Project Engineer

Job details

The Culinary Food Group

Position Type:

Full Time

Reference No:

543

Location:

Kildare

Prepared by:

Group HR

Approved by:

Group HR

Date:

2025-03-27

Engineering

Job Purpose:

This role is responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing manufacturing processes to unlock capacity, eliminate bottlenecks, and enhance operational efficiency. The successful candidate will drive scalable growth while maintaining the highest standards of product quality, safety, and compliance. A key focus will be identifying barriers to growth, recommending improvements, and leading strategic process optimization initiatives.

Reports to:

CEO

Key Responsibilities:

As a Senior Management role, the responsibilities associated with this role include, but are not limited to:

Process Documentation & Barrier Identification

Lead the effort to document barriers to growth and operational inefficiencies within current production lines.
Develop detailed process maps and identify areas for improvement, collaborating with cross-functional teams to implement solutions.
Provide recommendations for future capital investment needs based on identified process constraints and opportunities for growth.

Process Design

To work closely with the R&D and Engineering teams to design sustainable manufacturing processes aligned with future business needs.
Lead all other initiatives to expand manufacturing capability including the design and development of new manufacturing facilities to support business scalability.

Process Optimization & Capacity Management

Conduct in-depth analysis of current production processes to identify capacity constraints, inefficiencies, and bottlenecks across all technologies.
Develop and implement strategies to resolve capacity issues, improve throughput, reduce batch fails and maximize yields and production output.
Work closely with the operations team to optimize resource allocation, minimize downtime, and optimise production scheduling.
Lead initiatives to enhance plant capacity utilization through process reengineering and Lean Manufacturing principles.

Continuous Improvement

Promote & drive the company’s continuous improvement programme using Lean/Six Sigma methodologies & principles.
Design and implement process improvements that enhance product quality, reduce waste, and optimize yield.
Monitor and report on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track the impact of improvements and ensure alignment with company goals

Project Management

Lead process improvement projects from initiation through to implementation, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and with minimal disruption to production.
Develop and manage project timelines, resources, and budgets, ensuring effective execution of process optimization initiatives.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Management

Collaborate with operations, engineering, maintenance, S&T and R&D teams to ensure alignment in achieving operational goals and implementing process improvements.
Effectively communicate process changes, new methodologies, and best practices effectively to all levels of staff.
Work with the Senior Leadership Team to align process improvement strategies with broader business objectives.

Training & Development

Support the training and development of operations staff on new processes, equipment, and operational procedures.

CapEx

Lead all other initiatives to expand/unlock manufacturing capability including the location and design of a new manufacturing facility.
Demonstrate financial discipline and compliance to overall Capex policy.

Skills / Qualifications / Experience:

Minimum 3-5 years of experience in process engineering or operations management within a
manufacturing environment, ideally in the food industry.
A Third Level Qualification in a Business-related discipline (desirable).
Experience with automation technologies, digital manufacturing, and data-driven process optimization is highly desirable.
Strong operational and commercial awareness, with sound judgment and decision-making capability.
Expertise in process mapping, root cause analysis, and process reengineering.
In-depth knowledge of statutory and regulatory requirements related to Food Safety, Customer Codes of Practice, Health & Safety, and Environmental Compliance.
Demonstrated ability to implement Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
Strong problem-solving ability for mechanical and process-related challenges, with a focus on identifying and addressing root causes.
Exceptional stakeholder management skills, including experience working with employees, customers, auditors, and vendors/contractors.
Proven negotiation and influencing skills in a complex operational environment.
Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written) with the ability to convey technical concepts to diverse audiences.
High proficiency in collating, analysing, and presenting data to support strategic decision-making.
Ability to challenge the status quo and drive meaningful change in a constructive and professional manner.
Strong business acumen with a proactive and strategic mindset.
Enthusiastic, energetic, and optimistic with a can-do attitude.

Note: As with all positions, due to the dynamic nature of Arrow Group business, key responsibilities will evolve and change over time. Some travel will be required. Appointment to this role is subject to the candidate’s eligibility to work in Ireland.

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