Global Head of Engineering

Magnera's purpose is to better the world with new possibilities made real. For more than 160 years, the originating companies have delivered the material solutions their partners need to thrive. Through economic upheaval, global pandemics and changing end-user needs, they have consistently found ways to solve problems and exceed expectations. By bringing together these legacy companies, the distinct scale and comprehensive portfolio of products will bring customers more materials and choices. With a combined legacy of resilience, Magnera will build personal partnerships that withstand an ever-changing world.

The Global Head of Engineering a transformative leader responsible for shaping and executing the company’s global engineering strategy across a complex global network of nonwoven, films and specialty manufacturing facilities. This role drives operational excellence, innovation, and long-term asset performance through strategic capital planning, advanced automation, reliability engineering, and digital transformation. As a key member of the Global Operations and Business Transformation leadership team, the role influences enterprise-wide decisions and ensures engineering capabilities are aligned with business growth, operations sustainability, and customer expectations.

Capital Strategy & Asset Optimization

• Lead the global strategic capital process, overseeing multi-million dollar investments in equipment, infrastructure, and technology.
• Align capital deployment with business priorities, innovation roadmaps, and sustaining targets.
• Ensure rigorous governance, ROI tracking, and post-project evaluation across all capital initiatives.

Maintenance Excellence & Reliability

• Drive global standards for asset management, maintenance excellence, and reliability-centered operations.
• Champion predictive analytics, condition monitoring, and root cause analysis to maximize uptime and reduce cost.
• Embed reliability engineering into design, commissioning, and lifecycle planning.

Automation, Robotics & Smart Manufacturing

• Spearhead enterprise-wide automation strategy, including robotics, process controls, and intelligent systems.
• Integrate OT/IT platforms to enable real-time visibility, adaptive control, and autonomous operations.
• Lead deployment of smart factory technologies including IoT, AI/ML, etc. 

Digital Transformation & Innovation

• Architect the digitalization roadmap for engineering and manufacturing, enabling data-driven decision-making and operational agility.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deploy and leverage MES, CMMS, and advanced analytics platforms and capabilities.
• Foster a culture of innovation through pilot programs, technology scouting, and strategic partnerships. 

OEM & Vendor Ecosystem Leadership

• Build and manage strategic relationships with OEMs, automation vendors, and technology partners to support global approach and leveraging scale.
• Participate in definition and negotiation of global contracts, co-develop solutions, and ensure vendor alignment with performance, safety, and sustainability standards.  

Process & Equipment Technology Leadership

• Oversee global process technology strategy, ensuring equipment capabilities support product innovation and market differentiation.
• Define objectives and monitor progress with Global Networks to drive implementation of Best Known Methods, benchmarking opportunities,  and identified improvement initiatives  with clear scorecards and impact translation.
• Partner with R&D and operations to scale new technologies and optimize manufacturing platforms.

Organization Competency and Talent Development

• Define and implement a global engineering competency framework aligned with future-ready manufacturing capabilities.
• Build technical career paths, training programs, and certification models to upskill engineering talent.
• Mentor and develop high-potential engineers and technical leaders across regions.
• Promote a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Partner with HR to integrate engineering skill development into enterprise talent strategy.

 Global Leadership & Collaboration

• Build and lead a high-performing global engineering team with strong technical and leadership capabilities.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and commercial teams to align engineering priorities.
• Represent engineering in executive forums and contribute to strategic planning.
• Travel: approximately 25%
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor or advanced degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical). MBA a plus,
• 15+ years of progressive engineering leadership in large-scale manufacturing, preferably in nonwovens, films, polymers, or advanced materials.
• Proven success in leading global capital portfolios, automation programs, and digital transformation initiatives.
• Deep expertise in asset management, reliability engineering, and smart manufacturing technologies.
• Strong executive presence, strategic thinking, and cross-functional collaboration skills balanced with hands on approach.
• Experience managing global teams, matrixed organization and equipment vendors across multiple regions.
• Experience in Airlaid, Spunbond, Inclined Wire, Blown and Cast Films, Film Printing, Needle punch, Roll Handling, Winding/Slitting, Automated Packaging and Warehousing, and/or Robotics desired.