Head of Engineering

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.