Projects Engineering Manager - Electrical & Automation (E&A)

About the Role:

We are looking for a highly skilled Projects Engineering Manager – Electrical & Automation (E&A) to lead the electrical, automation, OT cybersecurity, networking, and MES project portfolio across Barry Callebaut's LATAM manufacturing operations. Based in Extrema, Brazil, this role will act as the regional subject matter expert, driving technical excellence and standardized execution of capital projects while ensuring safe, efficient, and future-ready manufacturing systems. Reporting to the Regional Senior Engineering Manager, you will play a key role in delivering complex engineering projects across Brazil, Chile and Ecuador.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Lead the Electrical, Automation, Instrumentation, and MES scope for regional CapEx projects and major plant investments.

• Define and oversee detailed engineering activities, including power distribution, PLC/SCADA architecture, OT networks, field instrumentation, and safety systems.

• Ensure compliance with Barry Callebaut's global E&A, MES, and OT Cybersecurity standards.

• Manage automation of suppliers, system integrators, contractors, and engineering partners throughout project execution and commissioning.

• Develop technical specifications, RFQs, and tender documentation while supporting procurement and vendor selection activities.

• Drive budget planning, cost control, and financial tracking for the regional E&A project portfolio.

• Support operations and maintenance teams with troubleshooting, system lifecycle management, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Integrate energy efficiency and sustainability solutions into project designs to support long-term operational excellence.

Scope:

• Regional responsibility for manufacturing facilities in Brazil (Extrema, Ilhéus, Itabuna) and Chile (Paine). and Ecuador.

• Support all industrial operations across Chocolate and Cocoa manufacturing units.

• Provide technical leadership for Electrical & Automation design and execution across regional capital investment projects.

• Travel approximately 20% to 40% across LATAM sites during key project phases, including commissioning, FAT/SAT testing, and plant start-ups.

About You:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation & Control Engineering, Mechatronics, Electronic Engineering, or a related field.

• Minimum of 10 7 years of experience in industrial automation, electrical power distribution, and control systems within manufacturing environments.

• Strong hands-on expertise with PLC, HMI, SCADA, industrial communication networks, and OT cybersecurity frameworks.

• Proven track record delivering large-scale industrial CapEx projects on time and within budget.

• Experience working across multiple countries and managing external contractors, system integrators, and technical partners.

• Fluent in Portuguese and professionally proficient in English; Spanish is highly desirable.

• An analytical, structured, and collaborative leader with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to influence stakeholders across different cultures and functions.

• Passionate about safety, compliance, innovation, and driving operational excellence in a highly automated manufacturing environment.

Location: Extrema, Minas Gerais, Brazil (On-site)