Nestlè Purina PetCare - Project Engineer Filling & Retorts (Greenfield Project) - Mantova (IT, 46100)

At Purina we are committed to create richer lives for pets and the people who love them, providing high quality nutrition for cats and dogs and doing more of what matters for pets, people and planet.

Position Snapshot

• Nestlé Purina Italy, Greenfield Project Mantova

• Permanent and full-time role

• Nestlé welcomes people with disabilities

• Manufacturing projects management “making it happen”: around 3 years of experience in capital investment project development and implementation in the food industry is an advantage.

• Experience managing own project scope with minimum supervision and coordinating cross-functional internal and external stakeholders.

• Successful participation in one or more projects in Filling & Packing technology areas is a value-add, including exposure to HFFS machines, dosing units, automatic handling systems or sterilizers where relevant to the assigned scope.

• Proficiency in written and spoken English is mandatory; knowledge of Italian is an advantage.

• CompensationPackage: CCNL Industria Alimentare, Impiegato 1° Livello, Annual Base Salary: €57.500 + 7% Annual bonus.

Position Summary Responsible for the design integration, installation and start-up activities of capital investment projects within the assigned Filling & Packing scope or technical specialisation, ensuring that the scope, design specifications, Nestlé standards and local regulations are implemented and adhered to. The role covers preparation of technical designs, User Requirement Specifications, project schedules, cost estimates, installation, testing and commissioning activities for filling and packing equipment, line integration and related controls / automation requirements, while monitoring progress, resolving operational issues, minimising delays and escalating risks when needed. Within the Filling & Packing area, you will support the integration of packaging equipment, operational line performance, sterilization-related requirements, validation protocols, local compliance requirements for pressurized vessels and digital integration requirements from design through commissioning and ramp-up. Depending on project allocation, support may focus on assigned technical packages related to HFFS machines, dosing units, automatic handling systems or sterilizers.

A Day in the Life of a Project Engineer Filling & Retorts: 1. Before project design phase:

• Support the Project Leader - Filling & Packing and the Manufacturing PEM in developing the investment project charter and ensuring it is strictly followed throughout the project.

• Prepare technical design inputs, project controls, timing assumptions and cost estimates for the assigned Filling & Packing scope.

• Define technical requirements for the machines and systems within the assigned Filling & Packing area and collect the information and resources necessary to execute the project scope. 2. During project design phase:

• Execute and / or contribute to the basic and detailed design of the assigned Filling & Packing scope based on Nestlé Corporate Business Principles, Nestlé standards, local regulations, approved User Requirement Specifications and TPM characteristics of a unit operation: safety, quality, affordability, maintainability, operability and reliability.

• Ensure by design the safety of workers and operators during construction, commissioning and ongoing plant operation.

• Develop or contribute to the line URS and ensure alignment with equipment integration, packaging quality, performance criteria, operability requirements and the technical requirements related to Filling & Packing machines.

• Ensure that validation protocols and local requirements for pressurized vessels are considered where applicable, and that success criteria are correctly defined for FAT, SAT, start-up documentation and line acceptance. 3. During project implementation phase:

• Ensure that the engineering side of the assigned Filling & Packing scope is implemented in accordance with the defined timing, cost, quality, approved URS and line requirements.

• Ensure that filling and packing equipment are implemented in accordance with timing, cost, quality, URS and line requirements, including applicable sterilization-process and pressurized-vessel compliance requirements.

• Coordinate suppliers, contractors and technical reviews for Filling & Packing equipment installation, controls interfaces, testing preparation and commissioning activities related to the assigned scope.

• Ensure all suppliers are trained on SHE and that machinery safety checks, validation readiness and line readiness are guaranteed during installation and commissioning.

• Maintain and regularly update action plans, schedules, risk analysis, technical review records and budget follow-up for the assigned scope, escalating immediately when scope, timing, cost, technical compliance, sterilization-related requirements or line readiness are at risk. 4. During start-up and the whole project life:

• Support the Operations / Start-Up team during qualification, verification, commissioning and handover to ensure a smooth transition to operations and achievement of project success criteria.

• Support the Operations / Start-Up Leader during line start-up and ramp-up, including readiness of validation protocols, sterilization-related requirements and robustness of product orders propagation through DMO.

• Ensure all required machinery and engineering documentation is delivered on time and with the required quality for handover, STD creation and operational readiness.

• Contribute to the engineering project final report, support PDA / lessons learned activities and provide feedback to design and maintenance prevention systems.

• Throughout the project life, promote environmentally friendly and sustainable solutions and maintain disciplined technical reporting, issue follow-up and stakeholder communication within the assigned Filling & Packing scope.

What else will make you successful?

• Factory operations exposure, preferably within filling, packing, line integration or related manufacturing technologies.

• Experience proactively applying SHE requirements and risk-prevention methods to foster a zero-harm workplace and protect people and equipment.

• Experience with FAT / SAT / commissioning / qualification and handover activities is an advantage.

• Experience with financial follow-up, project controls, reporting and action management is an advantage.

• Experience with sterilization-related requirements, validation protocols and local compliance needs for pressurized vessels is an advantage.

• Operational understanding of product orders propagation through DMO is an asset for the role.

What we offer? At Nestlé we believe that success is driven by people. That’s why we offer a well-rounded benefits package designed to support well-being, growth, and quality of life:

• Work-life balance – flexible working arrangements and hybrid options

• Continuous learning – access to training, certifications, and development programs

• Health & well-being – private health insurance and wellness initiatives

• Corporate welfare – flexible benefits platform

• Career growth – internal mobility and development opportunities

• Inclusive culture – collaborative and people-first environment.

What does it mean working at Purina? At Purina, we’ve worked hard to create a high-performing and caring environment where everyone belongs, and where everyone can push themselves. When you join our mission to create richer lives for pets, the people who love them and the planet we share, you’ll find lots of opportunities to develop your skills, knowledge and expertise, both at Purina and across the wider Nestlé community. You’ll become part of a passionate and successful international team who, as industry pioneers and leaders in their field, are continually striving for better. Who feel safe and supported to challenge, to experiment, to drive change and to be their true selves at work. We’re committed to ensuring the whole team can experience the power of Purina, pushing their limits and realising their full potential. That’s the Power of Purina. Are you ready to discover what’s possible?

Kindly submit your CV in English to be considered for this role.