Regional Engineering Lead - Central Europe
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Regional Engineering Lead to oversee MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) engineering delivery across our Central European banking operations. This senior leadership role requires a proven track record in engineering management within highly regulated financial services environments, with responsibility for driving operational excellence across Hungary, Germany, Luxembourg, and Austria (Vienna/Munich).
The successful candidate will join a team of 30 engineering professionals, ensuring seamless delivery of planned and reactive maintenance activities while maintaining the highest standards of compliance, security, and operational efficiency required in the banking sector.
Key Responsibilities
Regional Leadership & Operations Management
* Provide strategic oversight and operational leadership for engineering teams across Central Europe (Hungary, Germany, Luxembourg, Vienna, and Munich)
* Plan, coordinate, and execute comprehensive planned preventive maintenance (PPM) programs across all regional facilities
* Manage reactive maintenance operations ensuring minimal business disruption and rapid response times
* Travel regularly across the region (approximately 25-30%) to provide on-site leadership and support
* Ensure consistent engineering standards and practices across all regional locations
Team Leadership & Development
* Lead and develop a team of engineering professionals across multiple locations
* Drive performance management, career development, and succession planning initiatives
* Foster a culture of continuous improvement, safety excellence, and technical innovation
* Manage cross-functional collaboration between engineering teams and business stakeholders
Financial & Strategic Management
* Own and manage regional engineering budgets, ensuring cost-effective operations while maintaining service quality
* Develop and monitor KPIs including system uptime, response times, cost per square foot, and customer satisfaction metrics
* Lead vendor selection, contract negotiation, and third-party integration management
* Drive strategic planning for regional facility infrastructure investments and upgrades
Banking Industry Compliance & Risk Management
* Ensure all engineering activities comply with banking industry regulations and internal audit requirements
* Maintain security protocols and manage access control systems in accordance with financial services standards
* Collaborate with risk management teams on business continuity planning and disaster recovery procedures
* Support regulatory inspections and audit processes as required
Stakeholder Management & Delivery Excellence
* Partner with business leaders, technology teams, and corporate real estate stakeholders to align engineering delivery with business objectives
* Manage matrix relationships across regional and global teams, exercising influence without direct authority
* Lead crisis management and emergency response coordination across the region
* Drive digital transformation initiatives within engineering operations
Required Qualifications
Experience & Leadership
* 5-10 years of engineering leadership experience, preferably within financial services or similarly regulated industries
* Proven track record managing teams of 20+ professionals across multiple locations
* Experience with budget management and P&L responsibility
* Demonstrated success in matrix management environments and stakeholder influence
Technical & Industry Knowledge
* Engineering degree (Mechanical, Electrical, or related discipline) or equivalent experience
* Strong knowledge of MEP systems, building automation, and facility management best practices
* Previous experience in banking, financial services, or highly regulated industry environments
* Familiarity with banking industry standards, audit processes, and compliance requirements
Personal Attributes
* Excellent communication and presentation skills in English; additional European languages advantageous
* Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
* Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage competing priorities
* Willingness to travel regularly across Central Europe
Preferred Qualifications
* Professional engineering certification or equivalent industry credentials
* Experience with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) and IoT technologies
* Background in change management and organizational transformation
* MBA or advanced business qualification
* Multilingual capabilities (German, Hungarian, or French)