Position Title:  Senior Substrates Engineering Lead

Be a part of a revolutionary change 

Times are changing at PMI. We’ve chosen to do something big. The world expects us to act responsibly. And we are doing just that by transforming our business and building our future on one clear purpose – to deliver a smoke-free future. 

This transformation will revolutionize every area of our business. The products we sell. Where we sell them. How they’re manufactured and delivered. The way we talk to our customers and engage with society. 

It’s the perfect place to start your career. As you take your first steps, you’ll have the backing of a multinational business combined with the freedom of a start-up. You’ll bring a positive mindset and fresh perspective to projects that can make a huge difference to so many.   

Roles and Objectives

As our next Senior Substrates Engineering Lead, you will be responsible for defining and deploying a comprehensive E2E (End-to-End) technology development strategy for Substrates. This strategy aims to create economies of scale, accelerate the design and adoption of cutting-edge technologies, and deliver product superiority with agility through faster innovation cycles.

Leading the development and industrialization of new prototyping/manufacturing equipment, you will ensure new product launches, capacity expansion, and productivity. Excellence in manufacturing performance will be driven by introducing new technologies to improve margins and RCV. Equipment specifications will be defined and owned, OEM performance enhanced, and PMI's sustainability journey supported with innovative technical solutions.

This role offers a unique opportunity to oversee the entire product lifecycle, from early development stages to the deployment and enhancement of manufacturing systems, across the full PMI product portfolio.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Manage definition and own the SFP (Smoke Free Product) & CC (Conventional Cigarettes) equipment specifications to purchase the manufacturing equipment capable of fulfilling PMI product & process requirement;
• Be accountable for the technology development/selection for new SFP & CC of the semi-industrial and industrial solution from early stage (Innovation Gate) until validation in manufacturing (G7)
• Define and improve manufacturing equipment standards (URS, FAT, CAT protocol) worldwide for the first industrial configurations;
• Identify and improve the equipment to eliminate chronical losses on CC & SFP equipment to optimize SVC, maintenance cost and to reduce complexity of product evolution and machine transfer;
• Develop and define business justifications, project scope, work packages, and risk analysis. Lead multi-disciplinary teams and manage high CAPEX budgets. Ensure project execution and reporting align with PMI standards.
• Lead the introduction of new manufacturing equipment/standards at all PMI affiliates to fulfill the capacity plans;
• Train, direct, coach and motivate the multicultural /multidisciplinary project teams towards successful project results.

Who we’re looking for 

• College/University Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Chemical, Material, Food Processing Engineering / Equivalent;
• 6-10 years of experience in a multinational environment, preferably in Project Management area in R&D or Production/Engineering with emphasis on process/technology developments/optimization in a cross-functional environment;
• Proven technical skills in fluid bed and spray granulation, liquid/powder handling, dosing and mixing, extrusion, pulping, casting, drying, slitting processes;
• Strong communication skills, enjoying collaborative teamwork and dealing with ambiguity;
• Independent self-starter, pragmatic and analytical who can handle multiple priorities/projects in a dynamic and inclusive environment;
• Strong understanding of the manufacturing digital transformation trends;
• Business acumen and understanding of financial impacts;
• Proven Project management capabilities in previous experiences, ideally with Prince2/PMP/Six Sigma certification;
• Knowledge of URS preparation, Process Characterization, GMP, FAT, CAT, SAT protocols, Design to Value, and supplier relations;
• Knowledge of WCM methodologies for FMCG (Open+ and similar);
• Proficiency in English is mandatory and will be tested throughout the interview process.

Type of contract: Permanent

Work location: Crespellano, Bologna

Our success depends on our talented employees who come to work here every single day with a sense of purpose and an appetite for progress. Join PMI and you too can:  

• Seize the freedom to shape your future and ours. We’ll empower you to take risks, experiment and explore.  

• Be part of an inclusive, diverse culture, where everyone’s contribution is respected; collaborate with some of the world’s best people and feel like you belong.   

• Pursue your ambitions and develop your skills with a global business –our staggering size and scale provides endless opportunities to progress.  

• Take pride in delivering our promise to society: to deliver a smoke-free future.  

PMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.