Summary

We are seeking a versatile and dynamic Deputy Engineering Director to lead engineering operations in the Asia-Pacific region. This role requires a candidate who is skilled in managing complex projects, designing equipment, and leading a small but high-performing team. The successful candidate will play a key role in aligning engineering objectives with broader business goals while ensuring the successful delivery of projects within time, budget, and quality constraints.

The Deputy Engineering Director must have a broad skill set that spans project management, equipment design, financial management, and people leadership. This position offers a unique opportunity to work in a rapidly evolving environment, where flexibility and cross-functional expertise are essential. 

Responsibilities

• Oversee all engineering-related activities in the Asia-Pacific region, including project management, equipment design, financial oversight, and team leadership.

• Support the Regional Engineering Director in aligning engineering operations with organizational objectives and strategic goals.

• Act as a key player in delivering projects on time, within budget, and to high-quality standards while managing cross-functional teams and resources.

• Serve as a central point of contact for engineering matters, ensuring strong collaboration between internal teams, clients, suppliers, and regulatory bodies.

• Engineering Leadership:

1. Provide strategic direction and technical expertise to the engineering team across the Asia-Pacific region.
2. Ensure that engineering operations align with the company's long-term vision, ensuring scalability and efficiency.

• Project Management:

1. Oversee project planning, execution, and delivery for multiple engineering projects simultaneously.
2. Manage timelines, budgets, and resources to meet project goals while mitigating risks.
3. Coordinate with cross-functional teams including production, supply chain and finance to ensure project success.

• Equipment & System Design:

1. Lead the design, development, and optimization of industrial equipment and systems in line with industry standards and regulations.
2. Collaborate with internal teams to implement engineering solutions that improve production processes and efficiency.

• Financial & Cost Management:

1. Manage engineering budgets and cost estimations for both CAPEX and OPEX.
2. Track project expenses and provide financial reporting to senior management.

• People & Performance Management:

1. Lead, mentor, and support the professional development of the engineering team.
2. Conduct regular performance evaluations and build a high-performing team culture.

• Stakeholder Engagement & Communication:

1. Maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including clients, suppliers, and regulatory bodies.
2. Provide updates to senior management on project progress, risks, and mitigation strategies.

• Compliance & Safety:

1. Ensure that all engineering activities comply with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
2. Promote a safety-first culture within the engineering team and on all projects.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, or related field).
• Master’s degree in engineering or MBA preferred.

Required Qualifications:

• At least 10+ years of progressive experience in engineering roles, particularly in project management, equipment design, and team leadership.
• Proven experience managing complex industrial projects in the Asia-Pacific region.
• Extensive knowledge of regional engineering standards, safety codes, and regulations.
• Demonstrated expertise in financial management, including budgeting, cost estimation, and resource allocation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in multicultural, cross-functional teams.
• Experience in capital project management in manufacturing or heavy industry is highly desirable.
• Professional certifications such as PMP, PE, or equivalent are an advantage.

Profile and skills: 

• Strong leadership skills, capable of managing a small, multidisciplinary team effectively.
• Technical proficiency in equipment design, industrial processes, and project execution.
• Strong financial acumen, with the ability to manage budgets and optimize costs.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with fluency in English. Knowledge of regional languages is a plus.
• Adaptable, able to work in high-pressure environments, and able to solve complex problems quickly and efficiently.
• Strong negotiation and stakeholder management abilities.
  

Work Environment:

• The role involves working in both office and industrial environments, often requiring travel across the Asia-Pacific region to oversee projects and meet with clients, suppliers, and stakeholders.
• The candidate must be comfortable managing remote teams, addressing engineering challenges on-site, and handling occasional high-pressure situations to ensure timely project delivery.

Knauf – From Family Business to Corporate Family

Founded in 1932, Knauf is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of construction materials for interior design, building insulation, and design ceilings. Knauf plants across the globe produce state-of-the-art drywall systems, plasters, and insulating materials as well as external thermal insulation composite systems. Moreover, paints, flowing screeds and flooring-systems, as well as machines and tools for the application of these products round off our portfolio. The Knauf Group invests substantially each year in the development and modernisation of manufacturing plants, and the training and further education of its employees.

Serving Customers Worldwide

The Knauf Group continues to operate as a family business and is present in over 90 countries with over 80 raw materials processing plants and over 300 manufacturing plants on five continents. Knauf systems simplify planning and construction on a global scale, offering comprehensive solutions and quality assurance. In many countries, the name Knauf is synonymous with gypsum. The Group is managed by the general partners Alexander Knauf, Jörg Kampmeyer, and Dr Uwe Knotzer. In 2021, Knauf employed 40,000 employees worldwide and generated sales of 12.6 billion Euros.

Designing the Rooms of Tomorrow

Innovation and the integration of technological innovations are the cornerstones of our business strategy. With high quality products, Knauf continuously sets new standards to make the construction and modernisation of buildings better, more efficient, and more sustainable. Coordinated systems impress with their cost-effectiveness, high levels of fire resistance and sound insulation, as well as the highest energy efficiency, and a diverse range of design choices.

High Quality Solutions for all Aspects of Construction

Modern construction must meet complex requirements. Key energy performance management must synergise with ventilation and illumination as well as design. The increasing implementation of technology calls for integral planning processes and new forms of space creation. Accordingly, Knauf offers premium solutions in drywall construction. As a reliable partner, the Knauf Group supports customers with well-founded know-how, and exceptional service – from local housing construction to superlative architecture worldwide.