Pre-Project Manager

About the Role

You will be accountable for pre-project activities from L1 to L3+ across cost, time, quality and scope. You’ll manage pre-projects within budget and schedule constraints, contributing to sales outcomes and customer satisfaction. You will also coordinate and coach the pre-project team to enable collaboration and high performance.

What You'll Do

• Work out technical concepts and solutions on time, on budget and on scope within required quality by aligning with Tetra Pak experts across borders to prepare a reliable quote in compliance with Tetra Pak’s standards and governance.
• Lead the process design, drive technical discussions, engineer process and line solutions, specify components, calculate costs, prepare quotation and contracting documents.
• Lead the pre-project on time, on budget and on scope within the required quality from initial customer needs captured and evaluated to firm quotation and handover to implementation team.
• Define deliverables and fix the scope together with customer and customer management based on strategic and economic evaluations.
• Prepare, organize and lead design and risk reviews, time schedules, commissioning and performance commitments.
• Close cooperation with the Supply Management organization.
• Lead the pre-project team that is set up for medium and large-scale pre-projects (none of them direct reports) or collaborating with the pre-project core team and the project management.
• Act as pre-project manager in smaller up to large scale opportunities.
• What We're Looking For
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Process, or Food Engineering.
• Fluent German (native level) and strong English skills.
• 5–7 years’ experience in engineering, commissioning, and leading projects.
• Proven background in the food or liquid processing industry (e.g., dairy, liquid or prepared foods).
• Experience delivering processing solutions and managing installation projects.
• Skilled in bidding, tendering, and pre‑project/project work.
• Customer-focused with strong client-facing experience.
• Strong understanding of customer needs and solid negotiation skills.
• Good analytical problem-solving abilities; self-driven and independent.
• Proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word, Project) and SAP; Familiar with engineering and drawing tools (e.g., AutoCAD).
• Experience with database‑driven engineering design tools preferred (e.g., SSP).
• Nice to Have
• Experience with database‑driven engineering design tools preferred (e.g., SSP).
• Compensation & Benefits
• A variety of exciting challenges with ample opportunities for development and training in a truly global landscape.
• A culture that pioneers a spirit of innovation where our industry experts drive visible results.
• An equal opportunity employment experience that values diversity and inclusion.
• Market competitive compensation and benefits with flexible working arrangements.