Project Engineering Manager

Korn Ferry has partnered with our client on their search for the role, Project Engineering Manager.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

Reporting directly to the Plant Manager and a member of the site leadership team, the Project Engineering Manager is accountable for all technical and engineering project management activities on-site. Leading a team of 9 FTEs (Project Engineers and Technical Specialists), the incoming incumbent will manage the CAPEX and OPEX investment program, oversee automation and infrastructure projects, and ensure alignment with strategic goals for safety, efficiency, sustainability, and digital transformation. This is a leadership role with a significant impact on the site's future capabilities and operational excellence.

The Project Engineering Manager will focus on the coming overhaul projects for the site, as well as Manufacturing Execution System (MES) and further digitization of the manufacturing site. This leader will also own and run the Master Plan for the site moving forwards.

YEAR ONE CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS

Take on both the planning and delivery of ongoing automation projects, achieving a seamless handover from external management thereof. Play a critical role in the conception and development of future CAPEX infrastructure plans, developing strategic capability in the department to support the conception of the 5-year strategic vision for the site. Effectively provide input, then ultimately take on the Master Plan for the Elmshorn site. Developed a strong understanding of the manufacturing processes on site, with an oversight of elements of lean, continuous improvement, and TPM that could be improved by the project management team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as CAPEX budget owner (€4–6M annually); oversee delivery of all investment projects on time, in full, and within budget.
• Identify, scope, and prioritize annual and long-term engineering initiatives aligned with loss-driven improvement areas (Safety, Quality, Energy, Output).
• Establish standardized project procedures, ensuring early and ongoing stakeholder engagement and clear success/handover criteria.
• Implement manufacturing standards (AM/PM) within all project scopes.
• Lead the Initiative Management (IM) Pillar; apply toolkits (VSU – Vertical Start-Up, EWP, etc.).
• Drive the creation and execution of the technical masterplan (CBN) to support the overall site strategy.
• Lead and develop a diverse team of engineers and a local buyer/CAPEX controller, with expertise across process, automation, electrical, and energy disciplines.
• Actively collaborate with Production, Quality, CI, SHE, HR, Finance, and external partners.
• Serve as a key contributor to the broader Instant network and R&D projects across the company.

THE CANDIDATE

Experience and Professional Qualifications

Experience and professional qualifications required for the role.

University degree (Bachelor or Master) in process engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related technical field.

Minimum 5 years of experience in project management, ideally in the FMCG or food & beverage sector, with a focus on process equipment.

Proven experience in leading cross-functional technical teams.

Solid foundation in Continuous Improvement, Lean, TPM, especially pillar structures and AM/PM standards.

Fluent in German and English.

Proficient in SAP, Microsoft Office, Planisware (CapexPro); Power BI knowledge is a plus.

Skills and Competencies

• High degree of ownership and accountability; able to lead large-scale change independently.
• Experience in production or maintenance environments is a plus.
• Strong team leadership with the ability to develop talent across disciplines.
• Structured communicator with clear, transparent, and proactive communication style.
• Passionate about driving performance, with high standards and attention to detail.
• Comfortable in complex, fast-paced, and automated environments, with an eye toward long-term impact.
• Collaborative and empathetic leadership style; effective within a plant leadership team and across global interfaces.