Engineering Manager

Purpose of the Role

We are seeking an experienced Engineering Manager with strong technical expertise in the tobacco industry, specifically in Secondary Manufacturing (HNB / Cigarette Making & Packing). The candidate must have hands-on experience with tobacco machinery, troubleshooting equipment, process optimization, maintenance strategy, and technology upgrades across cigarette manufacturing and packing operations.

The role will lead engineering activities related to machine reliability, production efficiency, automation, technical improvements, CAPEX projects, and continuous improvement initiatives for Filtrona Innovation Centre.

Role and Responsibilities

Production & Technical Support

• Lead engineering support for secondary tobacco manufacturing operations including cigarette making, filter attachment, packing, and case packing.
• Ensure high machine efficiency, low downtime, and optimal production performance.
• Provide technical troubleshooting and root cause analysis for machine breakdowns and process deviations.
• Support production teams in improving OEE, waste reduction, and product quality consistency.
• Develop preventive and predictive maintenance strategies for all manufacturing equipment.

Machinery & Technology Management

• Manage installation, commissioning, upgrades, and validation of secondary manufacturing machines.
• Lead machine modernization and automation projects.
• Optimize machine settings and process parameters to improve productivity and material utilization.
• Coordinate with OEM suppliers for machine servicing, upgrades, and technical support.
• Support FAT / SAT at supplier / customer site

Project & Engineering Management

• Lead CAPEX and engineering improvement projects.
• Manage utilities and engineering infrastructure supporting production.
• Ensure spare parts planning and engineering inventory management.
• Support factory expansion and new product implementation activities.

Team Leadership

• Lead and develop engineering technicians, process engineers, and automation teams.
• Build technical competency within the engineering department.
• Drive continuous improvement culture using Lean Manufacturing, TPM, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with EHS standards, GMP, and tobacco manufacturing regulations.
• Ensure all engineering activities comply with safety procedures and machine guarding requirements.
• Strict adherence to all Health & Safety, Environmental, Compliance and Information Security requirements.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• Minimum 10–15 years of experience in tobacco manufacturing engineering.
• Minimum 5 years in leadership or engineering management role.
• Strong experience in secondary manufacturing operations is mandatory.
• Experience working in cigarette manufacturing, tobacco processing, Filter manufacturing, FMCG high speed manufacturing environment is preferred.
• Candidate must possess strong technical and troubleshooting experience with secondary tobacco machinery including, but not limited to: Filter Rod & Filter Attachment Machines, Hauni Max Series, KDF Filter Makers, Mulfi / Mulfi Max, AF Series Filter Attachers, Filter combiner machine, Supporting Systems, Compressor systems, Vision inspection systems, Industrial automation & PLC systems, Servo drive systems, SCADA systems, Flavour application system, End capsule system
• Strong troubleshooting capability in mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and automation systems.
• Hands-on experience with PLC, HMI systems, Servo motors & drives, Industrial sensors and controls is preferred
• Experience in TPM, Lean Manufacturing, and Reliability Engineering.
• Strong understanding of OEE improvement, Preventive maintenance, Root cause analysis, Spare parts management, Utilities management is preferred
• Demonstrated strong leadership and people management skills
• Demonstrated strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities with a proven track record of implementing technical solutions.
• Ability to communicate at all levels, both verbal and written skills including English to an international level.
• Strong sense of ownership and accountability is required