Danone Specialized Nutrition is launching a major greenfield investment to build a next‑generation liquid nutrition facility, requiring state‑of‑the‑art HVAC, high‑care environmental control, clean utility distribution, and building services to support aseptic and high‑hygiene production.

The Utilities Lead is responsible for leading the end‑to‑end HVAC and building utilities scope of the project, including design oversight, installation management, commissioning, qualification, and handover to operations. This role ensures that all HVAC and clean‑environment systems are delivered safely, on time, in full, and meet the stringent requirements of Specialized Nutrition production environments.

The role acts as the technical authority for HVAC, cleanrooms, ventilation, air handling units (AHUs), pressure zoning, filtration, humidity/temperature control, and associated building utilities throughout project execution.

You will work closely with EPCM partners, HVAC consultants, OEMs, and cross‑functional internal teams to ensure the facility meets Danone’s expectations for hygiene zoning, environmental control, energy efficiency, and regulatory compliance, enabling a smooth start‑up and long‑term reliable operation.

As part of the plant’s project leadership team, you will contribute to strategic and operational decisions throughout the project lifecycle. You will be responsible for technical execution, commissioning readiness, timeline management, and CAPEX oversight for process‑related packages. Beyond project delivery, this role provides an excellent pathway for internal development into broader engineering or operations leadership positions within Danone

1. Technical Leadership – HVAC & Utilities

• Serve as the technical owner for the HVAC and building services package, including AHUs, chillers, boilers, air compressors, exhaust systems, and clean utilities.
• Ensure HVAC design meets Danone’s hygiene zoning, pressure cascade, temperature/humidity control, and cleanroom standards.
• Lead technical reviews (URS, FDS, drawings, layouts, zoning maps, calculations).

2. Project Execution & Commissioning

• Lead HVAC installation, integration, commissioning, and qualification (IQ/OQ).
• Oversee execution of:
• • AHUs and ducting systems
  • HEPA filtration and air cleanliness validation
  • Cleanroom/HVAC zoning pressure testing
  • Environmental monitoring and balancing
  • Chilled water, glycol, steam, and compressed air interfaces
• Drive FAT/SAT, performance testing, and final environmental qualification.
• Troubleshoot HVAC performance issues during construction, commissioning, and start‑up.

3. Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Operations, Quality, EHS, R&I, Maintenance, and Engineering to ensure rooms meet environmental and hygienic requirements.
• Collaborate with EPCM partners and HVAC consultants for sequencing, tie‑ins, layout conflicts, and commissioning plans.
• Support Utility and Automation teams on interdependent systems (BMS, SCADA, EMS).

4. CAPEX Management & Governance

• Manage HVAC CAPEX package scope, planning, and reporting.
• Provide technical input into cost/forecast accuracy, schedule adherence, and risk registers.
• Support change control and ensure all HVAC changes are fully assessed and documented.

5. Procurement & Supplier Management

• Lead technical aspects of tenders for HVAC and utility systems (URS, SoW, technical bid evaluations, clarifications).
• Partner with Regional Engineering and C&P (CAPEX Procurement) for supplier selection and contract alignment.
• Manage OEM/vendor deliverables for documentation, training, spare parts, and commissioning.

6. Standards, Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with:
• • Danone Engineering Standards
  • GMP/HACCP and hygiene zoning rules
  • Cleanroom and environmental control guidelines
  • Local/European mechanical and ventilation regulations
• Embed Safety by Design principles across installation and commissioning.

7. Operational Readiness & Handover

• Develop/approve HVAC‑related SOPs, environmental control procedures, PM plans, and spare parts lists.
• Support the creation of utilities master data in CMMS.
• Ensure full technical handover to Operations and Maintenance, including training and validated documentation.

8. Reporting & Decision Support

• Provide structured updates to the Project Director on HVAC progress, risks, commissioning readiness, and mitigation plans.
• Provide technical insights to support strategic and operational decision‑making throughout project phases.

Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Building Services Engineering, HVAC Engineering, or related discipline

• 5+ years HVAC/utilities engineering experience in food, beverage, dairy, pharmaceutical, or nutrition manufacturing.

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  Strong experience with HVAC for high‑hygiene or cleanroom environments.

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  Proven track record delivering HVAC/utility packages in greenfield or brownfield CAPEX projects.

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  Experience collaborating with suppliers, contractors, and external engineering firms.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Clear communication with technical and non‑technical stakeholders
• Strong cross-functional collaboration
• Ability to influence partners and suppliers
• Effective problem‑solving under commissioning/start‑up pressure
• Commitment to safety and quality culture

Technical: 

• HVAC and mechanical utilities design and execution
• HVAC commissioning, balancing, and environmental qualification
• Interpretation of drawings, schematics, and models
• Troubleshooting HVAC/utility system performance
• Familiarity with project management and CAPEX processes

Danone is a large, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company with market leading brands across four divisions: Essential Dairy and Plant Based Products, Waters, Specialised Nutrition and Medical Nutrition. Specialised Nutrition offers nutritional solutions with the shared goal of improving the health and well-being of vulnerable individuals, from the first day of pregnancy into old age. We are looking for high calibre, dedicated and experienced personnel to complement our existing workforce.

At Danone we are passionate in our commitment to sustainability with the belief in building a healthier future through food. Our eating and drinking choices have an impact on our own health, the health of our society and the health of our planet. 

Ensuring an inclusive working culture that is accessible to all is important to us. Danone Infant Nutrition Macroom is an Equal Opportunities Employer. 

Please note, owing to the high volume of applications we receive, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.