Head of Project Engineering

Head of Project Engineering – Greenfield FMCG Project (Portugal)

We have exclusively partnered up with a global food manufacturing group undertaking a large-scale greenfield investment in Lisbon, Portugal. The project represents a strategically critical expansion of European production capacity and will deliver a state-of-the-art, high-hygiene manufacturing facility designed to support long-term growth, innovation, and major customer partnerships.

To lead this initiative, we are seeking an experienced Head of Project Engineering to take full, end-to-end accountability for delivery. This role is the single owner of the project - from concept and detailed design through construction, equipment installation, commissioning, and final handover to operations. You will operate with significant autonomy, report directly to a senior executive steering committee, and be fully accountable for outcomes against a €40m+ CapEx programme.

The Opportunity:

• €40m+ greenfield manufacturing build in a high-hygiene FMCG environment
• Full lifecycle ownership: scope, schedule, cost, quality, and risk
• Direct reporting to a C-suite steering committee
• High autonomy, high visibility, and clear accountability for outcomes
• On-site role based in the Lisbon region

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as the single end-to-end owner of the project through to operational handover
• Lead and integrate all externally tendered partners (technology, design, construction)
• Maintain full control of budget, timeline, change management, and risk
• Anticipate and actively manage cross-functional dependencies and delivery risks
• Lead installation, start-up, commissioning, and production readiness
• Provide structured, transparent reporting with clear recommendations to senior leadership

Experience Required:

• Proven leadership of greenfield manufacturing projects
• Background in food manufacturing or regulated FMCG environments
• Experience in high-hygiene operations and food safety standards (e.g. IFS or equivalent)
• Strong track record managing multiple external contractors under formal contracts
• Ability to operate confidently with senior executives while remaining hands-on

Location & Language:

• Full on-site presence in Lisbon, Portugal required
• Fluent Portuguese and English (Spanish a strong advantage)
• Prior experience working in Portugal is strongly preferred to manage local construction and permitting interfaces

Personal Profile:

You are delivery-driven, structured, calm under pressure, and decisive. You bring credibility, gravitas, and pragmatism - and you are comfortable being fully accountable for a complex, high-value project.