Director of Engineering & Project Management

Join GEA and lead the global growth of our Cheese Processing business

GEA is looking for a Directorof Engineering & Project Management to lead the Engineering (R&D and Engineering-to-Order) and Project Management functions for the Cheese Processing equipment portfolio.

This role is responsible for the development of technical solutions for new products as well all design functions to fullfill customer orders and after-sales upgrades, while ensuring the successful execution of projects from order intake through installation and commissioning. The position supports orders and installations associated with an annual sales volume of approximately €15-20 million and leads five specialized teams covering Automation, Mechanical Engineering, New Product Development, Project Execution Management and Process Technology.

Your Responsibilities

• Lead the global Engineering and R&D activities for Cheese Processing equipment and lines, covering mechanical, electrical, automation/software engineering and process technology validation.
• Ensure the successful engineering execution of customer orders, delivering proven and effective technical solutions while managing a high level of product customization.
• Drive Design-to-Cost initiatives to continuously improve product cost competitiveness in collaboration with Production and Supply Chain.
• Lead product improvement and new product development activities.
• Monitor and drive key performance indicators, including engineering hours, project costs, lead times, warranty costs and equipment performance.
• Ensure machine safety compliance across the portfolio.
• Lead critical troubleshooting activities and provide technical support to internal and external stakeholders.
• Oversee global project execution, including installation and commissioning activities at customer sites.
• Collaborate with customers directly or through GEA's worldwide execution network, depending on the region.
• Contribute to the business development strategy of the Cheese Processing Cluster together with Sales, NPE Regional Business Units and GEA Business Line Dairy.
• Drive the product development pipeline and contribute to defining R&D investment priorities and business cases.
• Manage the department's cost center and personnel costs.

• Master's degree in Engineering or equivalent technical education.
• Additional knowledge in finance, project management and leadership.
• 15+ years of experience in food processing machinery and processing line design.
• Experience in dairy and cheese-making technologies is considered an advantage.
• Proven experience managing multidisciplinary teams of engineers and project managers.
• Experience working in international matrix organizations.
• Strong customer orientation and relationship-building skills with internal and external stakeholders.
• Open-minded, solution-oriented approach and strong problem-solving capabilities.
• Fluent Italian and English language skills.

As a key leader within the Cheese Processing business, you will connect multiple functions, translate strategic priorities into operational execution, drive product innovation and continuous improvement, and contribute directly to business growth, profitability and project excellence.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation package.
• Company car.
• Annual bonus linked to company performance.
• Health and wellbeing programmes.
• Opportunity to work in an international environment with global responsibility and exposure.

GEA is proudly certified as a Top Employer, reflecting our commitment to employee wellbeing, development and empowerment.

Ready to shape the future of Cheese Processing with GEA? Apply today.