Job Summary

• We’re recruiting for a Head of Engineering and Site Services to take responsibility for leading and managing all engineering projects and infrastructure maintenance.
• You’ll define & drive the Site Reliability & Compliance Strategy within the Ovaltine Nigeria factory and therefore be pivotal in driving operational efficiency, ensuring technical reliability, executing strategic projects, and creating a safe and effective working environment.
• This role will oversee the full spectrum of engineering and site services, including utilities, facility systems, capital projects, and machinery.

Key Responsibilities
Engineering Project Management:

• Lead and manage all capital and strategic engineering projects as assigned by the Head of Supply, Africa.
• Develop project plans, budgets, risk assessments, and timelines for the execution of machinery installations (including band dryers, packing machines, and new production lines), facility upgrades, utility systems, and infrastructure development.
• Coordinate project stakeholders including internal departments, contractors, and regulatory bodies.
• Ensure timely, cost-effective, and safe project execution that aligns with business objectives.

Engineering Team Leadership:

• Lead, develop, and manage a multidisciplinary engineering team, including project engineers, utilities technicians, maintenance personnel, and contractors.
• Provide technical oversight for all production equipment, with a focus on uptime, performance efficiency, and reliability.
• Ensure proper maintenance and availability of critical production equipment such as band dryers, automated packing machines, conveyors, filling systems, and supporting utility equipment.
• Lead root cause analysis (RCA) and continuous improvement initiatives for machine-related downtimes or performance issues.
• Drive technical excellence, performance management, and continuous improvement within the team.
• Foster a proactive maintenance and reliability culture within the engineering function.

Utilities & Facilities Management:
Oversee the operation and maintenance of all utility systems & facilities including:

• Boilers & steam systems, generator sets etc.
• Air compressors and compressed air systems
• Water treatment and filtration systems
• Plumbing and warm service water
• Chillers, AHUs (Air Handling Units), and cooling towers
• Site & building maintenance, security, cleaning etc.

Site Infrastructure & Building Systems:
Responsible for the effective functioning, maintenance, and compliance of all building systems including:

• Firefighting and fire alarm systems
• Electrical supply and lighting
• HVAC and ventilation systems
• Access control, CCTV, and lightning protection
• Sewerage, drainage, and sanitary facilities
• Structural maintenance and roofing (including solar roof systems)
• Canteen services, drinking water systems, and employee facilities
• Landscape and car park infrastructure.

Cross-Functional Support:

• Provide technical support for New Product Development (NPD), Quality Control (QC), Supply Strategy Planning (SSP), Cost Optimization, Logistics, Warehousing, and HR functions.
• Partner with internal teams to ensure infrastructure supports business operations and innovation.

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight:

• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations including
• Ensure all engineering activities align with corporate governance, sustainability goals, and safety requirements.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (or related field), Master’s degree or MBA is an added advantage.
• Minimum of 15 years progressive experience in engineering and site/facilities management within the FMCG or beverage manufacturing sector.
• At least 5 years in a senior engineering leadership or project management role
• Proven track record of managing large-scale CAPEX projects and multidisciplinary teams.

Technical Skills:

• Strong project management expertise in manufacturing/industrial settings
• Deep knowledge of plant utility systems and infrastructure
• Proficient in engineering design, equipment installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting
• Knowledge of Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) standards and engineering compliance.

Leadership & Managerial Skills:

• Strong team leadership and people development capabilities
• Proven ability to manage multidisciplinary teams
• Excellent organizational and decision-making skills
• Strategic thinking with operational focus
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Analytical and detail-oriented mindset
• Problem-solving and innovation-driven
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities
• Strong interpersonal and cross-functional collaboration abilities.