Director Engineering & Automation (m/f/d)

We are the world market leader for reusable packaging containers (RPCs) for fresh food and are constantly optimizing our products.

We help make the food supply cycle for the population more sustainable. With our RPCs, safety for food transport is improved, there is less waste of food and at the same time the lifespan of the products increases. Through our products and the need for less packaging materials we reduce the carbon footprint.

„The future is circular“

Key responsibilities:

• Automation Strategy & Innovation – Define and drive IFCO’s global automation strategy, ensuring alignment with operational excellence, customer needs, and sustainability ambitions while identifying emerging technologies that strengthen competitive advantage.
• Future-Ready Engineering Solutions – Design scalable and adaptable automation concepts that support evolving RPC portfolios and service centre requirements without extensive redesign.
• Project Leadership – Lead the full lifecycle of international automation projects, from concept development and vendor selection through implementation, commissioning, and operational handover.
• Engineering Governance & Execution – Establish and continuously improve engineering standards, project governance frameworks, and scalable processes that enable consistent delivery across global locations.
• Financial & Operational Management – Monitor project budgets, CAPEX investments, procurement activities, and delivery milestones while providing transparent forecast and performance updates.
• People Leadership & Team Development – Lead, coach, and develop a global team of automation and engineering professionals, fostering a collaborative, accountable, and high-performing culture.
• Supplier & Technology Partnerships – Build strong relationships with automation suppliers and technology partners, ensuring quality, innovation, operational reliability, and long-term value creation.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement – Partner closely with Operations, Product Innovation, Digital, IT, Supply Chain, and Finance while confidently translating technical concepts into clear business recommendations for senior leadership, ensuring compliance with all relevant safety and regulatory standards.

We expect:

• Educational Background – Degree in Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline, with a strong foundation in automation and engineering principles.
• Automation & Engineering Leadership – Extensive leadership experience in automation and engineering within an international manufacturing, logistics, or supply chain environment, with a proven ability to translate operational needs into scalable automation solutions.
• Project Delivery Excellence – Demonstrated success delivering complex, multi-site automation programmes from concept through implementation, ensuring high-quality outcomes, operational impact, and strong budget discipline.
• Technical Expertise & Hands-On Mindset – Strong engineering background with deep technical credibility, combining strategic thinking with a practical, hands-on approach to solving operational challenges.
• Team Development & People Leadership – Proven experience leading and developing globally distributed engineering and project teams, fostering collaboration, accountability, and continuous professional growth.
• Supplier & Investment Management – Solid track record in supplier qualification, vendor management, and CAPEX project execution, building trusted partnerships that deliver innovation and long-term value.
• Executive Stakeholder Management – Confident communicator with experience engaging senior leadership, translating complex technical concepts into compelling business cases and strategic recommendations.
• Global Collaboration & Adaptability – Experience working within matrix organisations across multiple countries and cultures, comfortable operating in dynamic environments, managing international stakeholders, and travelling globally as required; business fluent in English.

We offer:

• Make a difference where it matters – Play a key role in a sustainable and future-proof industry.
• A culture of appreciation and respect – Join an international team where collaboration thrives.
• Flat hierarchies, fast decisions – Your ideas matter and drive real change. 
• Work your way – Enjoy hybrid work and workation options.
• Delicious & healthy meals – Weekly changing menus from our online canteen Bella & Bona, subsidized by IFCO. 
• Unlimited learning opportunities – Access to unlimited LinkedIn Learning. 
• Support when you need it – Our Employee Support Program.
• Modern office – open office spaces, modern and digital devices.
• Boost your energy – Free beverages and a modern fitness centre to keep you going.
• Car parking and seamless transport connections – Enjoy underground parking with charging stations and a train station (S7) right next to our door.

At IFCO, we believe that a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace makes us a more relevant, more competitive, and more resilient company. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, and experiences. IFCO is an equal opportunity employer.