Head of Engineering

Posted 2 days 9 hours ago by DSJ Global

Permanent
Full Time
Other
Utrecht, Netherlands
Job Description
Head of Engineering - Food & Beverage Manufacturing

Location: Netherlands
Employment Type: Full-time
Languages Requirements: Dutch (Mandatory)

About the Company

A leading player in the food and beverage manufacturing sector, our company is committed to delivering high-quality, innovative products to global markets. With a strong focus on sustainability, operational excellence, and continuous improvement, we are expanding our engineering leadership to support major capital investments and production line advancements.

Role Overview

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Head of Engineering to lead our engineering function across multiple production sites. This role is critical in managing large-scale CAPEX projects, overseeing installation and commissioning of new equipment, and driving innovation in packaging and process engineering. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in end-to-end production line management within the food and beverage industry.

Key Responsibilities

  • Engineering Strategy & Leadership
    Develop and execute the engineering strategy aligned with business goals, ensuring robust technical leadership across all manufacturing operations.

  • CAPEX Project Delivery
    Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of capital investment projects, including new line installations, facility upgrades, and automation initiatives.

  • Installation & Commissioning
    Oversee the installation and commissioning of new equipment and systems, ensuring minimal disruption to operations and adherence to safety and quality standards.

  • Production Line Optimization
    Manage the full lifecycle of production lines - from concept and design to implementation and continuous improvement - focusing on efficiency, reliability, and scalability.

  • Packaging & Process Engineering
    Drive innovation in packaging technologies and process design to support product development, sustainability goals, and operational efficiency.

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration
    Partner with operations, quality, R&D, and supply chain teams to ensure seamless integration of engineering solutions into the broader business.

  • Compliance & Risk Management
    Ensure all engineering activities comply with food safety regulations, environmental standards, and internal policies.

  • Team Development
    Build and mentor a high-performing engineering team, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Candidate Profile

  • Degree in Mechanical, Process, or Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
  • Extensive experience in the food and beverage manufacturing sector, with a strong background in CAPEX project management, installation & commissioning, and production line operations.
  • Deep understanding of packaging systems, process engineering, and regulatory requirements in food production.
  • Proven leadership in managing cross-functional teams and complex engineering programs.
  • Strong communication, organizational, and stakeholder management skills.
  • Willingness to travel across sites as needed.
  • Business professional in the Dutch language is mandatory
Desired Skills and Experience

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Process Engineering.

Minimum 5 years of experience in technical project management within the food & beverage or FMCG manufacturing sector.

Proven track record in delivering complex CAPEX projects (€5M-€10M) in a regulated production environment.

Strong knowledge of process design, packaging systems, and utility infrastructure.

Experience with project management tools and methodologies (e.g., PRINCE2, PMI, MS Project).

Fluent in English; Dutch is a strong advantage.