Offer details
OPERATIONS & PROJECT ENGINEER
Location: RUSE, BULGARIA (On-site, 5 days/week)
Reporting To: Plant Manager (International Scope)
Industry: Food Manufacturing / Agribusiness (Sunflower & Grain Processing)
Languages: Bulgarian & English (Mandatory), Italian (Strong Plus)
ABOUT THE COMPANY & THE OPPORTUNITY
Our client is a dynamic, rapidly expanding international group specialized in the food processing sector, supplying high-quality products to the European market. Having successfully transformed its production plant from a start-up phase into a robust 2-shift manufacturing site, the company is experiencing solid growth (scaling from 20 to 30+ employees).
The Legacy & Future Blueprint: This position offers a unique, fast-track succession opportunity. The successful candidate will directly shadow and work alongside the resident Facility Manager—one of the original co-owners who knows the plant from A to Z.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Operations & Project Engineer will provide daily operational support to the Plant Manager and the local facility management team. We are looking for an agile, proactive professional with a few years of experience in manufacturing and a strong project management mindset. This is a role for an autonomous professional who can take ownership, make decisions, and drive processes forward without requiring constant supervision.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Daily Operations & Leadership Support: Partner daily with the management team to coordinate manufacturing activities, optimize processes, and provide regular daily updates to the cross-country Plant Manager.
- Knowledge Transfer & Succession: Work closely with the current senior Facility Manager to master the plant's production layout, technical engineering, and operational workflows from A to Z.
- Continuous Improvement & Digitalization: Plan, execute, and monitor projects aimed at continuous improvement, plant efficiency, and the integration of new digital tools.
- Data Analysis & Performance Tracking: Gather and analyze technical and production data to identify bottlenecks, propose technical solutions, and create action plans.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Team up with the Quality Manager (leading the lab and quality team), maintenance, and production staff to guarantee maximum safety, reliability, and operational continuity.
- On-field Project Management: Supervise external contractors and technical suppliers on-site, tracking project advancement (SAL / Progress Reports) and verifying that technical specifications are met.
REQUIREMENTS & PROFILE
- Education: Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electronic, Electrical, Industrial, or equivalent technical background). A purely chemical background is not strictly required.
- Experience: A few years of hands-on experience in a structured manufacturing environment (this is not an entry-level position; candidates should have solid process awareness).
- Languages: Full professional proficiency in Bulgarian and English is mandatory. Fluency or good knowledge of Italian is considered a powerful asset.
- Soft Skills: * Strong decision-making capabilities, sense of responsibility, and autonomy.
- Excellent interpersonal skills to lead floor operators and interact effectively with international corporate management.
- Flexibility and enthusiasm to grow within an expanding and evolving organizational structure.
WHAT THE COMPANY OFFERS
- A highly strategic role with a clear path toward structural site leadership.
- Unique mentorship by an industry veteran and former plant owner.
- A vibrant, growing environment with exposure to international corporate dynamics (Bulgaria, Spain, Italy).
- Occasional international travel (1-2 times a year to Italy).