Packaging & Filling Engineering Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Packaging & Filling Engineering Design Manager

Company: Flora Food Group

Location: Kleve, Germany (with flexibility for Poland - Katowice, Netherlands - Wageningen, Germany - Pratau)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering & Operations - Packaging Technology

Date Posted: 2026-07-27

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Strategic leadership in defining and deploying the global packaging equipment design and filling technology strategy for Flora Food Group.

• Technical expertise in shaping global standards for packaging equipment, filling systems, and complete packing lines.

• Driving innovation, sustainability, and performance improvements across packaging platforms.

• Oversight of User Requirement Specifications (URS), technical standards, and equipment specifications.

• Leading technology scouting and evaluation of new automation and digital solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior technical leader within the Global Engineering team, responsible for the overarching strategy and technical direction of packaging and filling technologies. It requires a blend of deep engineering knowledge, strategic thinking, and project leadership.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define, develop, and deploy the global strategy for packaging equipment design, filling & packing technologies, and packaging innovation.

• Shape technical standards and lead the deployment of new packaging solutions across global operations.

• Ensure packaging and filling platforms meet future requirements for efficiency, sustainability, product flexibility, and performance.

• Collaborate with R&D Packaging, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Procurement, and external partners to define and deliver the packaging technology roadmap.

• Set global standards for packaging equipment, filling systems, and complete packing lines.

• Lead the development of URS documents, scope definitions, and design standards.

• Translate innovation and sustainability requirements into practical engineering specifications, ensuring consistency, safety, quality, and performance.

• Drive technology scouting and innovation deployment by identifying and evaluating new automation, digital, and equipment solutions.

• Focus on sustainability initiatives, including energy efficiency, waste reduction, decarbonisation, and circularity in packaging systems.

• Lead selected Capex projects from feasibility and concept design through execution, procurement support, FAT, commissioning, and start-up.

• Support manufacturing sites with troubleshooting, capacity improvements, OEE optimisation, and debottlenecking related to packaging expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a multi-faceted role that spans strategic planning, technical governance, innovation management, and project execution. The emphasis on global standards and cross-functional collaboration indicates a significant impact on operational efficiency and future-proofing of packaging technologies.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Process, Mechatronics, or Packaging Engineering.

• Master’s degree considered an advantage. Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in relevant engineering roles.

• Strong track record in managing mid- to large-scale Capex projects exceeding €5 million.

• Proven experience in developing URS documents, technical standards, and equipment specifications.

• Experience working with suppliers, OEMs, and cross-functional teams.

• Demonstrated success in delivering innovation or technology deployment projects in complex, international environments.

• Experience in FMCG, Food & Beverage, or Dairy environments is essential. Required Skills:

• Deep technical expertise in packaging equipment, materials, GMP, food safety, and automation.

• Strong understanding of sustainability and ESG requirements in equipment and system design.

• Proficient in developing URS documents, technical standards, and equipment specifications.

• Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.

• Ability to work independently while aligning global teams.

• Fluent in English. Preferred Skills:

• Additional European languages (e.g., German, Polish, Dutch) are a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualification requirements emphasize a senior-level engineer with a robust engineering background, significant project management experience, and a deep understanding of the food and beverage industry's specific needs regarding packaging, safety, and sustainability. The preference for multiple languages points to the international scope of the role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase comprehensive project management capabilities for large-scale Capex initiatives, detailing project scope, budget, timelines, and successful outcomes.

• Present evidence of developing and implementing robust technical standards and URS documents for packaging and filling equipment.

• Include case studies demonstrating successful technology scouting, innovation deployment, and integration of new automation or digital solutions.

• Provide examples of contributions to sustainability goals (e.g., energy efficiency, waste reduction, circularity) through packaging system design.

• Detail experience in troubleshooting and optimizing manufacturing processes, specifically focusing on OEE improvement and debottlenecking for packaging lines. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate proficiency in documenting and standardizing engineering processes for packaging equipment design, procurement, and commissioning.

• Illustrate the translation of R&D innovation and sustainability requirements into actionable engineering specifications.

