Director Engineering & Automation (m/f/d)

In this global leadership role, you define and steer IFCO’s automation strategy to enhance operational excellence and sustainability. You will design scalable, future-ready automation concepts and lead international projects from concept to handover. You’ll establish governance, manage budgets, and develop a high-performing, globally distributed engineering team. You collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Product, Digital, IT, Supply Chain and Finance to translate technical concepts into strategic business value.

• hybrid work
• meal program (Bella & Bona canteen)
• unlimited LinkedIn Learning
• Employee Support Program
• modern office and digital devices
• fitness centre and beverages on site

• Define and drive IFCO’s global automation strategy aligned with operations, customers, and sustainability goals
• Design scalable automation concepts supporting evolving RPC portfolios and service center needs
• Lead full lifecycle of international automation projects from concept to execution and handover
• Establish and improve engineering standards, governance frameworks, and scalable delivery processes
• Monitor budgets, CAPEX, procurement activities, and provide transparent forecasts
• Lead, coach and develop a global automation and engineering team
• Build strong supplier and technology partnerships to ensure quality and long-term value
• Collaborate with Operations, Product Innovation, Digital, IT, Supply Chain and Finance; translate technical concepts into clear business cases and ensure safety/regulatory compliance

• Educational Background: degree in automation engineering, mechatronics, industrial engineering, or related discipline
• Automation & Engineering leadership experience in international manufacturing, logistics, or supply chain environments
• Proven track record delivering complex, multi-site automation programs from concept to implementation
• Strong engineering foundation with hands-on mindset and strategic/operational problem-solving
• Experience leading globally distributed engineering and project teams
• Solid supplier qualification, vendor management and CAPEX project execution
• Executive stakeholder management and ability to present to senior leadership with compelling business cases
• Global collaboration experience in matrix organizations across countries and cultures; fluent in English
• english language proficiency; willingness to travel as needed

• cross-functional collaboration
• strong communication
• leadership and people development
• automation strategy and design
• engineering governance and project delivery
• CAPEX management and procurement coordination