Senior Manager, Projects & Capital Systems

About

Pacific International Recruitment has been retained by global industrial manufacturing company who is seeking a Senior Manager, Projects & Capital Systems to lead enterprise-wide capital project execution and portfolio governance. This is a highly visible leadership role responsible for managing a $200M annual capital portfolio and ensuring world-class project delivery across multiple manufacturing sites globally.

Our client is a global leader in industrial, packaging, and automation solutions with more than 100 years of company history. The group operates through more than 20 specialized companies serving several industries such as food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, personal care, etc. and is recognized for expertise in high-speed automation, robotics, vision systems, digital printing, and fully integrated production lines. The company maintains a global presence and invests heavily in R&D and engineering to sustain technology leadership.

As the Director of Engineering, you will lead early-stage innovation for automated machinery and automation systems, including concept development, research, experimentation, and proof-of-concept validation. The role focuses on new product and technology exploration while supporting Design to Cost and Design to Value initiatives, bridging research with future engineering applications.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary R&D team; manage resources, budgets, external partnerships, and intellectual property generation in line with strategic priorities and governance.
• Identify, evaluate, and mature new machine architectures, mechanisms, and enabling technologies that provide sustainable competitive advantage.
• Translate business strategy and market trends into structured research programs, proof‑of‑concept initiatives, and advanced concept development in automated machinery and mechatronics.
• Drive early‑stage feasibility studies, simulations, lab testing, and prototyping, assessing technical risk, maturity, and value to support go/no‑go decisions and transitions to Engineering or Product Development.
• Apply Design‑to‑Value and Design‑to‑Cost principles to optimize performance, cost, and lifecycle value, partnering with sourcing, manufacturing, and commercial teams.
• Act as the primary interface between R&D, Engineering, Marketing, and Product Management to ensure effective transfer of validated concepts, research insights, and design principles.

Candidate Profile

• Min. 10 years of experience in R&D, advanced engineering, or technology leadership within automation, packaging machinery, industrial equipment, or complex engineered systems.
• Strong technical foundation in mechanical systems, mechatronics, automation, or related engineering disciplines.
• Proven success leading early-stage innovation, concept development, and technology maturation from research to application.
• Demonstrated impact driving Design‑to‑Cost and Design‑to‑Value initiatives in industrial product environments.
• Experience operating in matrixed, global organizations, with a strong track record of building high‑performing teams, leading external partnerships, and influencing cross‑functional stakeholders through clear strategic communication.

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please reach out with your CV: Rafael.alvarado@pacific-international.com