Engineering Director
About the Company
Our client is a leading Dutch, family-owned food and beverage manufacturer with a rich heritage in crafting high-quality sauces, condiments, and cooking products. With a strong commitment to innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement, the company supplies both branded and private-label products to national and international markets. To support continued growth and technical excellence, the business is seeking an experienced Engineering Director to lead all engineering and technical operations.
Position Overview
As Engineering Director, you will be responsible for developing and implementing the strategic direction of the engineering function across all production facilities. This role ensures the reliability, efficiency, and continuous improvement of all plant equipment, utilities, facilities, and capital investments. You will lead a multidisciplinary engineering team and collaborate closely with operations, quality, and supply chain functions to ensure optimal technical performance and compliance with industry standards.
Key Responsibilities
1. Technical Operations & Maintenance
Lead and oversee all maintenance and technical operations, ensuring optimal performance of machinery, utilities, and infrastructure.
Establish preventative and predictive maintenance programs to minimize downtime and extend asset lifespan.
Ensure effective root cause analysis and resolution of technical failures and bottlenecks.
2. Engineering Strategy & CapEx
Develop and execute long-term engineering strategies aligned with business growth and production capacity.
Manage the full lifecycle of capital expenditure projects-from planning and budgeting to execution and commissioning.
Evaluate and introduce new technologies and automation solutions to improve efficiency, product quality, and safety.
3. Team Leadership & Development
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing engineering and maintenance team.
Drive a culture of continuous improvement, safety, and technical excellence.
Manage departmental KPIs and performance reviews for engineering staff.
4. Compliance & Safety
Ensure all engineering activities comply with Dutch and EU regulations, including health & safety, food safety (HACCP/BRC), and environmental requirements.
Champion best practices in technical hygiene and process safety across the plant.
5. Cross-Functional Collaboration
Collaborate with production, quality assurance, R&D, and logistics teams to support operational goals and new product introductions.
Act as the technical lead for infrastructure changes or expansion projects.
Support the operations team with data-driven insights into energy use, OEE, and utility performance.
Qualifications & Experience
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical discipline.
10+ years of experience in engineering leadership roles within the food, beverage, or FMCG manufacturing sector.
Proven track record in capital project management, technical operations, and leading high-performing teams.
Strong knowledge of process automation, utilities (steam, cooling, compressed air), and packaging machinery.
Familiarity with lean manufacturing, TPM, and continuous improvement methodologies.
Fluent in Dutch and English (written and spoken).
What's on Offer
Opportunity to join a stable, respected, and innovation-driven family business.
High-impact leadership role with significant influence on operational success and future growth.
Competitive salary, benefits package, and professional development opportunities.
FAQs
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