Project Director, Project TopHat Creamery DGLW

Do you have a track record of delivering large scale change projects in a manufacturing environment, ideally FMCG, Food & Beverage or Dairy? Do you have a passion for innovation, customer collaboration and creating the future of dairy? Then this could be the perfect role for you.

Reporting into the VP of Engineering & Technology, we are seeking an exceptional individual to take on the role of Project Director of project Top Hat, an investment of over EUR
100m at our Lockerbie Creamery.

You will lead the New Product Development (NPD) process for this new product launch, overseeing all aspects of recipe and packaging development and driving innovation, whilst managing commercial communication and collaboration with key customers.

You will be responsible for coordinating the end‑to‑end internal transfer of production between the UK and EU sites, ensuring a smooth and efficient transition in both directions. A key part of the role will also involve planning and coordinating the recruitment of new team members for the operation, as well as organising training and upskilling programmes to support capability growth.

You will work alongside another Project Manager who will lead the Engineering & Technology (E&T) workstream, including new equipment commissioning and related technical activities.

This is an essential program, which will unlock significant growth and productivity for the UK business. Project Top Hat will invest in UHT capabilities, as well as other structural projects being part of Lockerbie factory transformation. The project will also include asset transfer of product from another UK site location.

• Oversee full end to end programme resourcing, work streams and leadership of the programme team represented cross functionally (E&T, innovation, operations, finance, HR, commercial)
• Lead the Local and EXEC Steerco governance processes as well as updates in specific forums i.e. Strongholds.
• Lead strong cross-functional collaboration, challenge and decision making
• Lead the facilitation of business, commercial and technical decision making processes
• Ensure the project meets timeline and quality requirements for commercial tenders and capex delivery lead times
• Successfully manage site factory start up and supply to local and export markets
• Successfully manage the integration of the project at Lockerbie site and the handover into the site daily operation team

You bring a degree or equivalent qualification within Business, Operations, Engineering or a related field with a successful track record of delivering large, complex projects within the Food or FMCG industry.

This role will include regular travel across Yorkshire, Lockerbie and occasional overseas trips, so a high level of mobility and flexibility is essential.

• 10-15 years demonstrated experience in an operational field and project management roles with a proven track record of delivering complex projects, programs and/or change management activities (with a minimum value of EUR 50m). Previous cross functional management of stakeholders within a global matrix organization is essential.
• Experience leading diverse project teams. You will be highly effective at influencing and possess negotiation skills in challenging, ambiguous, and changing environments. Ability to build personal credibility with project teams and key stakeholders, whilst working autonomously. Strong understanding of project management methodologies, tools, and techniques. A Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification (highly desirable)
• Demonstrated leadership of teams, stakeholder management and high level of collaborative approach. Can demonstrate a high level of self‑motivation & creativity as well as determination to deliver results despite obstacles and setbacks. Advanced communication skills (stakeholder/matrix organization influencing and effective presentations and strategic project management experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of project management finance, commercial risk & opportunity management, and project profit & loss experience. Strong understanding of Supply…