Head of Engineering – Dairy Processing Plant

About the role

The Head of Engineering will lead all engineering and maintenance activities for a dairy processing plant, ensuring high reliability of processing, packaging, cold‑chain and utilities. This senior position reports to senior management and drives engineering strategy aligned with production and business goals.

Key responsibilities

• Lead engineering and maintenance of Tetra Pak processing and aseptic filling lines, utilities, and refrigeration systems.
• Implement preventive and predictive maintenance programmes to maximise OEE and minimise downtime.
• Develop and manage CAPEX projects, from concept through commissioning, ensuring budget and timeline adherence.
• Oversee root‑cause analysis, continuous improvement initiatives and spare‑parts inventory optimisation.
• Ensure compliance with HACCP, GMP, ISO 22000/FSSC 22000 and occupational health & safety standards.
• Maintain engineering documentation, SOPs, manuals and CMMS records.

Required profile

• Minimum 7 years of engineering experience in dairy or FMCG manufacturing.
• Proven track record in leading plant engineering teams and managing large‑scale projects.
• Strong knowledge of food‑safety regulations and utility systems (boilers, chillers, compressors, water treatment, steam).
• Ability to drive reliability, efficiency and cost‑control initiatives.

Required skills

• Tetra Pak processing and aseptic filling
• Preventive and predictive maintenance
• CMMS implementation and management
• Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) monitoring
• CAPEX budgeting and project management
• Root cause analysis (RCA)
• HACCP, GMP, ISO 22000, FSSC 22000 compliance
• Utilities management – boilers, chillers, compressors, refrigeration, water treatment, steam systems