Engineering Manager

IRCA Group; Bardi; On-site; EUR 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Meal vouchers €8/day

Job summary

IRCA Group is seeking an experienced Engineering Manager to lead engineering activities across our Italian manufacturing operations, with European expansion planned. The role is based in Gallarate with travel across European sites, and combines site presence with end-to-end project management of multi-million-euro capital investments.

You will oversee design, installation, commissioning, and start-up of new production lines, drive continuous improvement, manage budgets and suppliers, and ensure

Qualifications

• Degree in engineering (Mechanical/Industrial/Electrical/Chemical or related)
• Experience leading engineering teams in manufacturing (food or pharma preferable)
• Strong track record managing multi-million euro capital investment projects

Responsibilities

• Lead complex capital investment projects in the multi-million-euro range from design to handover
• Manage scope, budget, timing, risks, and ensure safety/quality requirements
• Coordinate design, installation, commissioning and start-up of new production lines and plant infrastructure
• Identify and implement engineering improvements to increase capacity and efficiency
• Prepare technical specifications, evaluate proposals, select suppliers and manage contractors
• Lead commercial and technical negotiations with internal stakeholders and external partners
• Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, R&D, Quality, HSE, Supply Chain, Procurement, Finance
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental, food safety and regulatory requirements

Skills

Engineering leadership

Project management

Multi-million budgets

Communication

Italian language

English language

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

Vendor management

Contract negotiation

Equipment installation

Cost control

Job description

Who We Are

Founded in Italy in 1919, IRCA Group is a leading international B2B provider of high-quality semi-finished ingredients for the food industry, including chocolate, creams, decorations, inclusions, nuts and pistachios, pastry mixes, gelato ingredients, and other specialty solutions. Today, IRCA Group employs more than 2,400 people, operates 22 manufacturing facilities worldwide, and generates approximately €1 billion in annual revenues.

What We Offer

• A key role with direct impact on the development and performance of our Italian manufacturing operations at the beginning to be further extended at European level.
• The opportunity to lead strategic, high-value industrial investment projects.
• A dynamic and international environment with exposure to multiple functions and senior stakeholders.
• Potential evolution towards people management responsibilities following the organization growth.

The Role

We are looking for an experienced and hands-on Engineering Manager to lead engineering activities across our manufacturing operations in Italy as first step and in Europe later, with a location in Gallarate.

The role combines operational presence on sites with end-to-end project management responsibility. The Engineering Manager will lead major capital investment projects, including multi-million-euro initiatives, and support the installation and start-up of new production lines, plant upgrades, and continuous improvement projects in all involved areas.

What will you do:

• Lead complex capital investment projects in the multi-million-euro range, from designing/feasibility assessment and business case development through execution, commissioning, and handover
• Manage project scope, budget, timing, risks, and performance, ensuring alignment with business, operational, safety, and quality requirements
• Coordinate the design, installation, commissioning, and start-up of new production lines, equipment, utilities, and plant infrastructure
• Identify and implement engineering and plant improvements to increase capacity, efficiency, reliability, and operational performances
• Prepare technical specifications, evaluate proposals, select suppliers, and manage contractors and external engineering partners
• Lead commercial and technical negotiations, ensuring effective cost control and strong supplier performance
• Work closely with Operations, Maintenance, R&D, Quality, HSE, Supply Chain, Procurement, Finance, and other stakeholders
• Ensure all engineering activities comply with health, safety, environmental, food safety, and regulatory requirements

Requirements:

• Education: Degree in engineering, preferably Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline
• Experience: At least 10 years of experience in Engineering Manager or comparable engineering leadership roles within manufacturing companies (food or pharma businesses are preferable)
• Professional skills: Proven track record in managing complex industrial investment projects with multi-million-euro budgets, including new production lines, plant expansions, and equipment or infrastructure upgrades. Strong knowledge of manufacturing and plant engineering, equipment installation and commissioning, continuous improvement, project budgeting, cost control, and risk management. Project and Supplier Management: Strong project management capabilities, including vendor and contractor management, technical evaluation, and contract negotiation
• Languages: Fluent Italian and English,
• Soft Skills: Excellent communication, people management, stakeholder management, influencing, and negotiation skills. Pragmatic, agile, autonomous, solution-oriented, and comfortable combining strategic thinking with hands‑on execution

Other details:

• Location: Availability to work in the Gallarate area and travel to European manufacturing sites as required
• Working hours: Full time, 40h/week, from Monday to Friday
• Contract: CCNL Alimentare Industria
• Level: Impiegatizio di alto livello
• Meal vouchers: €8 for each day spent in the office
• Remuneration: starting from RAL 70.000€

IRCA fosters a dynamic environment, valuing different perspectives and international experiences, offering a stimulating context. We promote professional growth and career opportunities locally and internationally. With locations worldwide, we offer the chance to work on international projects, collaborate across cultures, and gain a global perspective. If you are looking for stimulating challenges and the chance to contribute your ideas for process improvement in an ever-growing company, IRCA is the right place.

We welcome applications from candidates of all genders, backgrounds, identities, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, parental responsibilities, age, religion, or belief. We believe in equal opportunities for all and ensure that our hiring process complies with the highest standards of non-discrimination and inclusivity. IRCA Group is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves, reach their full potential, and feel a true sense of belonging. Join us in creating a workplace where diversity is valued, and everyone can thrive.

Il presente annuncio è rivolto ai candidati appartenenti a qualsiasi orientamento o espressione di genere, nel rispetto dei principi di diversità e inclusione e di non discriminazione ai sensi del D.lgs. 198⁄2006.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.