Engineering Director, Automation & Robotics

Requisition
Position Type: FT Permanent
Workplace Arrangement: #LI-Hybrid

The Engineering Director, Automation & Robotics will define and lead Kerry’s global automation and robotics strategy across a diverse manufacturing footprint. Accountable for the end-to-end lifecycle from concept development through deployment and value realisation, this role will translate innovative automation and robotics opportunities into scalable, high-impact business solutions that enhance safety, productivity, quality, and operational excellence.

Combining strategic leadership with deep technical expertise, the role will accelerate the adoption of advanced automation, robotics, and smart factory technologies while ensuring rigorous capital prioritisation and investment governance.

We are open to candidates located in Ireland or Spain.

• Define and own the end-to-end global robotics and automation strategy in alignment with Kerry’s 2030 Integrated Operations growth, sustainability and operational excellence goals.
• Serve as Kerry’s global subject matter expert for robotics, mechatronics and advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Lead enterprise-wide alignment on a multi-year manufacturing automation roadmap, advancing plant capabilities from foundational automation to robotics, smart manufacturing and autonomous operations.
• Expand and lead a global robotics and automation centre of excellence, providing technical leadership, standards, governance and expertise across all regions.
• Transform automation into a core enabler of business performance.

• Partner with regional and site engineering teams to identify automation opportunities that enhance safety, strengthen product quality, improve throughput and reduce waste.
• Build global standards, governance frameworks and best practices for automation design, deployment and life cycle management.
• Lead capability development across the network, including training, upskilling and knowledge-sharing programmes for engineering and operations teams.
• Define and implement an automation maturity model to benchmark sites, identify gaps and prioritise investments.
• Establish KPIs and dashboards to measure automation performance, maturity progression and financial impact.
• Own the global automation and robotics project portfolio, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and return on investment expectations.
• Drive disciplined capital planning, ensuring all projects meet cost, payback and performance criteria.
• Monitor project execution, ensuring safety, quality and operational readiness are embedded from concept through commissioning.

• Build and manage strategic relationships with key robotics manufacturers, automation providers, OEMs and system integrators to maximise value from global partnerships.
• Act as Kerry’s internal ambassador for automation, influencing senior stakeholders and building alignment across regions and functions.
• Develop strategic partnerships with research institutions and industry bodies to accelerate innovation and maintain awareness of emerging technologies.
• Lead change management efforts to ensure the successful adoption of new technologies and ways of working.
• Continuously assess advancements in robotics, autonomous systems, machine vision, artificial intelligence, cobots, mobile robotics and mechatronic solutions, translating opportunities into scalable business applications.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Robotics, Automation, Mechatronics or a related field.
• 10+ years demonstrated leadership experience in the deployment of advanced robotics, mechatronics, autonomous material handling, machine vision and industrial…