Project Engineering Lead - Automated Distribution Center

At Nestlé Purina we are committed to creating richer lives for pets and the people who love them, providing high quality nutrition for cats and dogs and doing more of what matters for pets, people and planet 
We are looking for passionate technical talents who will support the installation, start-up and operation of modern and highly automated production systems during the launch of a new manufacturing site. 
You will contribute to a project within a global organization committed to quality, safety and continuous improvement. 

Position Snapshot:
•    Nestlé Purina Italy, Greenfield Project Mantova 
•    Logistics Lead Engineer 
•    Permanent role, full-time
•    Nestlé welcomes people with disabilities
•    University Degree in Engineering disciplines (Logistics, Automation, Mechanical, Processes, Industrial engineering or similar)
•    In-depth knowledge of logistics, , automation engineering and digital Logistics operations
•    Fluency in English is required. Good level of Italian would be a plus.

Compensation Package:
•  CCNL Industria Alimentare, Quadro, Gross Annual Base Salary €63.000,00 + 13% Annual Bonus.  

Relocation Support: 
Joining us from over 80 km away from Mantova? Our Welcome Relocation Package will make your move smoother, so you can focus on your new adventure from day one.

Position Summary:
The Lead Project Engineer, Logistics Automation will lead and coordinate the engineering, implementation, commissioning, operational readiness, ramp-up, and final handover of a highly automated logistics project.
As part of a larger-scale capital investment program that also includes the implementation of new manufacturing production lines. The successful candidate will ensure that the fulfillment center facility, manufacturing operations, utilities, infrastructure, digital systems, and material flows are fully integrated and ready to support safe, reliable, and efficient production.
The role requires strong leadership and project management capabilities, combined with multidisciplinary engineering knowledge across civil, structural, M.E.P., fire protection, automation, intralogistics, and digital systems.
The position will coordinate internal and external engineering teams, suppliers, contractors, integrators, operations, maintenance, safety, quality, IT/OT, and other key stakeholders throughout the complete project lifecycle, from detailed design and construction through commissioning, qualification, operational readiness, ramp-up, and handover.

A Day in the Life of a Project Engineering Lead - Automated Distribution Center: 
•    Lead the engineering execution of a highly automated logistics facility within a wider manufacturing investment program.
•    Coordinate multidisciplinary workstreams across civil, structural, MEP, fire protection, automation, logistics systems, installations, commissioning, validation, operational readiness, ramp-up, and handover of the facility and technology.
•    Manage internal teams, engineering partners, suppliers, contractors, and system integrators, ensuring clear scope, interfaces, responsibilities, and delivery expectations.
•    Drive safe project execution across design, construction, installation, commissioning, and start-up, in line with applicable standards, site procedures, and legal requirements.
•    Apply strong project management practices to support planning, scheduling, risk management, change control, stakeholder alignment, issue resolution, and progress reporting.
•    Ensure effective integration between logistics automation, manufacturing operations, utilities, infrastructure, digital systems, maintenance, and site operations.
•    Oversee commissioning, qualification, testing, troubleshooting, and readiness activities to ensure systems are safe, reliable, maintainable, and ready for operation.
•    Drive operational readiness and ramp-up, ensuring people, processes, training, maintenance plans, spare parts, documentation, and support models are in place before handover.
•    Promote Industry 4.0, Lean, Kaizen, maintainability, asset reliability, and continuous improvement throughout the project lifecycle.
•    Prepare clear updates, manage key interfaces, support timely decisions, and ensure a structured handover to operations and maintenance.

What will make you successful? 
•    Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering projects within large-scale capital investment programs.
•    Exposure automated logistics, distribution centers, intralogistics systems, or manufacturing logistics integration.
•    Ability to directly collaborate with teams and partners from multiple technical backgrounds, including civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, automation, MEP, fire protection, operations, and maintenance.
•    Solid understanding of project management principles, planning and scheduling, risk management, cost awareness, change control, and stakeholder management.
•    Experience across construction, installation, commissioning, qualification, start-up, ramp-up, and structured handover.
•    Strong safety mindset and the ability to influence safe behaviors across contractors, suppliers, and project teams.
•    Knowledge of Industry 4.0, automation interfaces, Lean, Kaizen, maintenance, asset reliability, and continuous improvement principles.
•    Technical & Safety Expertise with strong fundamental knowledge of logistics, electrical engineering, automation controls (PLCs/SCADA/WMS/WCS), and digital manufacturing operations.    
•    Leadership and natural promoter of a healthy, inclusive, and cooperative work environment that values strong ethics, team diversity and synergy.
•    Clear communication, leadership, problem-solving, prioritization, and decision-making skills in complex and fast-moving project environments.

You will join a collaborative and inclusive project environment where you can make a visible impact, learn from cross-functional experts, and contribute to a strategic investment that will shape future manufacturing and logistics capabilities.

What we offer? 
At Nestlé we believe that success is driven by people. That’s why we offer a well-rounded benefits package designed to support well-being, growth, and quality of life:

•    Continuous learning – access to training, certifications, and development programs
•    Health & well-being – private health insurance and wellness initiatives
•    Corporate welfare – flexible benefits platform
•    Career growth – internal mobility and development opportunities
•    Inclusive culture – collaborative and people-first environment. 

What does it mean working at Purina?
At Purina, we’ve worked hard to create a high-performing and caring environment where everyone belongs, and where everyone can push themselves. 
When you join our mission to create richer lives for pets, the people who love them and the planet we share, you’ll find lots of opportunities to develop your skills, knowledge and expertise, both at Purina and across the wider Nestlé community.
You’ll become part of a passionate and successful international team who, as industry pioneers and leaders in their field, are continually striving for better, who feel safe and supported to challenge, to experiment, to drive change and to be their true selves at work.
We’re committed to ensuring the whole team can experience the power of Purina, pushing their limits and realising their full potential.
That’s the Power of Purina.
Are you ready to discover what’s possible?
Purina is part of Nestlé Group.

 
Kindly submit your CV in English to be considered for this position.