Director of Engineering

Location Cork

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced and strategic engineering leader to support the continued growth and expansion of our advanced manufacturing operations. The Director / Head of Engineering will lead a multidisciplinary engineering organisation across Facilities, NPI, Automation, Maintenance, Test, MES, and Product Engineering.

As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), this role will help shape site strategy, drive operational excellence, and lead engineering initiatives that support both current production and future expansion plans.

Key Responsibilities

Engineering Leadership

• Lead and develop a high-performing engineering organisation supporting manufacturing and site expansion.
• Contribute to overall business strategy as part of the Senior Leadership Team.
• Build strong engineering capability through coaching, mentoring, and succession planning.
• Promote a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Manufacturing & Automation

• Lead the development and implementation of advanced manufacturing, automation, and test solutions.
• Drive process optimisation to improve quality, efficiency, yield, and uptime.
• Apply Lean, Six Sigma, and World Class Manufacturing (WCM) principles across operations.
• Ensure compliance with engineering standards and validated manufacturing processes.

Facilities & Project Management

• Oversee facilities, utilities, Building Management Systems (BMS), and site services.
• Lead CAPEX projects from business case development through installation and validation.
• Support future site expansion and infrastructure development activities.

Continuous Improvement & Customer Support

• Drive cost reduction and continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations.
• Support customer visits, audits, and new business development activities.
• Build strong relationships with equipment suppliers and external partners.

Quality, Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with quality standards, regulatory requirements, and Health & Safety legislation.
• Support and lead internal and external audits where required.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Machine and process uptime
• Process yield and operational efficiency
• Delivery of projects against timelines and objectives
• Development of engineering procedures and processes
• Team development and training completion
• On-time delivery of NPI and customer requirements

Candidate Profile

Essential

• Degree qualification (Level 8 or equivalent) in Engineering or related discipline.
• 5–10 years’ experience in a senior engineering leadership role within manufacturing.
• Proven experience leading technical teams and cross -functional projects.
• Strong communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to deliver projects in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments.

Desirable

• Experience in automation, electronics, or advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Medical Device or other highly regulated industry experience.
• Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma certification.
• Project Management qualification or relevant experience.
• Knowledge of validated processes and equipment safety standards.

Why Join?

This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing and expanding company where you will play a key role in shaping future engineering capability, driving innovation, and supporting strategic growth within a dynamic manufacturing environment.

For further information on this Director of Engineering role in Cork please contact Caroline Kingston on +353 868395531 or email caroline@hero.ie Check out all our open jobs on our HERO Recruitment website – https://www.hero.ie/.

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