Head of Engineering

Role overview

Join a fast-moving pork production operation and take ownership of engineering performance, reliability, and maintenance across the site. This position is centred on keeping equipment and infrastructure operating to a high standard while supporting compliance, safety, and continuous improvement.

The site produces pork items including sliced meats and ready meals.

What you will do

• Oversee both reactive and planned maintenance activity across the facility.
• Lead the engineering and maintenance function to ensure strong operational performance.
• Coordinate planned shutdowns and minimise disruption to production.
• Create, roll out, and uphold engineering standards and procedures.
• Work closely with production, technical teams, and outside suppliers to resolve equipment issues quickly.
• Track and reduce downtime while supporting continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage the maintenance and calibration schedule for the site.
• Set engineering KPIs, monitor progress, and present performance updates to senior leaders.
• Represent the engineering team in cross-functional discussions and planning sessions.
• Provide on-call support when required.
• Guide, coach, and develop the engineering and maintenance team.

What we are looking for

The ideal candidate will bring relevant engineering qualifications and hands-on experience in a food manufacturing or similarly demanding environment. The role requires prior supervisory exposure, especially in overseeing calibration and repairs on production equipment, along with a solid understanding of maintenance and quality systems used in food production.

You should be comfortable working independently, organising your workload with little supervision, and keeping tasks well tracked and updated. Clear verbal and written communication is essential.

Familiarity with deviations, root cause analysis, training processes, and good documentation practices is expected.

Desirable experience

Additional advantages include a full modern apprenticeship, NEBOSH certification, and experience in both high-risk and low-risk production environments.

Benefits and rewards

• Car allowance
• Company bonus scheme
• Competitive salary
• Online benefits hub

Working pattern and location

This is a full-time, on-site position based in Tullamore, County Offaly, Ireland. The working pattern is Monday to Friday.

About the employer

The company operates across Canada and Europe with a large workforce and a strong focus on quality meat and seafood production. Its priorities include innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction, with responsibly sourced products from a wide range of protein sources.

The organisation is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.

Additional information

Reference details associated with this vacancy include AutoReqId 5645BR and AdRef INDENG.