Role Overview
The Engineering Director is responsible for leading the engineering strategy and execution across multiple manufacturing sites, with a strong focus on automation, machine design, maintenance excellence, utilities optimization, and capital investment (CapEx). This role ensures operational efficiency, cost competitiveness, and sustainable energy management while managing complex, multi-factory environments within the food or beverage industry.
Work location: Based in Samut Sakhon Plant.
Key Responsibilities
1. Engineering Strategy & Leadership
- Develop and implement a long-term engineering strategy aligned with business growth and operational excellence
- Lead transformation toward automation and smart manufacturing (Industry 4.0)
- Establish engineering standards, governance, and best practices across all sites
- Drive innovation in machine design and production technology
2. Automation & Machine Engineering
- Lead automation initiatives to improve productivity, reduce labor dependency, and enhance product consistency
- Oversee design, selection, and implementation of automated and semi-automated machinery
- Collaborate with internal teams and external vendors on custom machine design and optimization
- Drive digitalization, process control systems, and data integration across plants
3. CapEx Management
- Develop and manage the capital expenditure (CapEx) budget across multiple sites
- Prioritize and evaluate investment projects based on ROI, efficiency, and strategic impact
- Lead end-to-end execution of CapEx projects (planning, approval, execution, commissioning)
- Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet performance expectations
4. Maintenance Excellence (Reliability & Asset Management)
- Establish and implement preventive, predictive, and reliability-centered maintenance programs
- Improve equipment uptime, reduce breakdowns, and extend asset lifecycle
- Standardize maintenance practices and KPIs across all factories
- Drive use of CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems)
5. Utilities & Energy Management
- Oversee utilities operations (electricity, steam, refrigeration, water, compressed air, etc.)
- Optimize energy consumption and improve efficiency across sites
- Lead energy-saving initiatives and sustainability programs
- Ensure compliance with environmental and energy regulations
6. Cost Optimization & Continuous Improvement
- Lead engineering-driven cost-saving initiatives across manufacturing operations
- Identify opportunities for cost reduction in maintenance, utilities, and equipment investments
- Apply Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies
- Monitor and improve cost efficiency metrics (OEE, cost per unit, energy intensity)
7. Safety, Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensure engineering operations comply with safety, food safety, and regulatory requirements
- Lead initiatives to improve machine safety and workplace environment
- Manage risks related to equipment, utilities, and infrastructure
- Support quality and food safety compliance through reliable engineering systems
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or related field)
- 12–15+ years of engineering experience in manufacturing, preferably in food or beverage industry
- At least 5–8 years in a senior leadership role managing multiple sites
- Proven experience in automation, machine design, and large-scale CapEx projects
- Demonstrated success in cost-saving and energy efficiency initiatives
- Deep understanding of maintenance strategies (TPM, RCM, predictive maintenance)
- Knowledge of utilities systems and energy optimization techniques
- Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies
- Strong leadership and multi-site management capability
- Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Strong English communication and stakeholder engagement
