Engineering Director

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