Head of Production Engineering

Vestas; taranto; On-site; EUR 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Vestas Taranto factory seeks a Head of Production Engineering to lead the Production Engineering and Technical Support function, driving process improvements and technical governance for safe, quality-driven manufacturing of wind turbine blades.

The role collaborates with Global Product and Process Engineering to implement improvements, oversee industrialization of new products, and manage CAPEX assets while developing teams and ensuring training compliance.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Engineering or equivalent.
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing operations.
• Knowledge of quality methodologies and tools (e.g., Six Sigma Green Belt/Black Belt).
• Knowledge of APQP, PFMEA, Control Plans, and SPC; certification
• Project management certification or demonstrable experience delivering engineering projects.
• Auditor knowledge or auditing experience.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with ability to guide change and implement organizational improvements.
• Ability to prioritize and deliver engineering initiatives that improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and manufacturing performance.
• Budget and resource management accountability.
• Fluency in English and Italian, with advanced MS Office proficiency (including presentations).

Responsibilities

• Manage the Production Engineering and Technical Support function, acting as the factory’s primary technical authority and single point of contact for engineering-related support, technical decisions, and project execution
• Collaborate closely with Global Product and Process Engineering teams to implement product, process, and manufacturing improvements
• Oversee the introduction and industrialization of new products, tooling, equipment, and manufacturing processes
• Coordinate factory layout optimization, capacity planning, simulations, and equipment performance improvements to support operational targets
• Own and maintain manufacturing standards, including SOPs, BOM accuracy, process validation activities, and technical governance
• Establish and coordinate continuous improvement initiatives, root cause analysis methodologies, and implementation of corrective and preventive actions across the factory
• Manage CAPEX-related assets, including investment planning, technical approvals, machine and tooling acceptance, and sign-off of take-over certificates following installation and commissioning
• Build technical capability within the factory by developing teams, ensuring training compliance, providing coaching, and supporting talent development and succession planning

Skills

Leadership

Data-driven decisions

Stakeholder management

Change management

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Engineering

Tools

Six Sigma

APQP

PFMEA

SPC

Control Plans

Job description

Technology & Operations > Manufacturing > Quality & TS

Taranto factory is producing blades for our onshore and offshore wind turbine generators. It is here, where we have our most proven technologies and where we recently introduced our most complex new product, the V236 offshore blade. Our team here is working diligently towards ensuring our customers are receiving safe and quality proven products on-time. The Head of Production Engineering plays a pivotal role in shaping factory performance through skilled leadership, data-driven decision making, and the delivery of transformative process improvements that define operational excellence.

To enhance our team, we are seeking a motivated and experienced Head of Production Engineering (f/m/d).

Responsibilities

• Manage the Production Engineering and Technical Support function, acting as the factory’s primary technical authority and single point of contact for engineering-related support, technical decisions, and project execution
• Collaborate closely with Global Product and Process Engineering teams to implement product, process, and manufacturing improvements
• Oversee the introduction and industrialization of new products, tooling, equipment, and manufacturing processes
• Coordinate factory layout optimization, capacity planning, simulations, and equipment performance improvements to support operational targets
• Own and maintain manufacturing standards, including SOPs, BOM accuracy, process validation activities, and technical governance
• Establish and coordinate continuous improvement initiatives, root cause analysis methodologies, and implementation of corrective and preventive actions across the factory
• Manage CAPEX-related assets, including investment planning, technical approvals, machine and tooling acceptance, and sign-off of take-over certificates following installation and commissioning
• Build technical capability within the factory by developing teams, ensuring training compliance, providing coaching, and supporting talent development and succession planning

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Engineering or equivalent
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing operations
• Experience with product and process verification and validation
• Good knowledge of quality methodologies and tools (e.g., Six Sigma Green Belt/Black Belt)
• Knowledge of APQP, PFMEA, Control Plans, and SPC; certification
• Project management certification or demonstrable experience delivering engineering projects
• Auditor knowledge or auditing experience
• Demonstrated leadership skills with ability to guide change and implement organizational improvements
• Ability to prioritize and deliver engineering initiatives that improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and manufacturing performance
• Budget and resource management accountability
• Effective stakeholder management, collaboration, communication, and relationship-building skills
• Customer-centered, evidence-based, and data-informed mindset
• Structured, organized, and results-oriented approach to problem-solving and execution
• Ability to develop technical expertise within teams and act as the factory’s engineering reference point
• Fluency in English and Italian, with advanced MS Office proficiency (including presentations)

What we offer

At Vestas, you will collaborate with experienced specialists shaping solutions for renewable energy. You will have the opportunity to shape technical solutions, grid integration strategies, and regulatory developments while collaborating with colleagues and stakeholders across the industry. We offer a high level of ownership, a supportive culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing, and continuous opportunities for professional development in a truly international environment. Most importantly, you will help shape the technical foundation of projects that contribute to the future energy system.

The job position in question corresponds to level B3 pursuant to the applicable National Collective Bargaining Agreement for Metalworking Companies (Federmeccanica). The gross annual salary expected for the candidate is a minimum of € 40.181,46, set by the current national and company collective bargaining agreement.

Our commitment to a fair hiring

At Vestas, we evaluate all candidates solely based on their professional experience, education, and relevant skills. To support a fair recruitment process, we kindly ask that you remove any photos, dates of birth or graduation, gender pronouns, marital status, or other personal information not relevant to the role before submitting your CV/resume. Your CV/resume should focus on your professional and educational background, along with the necessary contact details (email and phone number). We train our hiring teams in inclusive evaluation and regularly review process outcomes to ensure fairness.

DEIB Statement

At Vestas, we recognize the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion in driving innovation and success. We strongly encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, particularly those who may hesitate due to their identity or feel they do not meet every criterion. As our CEO states, "Expertise and talent come in many forms, and a diverse workforce enhances our ability to think differently and solve the complex challenges of our industry". Your unique perspective is what will help us powering the solution for a sustainable, green energy future.

About Vestas

Vestas is the energy industry’s global partner on sustainable energy solutions. We are specialised in designing, manufacturing, installing, and servicing wind turbines, both onshore and offshore.Across the globe, we have installed more wind power than anyone else. We consider ourselves pioneers within the industry, as we continuously aim to design new solutions and technologies to create a more sustainable future for all of us. With more than 200 GW of wind power installed worldwide and 40+ years of experience in wind energy, we have an unmatched track record demonstrating our expertise within the field.With 39,000 employees globally, we are a diverse team united by a common goal: to power the solution – today, tomorrow, and far into the future.Vestas promotes a diverse workforce which embraces all social identities and is free of any discrimination. We commit to create and sustain an environment that acknowledges and harvests different experiences, skills, and perspectives. We also aim to give everyone equal access to opportunity.To learn more about our company and life at Vestas, we invite you to visit our website at www.vestas.com and follow us on our social media channels. We also encourage you to join our Talent Universe to receive notifications on new and relevant postings.