Alexander Steele is supporting a major FMCG/Food & Beverage organisation in Dubai with the appointment of an Engineering Manager – Automation. This role is integral to ensuring high levels of reliability, performance and safety across a large, highly automated manufacturing and logistics environment.

The ideal candidate will have strong automation engineering leadership experience, a proven track record in the FMCG or Food & Beverage sector, and the capability to lead teams within a 24/7 operational setting.

You must have the right to work in the UAE and be able to communicate in fluent, professional English. Relocation support is available for candidates currently outside the UAE.

Key Responsibilities

Automation Leadership

Lead and develop automation teams across a fast-paced production and logistics environment.
Oversee the performance, reliability and optimisation of automated systems (control systems, conveyors, automated storage, materials handling, robotics, etc.).
Ensure rapid response and structured problem-solving for automation-related breakdowns, faults and system issues.
Drive continuous improvement, adopting new technologies and enhancing system capability.

Engineering Management

Plan, execute and oversee preventative and predictive maintenance across automation and electrical systems.
Ensure compliance with internal standards, regulatory requirements and health & safety processes.
Maintain high uptime performance, supporting production and operational delivery.
Work closely with cross-functional teams including production, supply chain, quality and planning.

Technical Expertise

Skilled in industrial control systems (PLC-based environments), SCADA/supervisory systems and plant automation networks.
Experienced in troubleshooting industrial electrical and electronic equipment.
Capable of reviewing system architecture, control logic and automation workflows.

People Leadership

Provide coaching, guidance and development for engineering and automation specialists.
Build a high-performance culture centred on safety, accountability and operational excellence.
Manage manpower planning, shift coverage and team allocation.

Operational Requirements

Work within a rotational shift pattern (details shared during the process).
Support 24/7 operations as required, ensuring coverage across the full engineering function.

Experience & Qualifications

Essential

Minimum 7 years’ experience in automation, engineering management or advanced manufacturing operations.
FMCG or Food & Beverage manufacturing experience is essential.
Strong understanding of automated production lines, materials handling systems or integrated automation platforms.
Experience leading multi-skilled engineering teams.
Demonstrated ability to work under pressure in a high-speed, high-volume environment.
Right to work in the UAE (mandatory).
Fluent professional English (spoken and written).

Preferred

Degree in Electrical, Electronics, Automation, Mechatronics or related engineering discipline.
Exposure to continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, TPM, Six Sigma).
Experience within large-scale FMCG manufacturing plants.

What’s Offered

Competitive tax-free salary package.
Relocation support for candidates moving to the UAE.
Flights, accommodation support and onboarding assistance are available depending on the candidate.
Opportunity to join a major regional organisation investing heavily in automation and engineering excellence.