Main purpose of the role:

Provide overall Engineering & Maintenance functional leadership and oversight of machine/utility/technology-related objectives for Ambient operations.

• Provide overall Engineering & Maintenance functional leadership and oversight of machine / utility / technology-related objectives for Ambient operations.
• Strategic direction: Drive strategic & tactical decisions for Ambient Engineering & Maintenance and align resources to deliver key functional objectives in alignment with TU strategic goals.
• Production technology innovation: Shape development and implementation of engineering solutions to improve and innovate production process, achieve sustainable / environmental goals and/or support new product / existing product change designs.
• Common engineering standards: Ensure engineering and maintenance standards and set-up protocols as well as ensure standardization of machines, equipment, tools and utilities where cost-feasible.
• Capital project management: Oversee planning and execution of capital projects to ensure technical, quality, regulatory and budget requirements are met.
• Effective maintenance: Maximize reliability and effectiveness through enforcing effective maintenance, repairs and overhauls practices while optimizing for cost.
• People and leadership: Motivate, lead and challenge team members to reach / exceed targets and objectives. Improve and sustain employee engagement scores to be within the top quartile. Develop strong internal leadership pipeline and set positive working culture with teams across Thai Union.

Key accountabilities:

1. Set strategic direction

• Review and approve overall technology roadmap and engineering and maintenance initiatives in line with TU strategic goals.
• Review and approve budget for engineering and maintenance OPEX, CAPEX and related improvement initiatives.
• Review and approve Ambient Engineering & Maintenance and Plant Maintenance KPIs and targets.
• Promote best-practices and knowledge sharing related to engineering and maintenance across Ambient operations.

2. Production technology innovation

• Oversee design of engineering solutions to improve and innovate production process (e.g., productivity, cost, reliability, etc.), achieve sustainable / environmental goals (e.g., zero-discharge, zero-waste, etc.), and/or support product innovation / new product designs / existing product change designs
• Support implementation of engineering solutions through internal coordination with relevant stakeholders (e.g., CAPEX investments, Factory of the Future collaboration, zero-discharge / zero-waste, etc.)
• Facilitate deployment of suitable capability building programs across plants as necessary
• Support deployment / implementation of engineering improvement initiative across Ambient operations.

3. Common engineering standards

• Oversee setting of engineering standards (e.g., technical specs, tolerances, necessary regulatory documents/certifications, etc.) and set-up protocols for machines, equipment and tools.
• Oversee setting of standard processes to conduct preventive maintenance, autonomous maintenance, repairs and overhauls and related protocols.
• Review and approve overall Ambient BU capital project standards (e.g., minimum NPV, social / environmental impact, accounting standards / useful life, etc.) and stage-gate process for capital project delivery.
• Review and monitor compliance to global ESG standards and commitments in conjunction with SHE (i.e., energy systems, emission and wastewater treatment) and ensure each plant’s compliance to local laws.
• Oversee and monitor engineering audits and process / equipment testing to ensure compliance.
• Support standardization of machines, tools and technology platforms to ensure operational consistency where cost-feasible.

4. Capital project management

• Participate in concept development, feasibility study and project planning.
• Provide technical support throughout project design and execution.
• Support governance of stage-gate process to deliver fit-for-purpose projects (technical, quality, regulatory and budget requirements).
• Oversee coordination with SHE, Sustainability, Facilities Management and other relevant functions to ensure projects obtain required permits and meet regulatory requirements and compliance.
• Monitor project progress and report to upper management as required.
• Ensure implementation of risk-based approach throughout the project lifecycle.
• Oversee bidding and selection process of construction & engineering contractors.

5. Effective maintenance

• Review recommendation on and approve in-house vs. outsource decisions on critical maintenance activities
• Ensure maintenance practices and protocols are being followed across plants
• Monitor maintenance budget and guide maintenance cost reduction initiatives
• Oversee spare parts usage to ensure budget and standards adherence and avoid leakages
• Provide expertise to improve maintenance effectiveness and resolve maintenance issues
• Oversee assets management (e.g., movements, write-offs, transfers, and registrations)

6. People and leadership

• Embody a strong culture of collaboration by fostering an environment of open communication and teamwork.
• Identify high potential talents and coach teams to fully leverage talent of the team.
• Drive to improve career development paths & performance mgmt. to enhance team motivation and retain quality talent.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning and development to enhance employee skills and competencies.
• Manage people budget for the Ambient Engineering & Maintenance, in collaboration with HR.

Desired candidate profile:

• Ability to lead and motivate teams, build a diverse and trust-based leadership team, and develop local talent.
• Displays proficiency in engineering principles, maintenance practices and project management with the capability to identify and analyze complex problems and develop effective solutions.
• Ability to identify and implement new technologies and best practices to develop and improve manufacturing processes, machines, tools, equipment and utilities.
• Demonstrates strategic thinking and ability to develop / prioritize long-term plans for improving manufacturing processes, equipment, and utilities while maintaining compliance with safety, quality and regulatory standards.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively convey technical information to team members, stakeholders, and upper management.
• Strong interpersonal skills to foster a culture of collaboration and effectively drive cross-functional projects.