Project Engineering Manager – Core Spreads Manufacturing

About This Opportunity

We are representing a confidential food manufacturing organization seeking a Project Engineering Manager to lead capital investment and engineering initiatives across their spreads production facilities in Germany. Based in Pratau with travel to other sites, you will drive technical projects that strengthen manufacturing capability, improve operational performance, and ensure compliance with the highest safety and quality standards.

This is a hands-on engineering leadership role covering the complete project lifecycle—from business case development and feasibility assessment through design, installation, commissioning, and operational handover. You'll coordinate cross-functional teams, manage external suppliers and contractors, and deliver projects that enhance safety, sustainability, reliability, and efficiency across the production network.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering and capital expenditure projects across spreads manufacturing facilities, establishing clear scope, timelines, budgets, and governance structures from initiation through completion
• Develop comprehensive project documentation including user requirement specifications, technical designs, cost estimates, schedules, risk registers, procurement packages, and commissioning plans
• Coordinate all phases of project delivery: engineering design, equipment selection, vendor management, installation planning, construction supervision, commissioning, qualification, and start-up activities
• Monitor project progress, costs, risks, and milestones; escalate issues appropriately and implement corrective actions to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery
• Execute thorough project close-out processes including technical documentation, training, asset registration, maintenance handover, and lessons learned capture
• Conduct engineering assessments, feasibility studies, and technical evaluations to support investment decisions and project prioritization
• Analyze process, packaging, utilities, and equipment performance to identify improvement opportunities in reliability, efficiency, waste reduction, yield optimization, and energy consumption
• Lead structured troubleshooting for recurring technical issues using root cause analysis and practical engineering problem-solving methodologies
• Drive continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives in collaboration with Manufacturing, Maintenance, Quality, and Technical teams
• Support standardization of technical solutions and engineering practices across the manufacturing network
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Maintenance, Supply Chain, Quality, Safety, Procurement, Finance, and Technical stakeholders to align projects with business priorities
• Manage external suppliers, contractors, OEMs, and engineering service providers, ensuring clear communication, scope management, safety compliance, and delivery excellence
• Prepare project updates, decision papers, presentations, budget summaries, and risk assessments for site and regional leadership
• Ensure full compliance with engineering standards, safety protocols, food safety requirements, quality systems, GMP, and all applicable regulations
• Lead or support Management of Change (MoC) processes with appropriate assessment of technical, operational, safety, quality, environmental, and financial impacts
• Promote strong safety culture through proper risk assessments, method statements, permit-to-work procedures, contractor supervision, and safe start-up practices
• Maintain accurate project records and ensure audit readiness through disciplined documentation and traceability

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, or related technical field
• Minimum 5 years of experience in project engineering, process engineering, maintenance engineering, or capital project delivery within food manufacturing or similarly regulated environments
• Strong knowledge of food processing technologies, packaging systems, hygienic design principles, and operational excellence practices
• Demonstrated understanding of engineering project delivery processes, industrial equipment, utilities, process systems, packaging lines, commissioning, and operational handover
• Proven experience managing project budgets, schedules, suppliers, contractors, risks, and cross-functional stakeholders in manufacturing settings
• Ability to balance strategic project objectives with practical factory execution, ensuring solutions are reliable, maintainable, scalable, and aligned with long-term manufacturing strategies
• Fluency in both English and German (required for this role)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with willingness to continuously learn
• Excellent communication skills and collaborative approach to teamwork
• Willingness to travel for project execution, supplier visits, factory acceptance tests, and on-site activities
• Proficiency in MS Office and engineering software such as AutoCAD and SolidWorks
• Experience with Management of Change processes and compliance-driven manufacturing environments

How We Work with You

Candidates apply directly through Get A Job.ai. Our recruiting team will screen applications and conduct initial interviews to understand your background, technical capabilities, and career goals. Qualified candidates will then be presented to our client for consideration. Please do not attempt to contact the employer directly—all communication and coordination will be managed by our talent team to ensure a professional and streamlined process.

Pay

Compensation details will be discussed during the screening process based on your experience and qualifications.

Equal Opportunity: Get A Job.ai is committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic.