Project Process Engineer

About the role

The Project Process Engineer will support the delivery of plant equipment and facility investment projects at KDI’s manufacturing sites. This is a new, full-time, permanent, and onsite role based in one of our sites in Southwest of Ireland. The role involves managing projects from start to finish, covering planning, design, installation, and handover. It requires strong project management skills and close collaboration with internal teams and external partners to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to a high standard.

About Kerry Dairy Ireland

Kerry Dairy Ireland is a vertically integrated farm-to-fork business with a very substantial consumer foods presence and a leading nutritional and dairy ingredients division, delivering high-quality dairy solutions with a focus on sustainability and innovation. From partnering with local family farms to producing world-class dairy products, we ensure every step of our value chain reflects our commitment to excellence.

With over 50 years’ experience in milk processing, dairy and nutritional technology advancement, and product innovation, we are a key stakeholder in the global food industry and creators of a strong portfolio of market leading dairy brands including Cheestrings, Charleville and Coleraine Cheese, Dairygold, Golden Cow and our new SMUG range. Our from food, for food culture and deep-rooted connection to our 2,800 milk suppliers differentiates our business and offers captivating opportunities for our customers and consumers.

Our dairy comes from some of the world’s richest grazing land and is produced by a network of Irish family farms that have one of the lowest carbon footprints in the world. Through a combination of expertise, innovation, and sustainability, Kerry Dairy Ireland is proud to shape the future of dairy while meeting the diverse needs of our farmers, customers, and communities.

Globally, Kerry Dairy Ireland employs over 1,600 dedicated professionals across Ireland, Northern Ireland, the UK, USA, Netherlands, Spain, Germany, and China. In 2024, we achieved a turnover of approximately €1.3 billion, reflecting our commitment to excellence and growth.

Key responsibilities

1. Project Management & Delivery

Take ownership and manage all facets of project delivery using KDI’s structured delivery methodology
Prepare comprehensive project plans including scope, schedules, budgets, and resource requirements
Supervise project execution, ensuring timely follow-up and ongoing reporting
Communicate, track, and report project progress 

2. Technical & Engineering Responsibilities

Develop a deep understanding of KDI’s products and production processes
Oversee and contribute to the design process, including Basis of Design (BoD) calculations, drawings, and safety evaluations
Update technical drawings and prepare complete project documentation
Occasionally perform other engineering duties to support operations as needed
Work with multiple engineering disciplines (mechanical, civil, process, automation, electrical) as required by project scope

3. Procurement & Supplier Management

Prepare detailed requirements specifications for procurement and tendering activities
Select and manage suppliers and third-party service providers

4. Equipment & Commissioning

Receive and install plant equipment
Oversee and conduct process commissioning, testing, and validation activities

5. Strategic & Feasibility Planning

Conduct feasibility studies for future projects
Collaborate on investment proposals, including detailed descriptions, cost estimates, savings, and implementation timelines.

Qualifications and skills

• Third level engineering degree or equivalent
• Min. 10 years of projects engineering including management experience
• Experience implementing capital projects in a live manufacturing plant
• Proven success record in engineering project delivery
• Strong analytical and detail-oriented mindset, with the ability to build relationships and effectively engage stakeholders across all levels
• Knowledge of design and visualization software such as AutoCAD
• Proficiency in budgetary processes, cost centre ownership, and cost control is a plus.