Packaging Engineering Lead

Short Intro and About the Job

Danone Specialized Nutrition is launching a major greenfield investment to build our next‑generation liquid nutrition facility, incorporating advanced high‑hygiene, aseptic, and state‑of‑the‑art filling and packaging technologies. As the Packaging Engineering Lead (Filler & EOL), you will own the end‑to‑end packaging engineering execution—leading the workstream through filler and downstream/EOL installation, integration, commissioning, performance testing, and operational readiness. You will ensure all packaging systems are delivered safely, on time, and in full, aligned to project milestones, quality expectations, and Danone Engineering Standards.

Reporting directly to the Project Director, you will lead a high‑impact team of two (Filler & EOL engineers) and collaborate closely with EPCM partners, OEM suppliers, construction teams, and internal stakeholders across Operations, Quality, R&I, EHS, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and C&P.

This role offers a unique opportunity for an internal candidate to step into a high‑visibility leadership position and contribute directly to the successful delivery of a flagship new manufacturing asset for Specialized Nutrition. You will oversee the execution, integration, and commissioning of core packaging systems—including aseptic fillers/closers, cap and container sterilization, capping/sealing, conveyors and accumulation, in‑line inspection (vision, weight, seal integrity), labelling/printing, case/tray packing, and palletizing—ensuring all equipment (and associated hygienic utilities) is delivered safely, on time, and in full to specification. This role is to ensure they are installed, commissioned, and qualified to the highest standards. Your leadership will be essential in ensuring the facility meets Danone’s expectations for safety, quality, efficiency, and innovation as it progresses toward startup and operational readiness.

As part of the plant’s project leadership team, you will contribute to strategic and operational decisions throughout the project lifecycle. You will be responsible for technical execution, commissioning readiness, timeline management, and CAPEX oversight for process‑related packages. Beyond project delivery, this role provides an excellent pathway for internal development into broader engineering or operations leadership positions within Danone.

About You

Key Duties and Responsibilities: 

1. Packaging Engineering Leadership

• Lead the filler & EOL packaging engineering workstream, setting priorities and performance expectations.
• Manage and coach two direct reports (Filler / EOL), building technical capability and a safety‑first culture.
• Serve as the packaging engineering authority, ensuring alignment with Danone standards and best practices.

2. Project Execution & Commissioning

• Oversee installation, integration, commissioning, and qualification of packaging systems: aseptic filler/closer, cap/container sterilization (e.g., H₂O₂/UV), capping, conveyors/accumulation, inspection (weight, vision, seal integrity), labelling, shrink/tray/case packing, palletizing, stretch wrapping, pallet labelling, pallet conveyor/AGV interfaces, and associated hygienic utilities (sterile air, nitrogen, vacuum, clean steam).
• Lead commissioning/start‑up strategy, FAT/SAT, IQ/OQ/PQ, ramp‑up to target OEE, and punch‑list closure.
• Troubleshoot packaging issues during construction, commissioning, and start‑up to meet safety, quality, capacity, efficiency, and hygiene zoning requirements.

3. Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Coordinate with Operations, Quality, R&I, EHS, Maintenance, and Supply Chain for packaging readiness, trial runs, and changeover planning (SMED).
• Act as the primary interface with EPCM partners, OEMs, and construction for installation sequencing, utilities tie‑ins, and commissioning plans.

4. CAPEX Management & Governance

• Manage packaging CAPEX packages (filler & EOL): scope, cost control, forecasting, schedule adherence, and reporting.
• Work with the Engineering Project Team and CAPEX Controller to align priorities and ensure on‑time, in‑full financial execution; support change control and risk management.

5. Procurement & Supplier Management

• Lead the technical aspects of tenders for fillers and EOL equipment (URS/SoW, bid evaluations, clarifications, technical alignment).
• Partner with Regional Engineering and C&P (CAPEX Procurement) on supplier selection, contract negotiations, performance guarantees, and acceptance criteria.
• Manage OEMs through FAT/SAT, training, spares/format parts, and commissioning deliverables to specification.

6. Standards, Compliance & Safety

• Ensure all packaging systems comply with Danone global standards, aseptic/hygienic design principles, GMP/HACCP, and applicable food safety regulations.
• Embed Safety by Design and quality‑focused engineering across execution and commissioning; ensure robust validation and documentation.

7. Operational Readiness & Handover

• Develop/approve SOPs, training materials, PM plans, and spare parts lists; load master data into CMMS as required.
• Ensure seamless handover to Operations and Maintenance, including training, troubleshooting guides, and performance baselines; capture lessons learned.

8. Reporting & Decision Support

• Provide structured updates on progress, risks, commissioning readiness, and mitigations to the Project Director and leadership team.
• Support strategic and operational decision‑making with timely technical insights and data.

Education and Experience: 

• Tertiary qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical discipline

• 5+ years of engineering experience in food, beverage, dairy, pharmaceutical, or nutrition manufacturing.

• Proven track record leading CAPEX or greenfield/brownfield industrial projects.

• Strong exposure to aseptic/ESL filling and high‑hygiene packaging technologies.

• Experience managing cross-functional teams and external engineering partners.

• Sherpa qualified preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

Interpersonal: 

• Strong leadership and team‑management abilities
• Effective communication with technical and non‑technical stakeholders
• Ability to influence and align cross‑functional teams
• Strong collaboration with internal and external partners
• Proactive problem‑solving in fast‑paced environments
• Ability to manage conflict constructively
• Strong stakeholder‑management and relationship‑building skills
• Commitment to a safety‑first culture

Technical: 

• Understanding of Aseptic/ESL filling: filler/closer, cap & container sterilization, capping/sealing EOL systems:
• Experience with commissioning and qualification (FAT/SAT, IQ/OQ/PQ)
• Ability to interpret engineering documents (P&IDs, PFDs, layouts, technical specs)
• Strong troubleshooting skills during installation and startup
• Familiarity with project management principles and CAPEX processes
• Understanding of automation and process control (PLC/SCADA)
• Ability to lead technical discussions with suppliers

About Us, We offer and What's next

Danone is a large, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company with market leading brands across four divisions: Essential Dairy and Plant Based Products, Waters, Specialised Nutrition and Medical Nutrition. Specialised Nutrition offers nutritional solutions with the shared goal of improving the health and well-being of vulnerable individuals, from the first day of pregnancy into old age. We are looking for high calibre, dedicated and experienced personnel to complement our existing workforce.

At Danone we are passionate in our commitment to sustainability with the belief in building a healthier future through food. Our eating and drinking choices have an impact on our own health, the health of our society and the health of our planet. 

Ensuring an inclusive working culture that is accessible to all is important to us. Danone Infant Nutrition Macroom is an Equal Opportunities Employer. 

Please note, owing to the high volume of applications we receive, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.