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 inLisbon, 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 experiencedHead of Project Engineeringto 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 ahigh-hygiene FMCG environment
Full lifecycle ownership: scope, schedule, cost, quality, and risk
Direct reporting to aC-suite steering committee
High autonomy, high visibility, and clear accountability for outcomes
On-site role based in theLisbon region
Key Responsibilities:
Act as thesingle end-to-end ownerof the project through to operational handover
Lead and integrate all externally tendered partners (technology, design, construction)
Maintain full control ofbudget, timeline, change management,andrisk
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 ofgreenfield manufacturing projects
Background infood manufacturing or regulated FMCGenvironments
Experience in high-hygiene operations and food safety standards (e.G. IFS or equivalent)
Strong track record managingmultiple 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
FluentPortugueseandEnglish(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.
For a confidential discussion, please contactTamana Safei( ) directly or apply via LinkedIn!