design principles, applicable food safety regulations and project engineering standards.
• Embed Safety by Design and quality-focused engineering throughout execution and commissioning.
• Develop and approve SOPs, training materials, preventative maintenance plans and spare parts lists, with CMMS master data support as required.
• Ensure effective handover to Operations and Maintenance, including training, troubleshooting guides, performance baselines and lessons learned.

Reporting & Decision Support

• Provide structured updates on progress, risks, commissioning readiness and mitigation plans to the Project Director and leadership team.
• Contribute technical insight to strategic and operational decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Tertiary qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, Industrial Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• 5+ years' engineering experience in food, beverage, dairy, pharmaceutical or nutrition manufacturing.
• Proven track record leading CAPEX and/or greenfield or brownfield industrial projects.
• Strong exposure to aseptic/ESL filling and high-hygiene packaging technologies.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing external engineering partners.
• Strong understanding of Filler and EOL systems including sterilisation, capping/sealing, conveyors, inspection, labelling, packing and palletising.
• Experience with commissioning and qualification including FAT/SAT and IQ/OQ/PQ.
• Ability to interpret P&IDs, PFDs, layouts and technical specifications.
• Strong troubleshooting skills during installation and start-up.
• Familiarity with project management principles and CAPEX processes.
• Understanding of automation and process control including PLC/SCADA.
• Ability to lead technical discussions with suppliers.
• Sherpa qualification would be advantageous.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for a technically strong, proactive engineering professional who can operate effectively within a fast-paced project and manufacturing environment.

• Strong leadership and team-management ability.
• Effective communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to influence and align cross-functional teams.
• Strong stakeholder-management and relationship-building skills.
• Proactive problem-solving in fast-paced environments.
• Ability to manage conflict constructively.
• Commitment to a safety-first culture.

The Opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity to play a key role in the delivery and start-up of a significant new manufacturing facility, with broad exposure to engineering execution, commissioning, CAPEX delivery, supplier management and operational readiness.

If you have relevant packaging engineering experience within food, beverage, dairy, pharmaceutical, nutrition or another highly regulated manufacturing environment, Baker Finn Recruitment would be delighted to hear from you.