Process Engineering Manager

Process Engineering Manager at Glanbia

Join this dynamic team focused on delivering better nutrition for every step of life's journey!

The Opportunity

The Process Engineering Manager leads complex technical projects across one or more manufacturing sites, resolving operational/quality issues and driving process, product, and technology improvements. This role provides technical leadership, develops team capability through training and mentoring, supports customer needs, and partners cross-functionally to deliver safe, compliant, profitable outcomes.

Primary focus areas include process improvement and operational readiness; technical transfer and validation of new products, processes, and equipment; and strong partnership with Operations, Quality, R&D, Engineering, Supply Chain, customers, and vendors.

Essential Functions

* Serve as an internal consultant and problem-solver, drive innovation and continuous improvement.

* Evaluate and implement new ingredients, components, and production technologies; validate performance and scalability.

* Lead and prioritize short- and long-term projects based on safety, quality, cost, delivery, and risk.

* Identify opportunities to increase customer value, improve profitability, and differentiate capabilities.

* Provide technical guidance to site teams and contribute to innovation/technical services objectives.

* Partner with R&D, Quality, Engineering, and Maintenance to diagnose issues, close process gaps, and implement sustainable solutions.

* Lead cross-functional teams and execute projects independently or collaboratively.

* Support product sampling and in-plant trials using appropriate sanitary practices.

* Communicate relevant industry trends and opportunities to site leadership and PSM.

* Scope and assess feasibility for new projects, support commissioning and validation.

* Support quality testing and execute in-plant trials for new products to ensure validation and operational readiness.

* Coordinate plant qualifications of new components, materials, ingredients, and processes.

* Coach and develop technical teams through training, mentoring, and knowledge sharing.

* Develop strategies to identify new opportunities, support key customers, collaborate with R&D, and build process/product intellectual property.

* Drive Operational Excellence by standardizing best practices and strengthening Technical Services capability across sites.

* Lead technical transfers of new products, processes, and equipment into operations.

* Aligning with QA and plant leadership on common objectives (e.g., cleaning protocols, microbiological quality, sanitation).

* Partner with Supply Chain to ensure co-manufacturing outcomes meet GN expectations.

* Promote a safety-first culture; ensure required operator/management training and SOP adherence.

* Provide product oversight for quality, sensory, and functional performance.

* Partner with Quality to resolve issues and reduce customer complaints.

* Lead clear, timely communication within Technical Services and with site stakeholders.

* Provide process and project support for capital projects, incorporating key financial considerations.

Additional Functions

* Attend vendor seminars/trade shows as needed.

* Provide customer support as needed.

* Manage direct reports as assigned; perform other duties as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

* Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.

* 5 or more years in process engineering/improvement, data analysis, and/or solids handling (or equivalent).

* Ability to interpret technical literature, drawings, schematics, and procedures; write clear reports and documentation.

* Strong analytical/problem-solving skills (define problems, analyze data, and draw sound conclusions).

* Experience tracking, trending, and interpreting process data.

* Basic understanding of controls (PLC), sensors, and electrical components.

* Proficient with standard business tools (email, Word, Excel, databases); statistical programming is a plus.

* Ability to prioritize work, manage multiple projects, and delegate effectively.

* Follow safety policies and report unsafe conditions.

* Leadership skills with the ability to work independently and collaboratively across all levels.

* Fluent in written and spoken English.

* Process improvement mindset;
Six Sigma/GPS (DMAIC) experience preferred.

* Strong written and verbal communication skills.

* Understanding of regulatory compliance (cGMP, GRAS, HACCP).

Typical Physical Activity and Environment

The physical demands and work environment described reflect those encountered while performing the essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

* Regularly involves talking or listening, sitting, and the use of hands and fingers.

* Frequently involves reaching with hands and arms, standing and walking.

* Occasionally involves crouching, stooping, and/or kneeling.

Physical Requirements

* Must be able to lift and…