Project Controls Engineer

Company Overview:

Our client is a leading company in the Food & Beverage sector. With ongoing expansion and optimisation initiatives, the company is seeking a skilled Project Controls Engineer to join their team for a 12-month contract role to support key projects, including the installation of new equipment, machine builds, and facility upgrades.

Position Overview:

The Project Controls Engineer will play a pivotal role in supporting the planning, execution, and delivery of critical projects within the Food & Beverage sector. This includes new equipment installations, machine builds, and working closely with controls teams for seamless project integration. You will also provide ongoing front-line shop support and ensure that projects are managed through their entire life cycle—from design and implementation through to commissioning and handover.

Key Responsibilities:

• Project Planning & Scheduling: Develop, manage, and maintain project schedules, particularly for new equipment installations, machine builds, and process optimizations. Use tools like MS Project, Primavera P6, or SAP to ensure projects are delivered on time.
• Cost Control & Budget Management: Monitor project budgets, manage cost forecasts, track expenditures, and recommend actions to control costs. Ensure that project costs are within scope and align with budget expectations.
• Equipment & Machine Builds: Oversee and manage the installation of new machinery and equipment, ensuring projects meet quality, timeline, and budget expectations. Coordinate with engineering teams for design, procurement, and installation phases.
• Collaboration with Controls Teams: Work closely with controls engineers, automation teams, and electrical contractors to ensure that control systems are correctly designed and integrated into new machines and processes.
• Front-Line Shop Support: Provide direct support to the shop floor to resolve any operational or technical challenges. Ensure smooth integration of new equipment and provide troubleshooting support to manufacturing teams.
• Project Life Cycle Management: Manage all phases of the project life cycle, including feasibility, design, procurement, installation, testing, and commissioning. Ensure that projects are completed to required specifications, regulatory standards, and operational readiness.
• Risk Management: Proactively identify project risks, develop risk mitigation strategies, and ensure proper documentation of risks and issues. Maintain focus on minimizing delays and cost overruns.
• Reporting & Documentation: Prepare regular project status updates for management and stakeholders. Document key decisions, scope changes, and project milestones.
• Stakeholder Communication: Liaise with project managers, engineering teams, external contractors, and senior stakeholders to ensure alignment and resolution of issues that may arise during the project execution phase.
• Change Control: Implement and manage project changes in scope, schedule, and cost, ensuring that all changes are approved and documented according to the company’s change control procedures.
• Post-Project Review & Handover: Ensure that all projects are successfully closed out, with appropriate documentation provided to operations teams for long-term support.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Project Management, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in project controls, ideally in a manufacturing environment with hands-on experience in new equipment installations, machine builds, and controls systems integration.
• Strong background in project planning and scheduling with tools like MS Project, Primavera P6, or SAP.
• Experience with project life cycle management, from design through commissioning and operational handover.
• Knowledge and experience working with controls teams, automation engineers, and electrical contractors to ensure seamless integration of new systems and machinery.
• Strong experience providing front-line shop floor support, particularly in troubleshooting machine or equipment-related issues during installation and operational integration.
• Cost control and budget management experience, including preparing cost forecasts and variance analysis.
• Familiarity with food & beverage manufacturing processes and understanding of relevant industry standards and regulations.
• Experience with risk management and change management in a project environment.
• Proficiency in Excel and other data management tools for project performance tracking.

Desirable Skills:

• Certification in Project Management (e.g., PMP, Prince2).
• Experience in the Food & Beverage or Pharmaceutical industries, especially in equipment installations and machine builds.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Working knowledge of automation controls systems, including PLCs, SCADA, or DCS systems.

If you are a Project Controls Engineer with experience in machine builds, equipment installations, and project life cycle management, we invite you to apply and join us for this exciting 12-month contract opportunity in Mayo.