• Show evidence of creating and maintaining technical documentation, including equipment specifications, safety protocols, and operational procedures.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio for this role should clearly articulate the candidate's ability to manage complex technical projects, drive strategic initiatives, and deliver tangible results in packaging engineering, with a particular focus on large capital investments and sustainability.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the senior level, extensive experience required (10+ years), international scope, and responsibility for large Capex projects (>$5M), a competitive salary commensurate with a senior Engineering Design Manager role in Germany is expected.

• Based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in Germany (Kleve region), a typical range would be €80,000 - €110,000 per year. This range can vary based on specific experience, qualifications, and the final negotiation. Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance and wellness programs.

• Generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick leave).

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., company pension scheme).

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and international travel.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

• Support for relocation if applicable. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, typically 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility may be required to accommodate international project needs, supplier FATs, and commissioning activities, potentially involving occasional evening or weekend work, with appropriate time-off in lieu or overtime compensation as per local regulations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on available data for senior engineering management roles in Germany, considering the specified experience level and project budget. Benefits are typical for a multinational company in the FMCG sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Food & Beverage / FMCG. Flora Food Group likely operates within a dynamic and competitive market, emphasizing product quality, innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.

Company Size: Flora Food Group is likely a medium to large enterprise, given the global nature of the role and the mention of multiple international locations and significant Capex projects. This implies a structured organization with established processes and a global reach.

Founded: (Information not provided, but typically a company with this scope has a history of growth and established market presence.)

Team Structure:

• The role sits within the Global Engineering team, indicating a centralized function responsible for setting standards and strategy across all manufacturing sites.

• Close collaboration with R&D Packaging, Supply Chain, Manufacturing Operations, Procurement, and external technology partners is expected.

• The role involves managing direct or indirect reports, potentially a team of engineers or project specialists focused on packaging and filling technologies. Methodology:

• Emphasis on data-driven decision-making, utilizing performance metrics like OEE to identify areas for optimization.

• Structured approach to project management, following defined phases from concept to commissioning.

• Commitment to innovation, actively scouting for and implementing new technologies.

• Strong focus on sustainability and ESG principles integrated into engineering design and operational practices.

• Collaborative problem-solving culture, involving cross-functional teams to address challenges.

Company Website: [Flora Food Group Careers Link Provided: https://www.florafoodgroup.com/careers/join-flora-food-group/8547806002?gh_jid=8547806002]

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context suggests a professional, globally-oriented environment with a strong emphasis on engineering excellence, innovation, and sustainability within the food industry. The role requires navigating a matrixed organization and influencing stakeholders across different functions and geographies.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level management position, equivalent to a Principal Engineer or Director-level in a smaller organization. It requires significant technical depth, strategic vision, and leadership experience in packaging engineering.

Reporting Structure: The role reports into a senior leadership position within Global Engineering, likely a Head of Global Engineering or VP of Manufacturing/Operations. It involves influencing and collaborating with manufacturing site leadership and plant engineering teams.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and substantial impact on the company's operational efficiency, product quality, sustainability targets, and overall competitiveness. Strategic decisions made here will affect capital expenditure, operational costs, and the company's ability to innovate and meet market demands for packaging.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to higher leadership roles within Global Engineering or Operations, such as Head of Global Packaging Engineering or Director of Manufacturing Technology.

• Opportunity to lead larger, more complex global engineering initiatives and strategic transformations.

• Development into a subject matter expert with recognition across the industry.

• Potential to transition into broader operational leadership roles with P&L responsibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant step for an experienced packaging engineer, offering leadership visibility and the chance to shape global strategy. Growth potential is strong, aligning with the company's need for strategic technical leadership.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily on-site, with potential for hybrid work arrangements for non-travel-related tasks, depending on specific site policies. The primary location is Kleve, Germany, with flexibility for other mentioned locations.

Office Location(s):

• Kleve, Germany

• Katowice, Poland

• Wageningen, Netherlands

• Pratau, Germany

This indicates a need for flexibility and willingness to travel to these sites and potentially others for supplier visits, FATs, and commissioning.

Workspace Context:

• A professional office environment within a manufacturing or corporate headquarters setting.

• Access to engineering tools, software, and potentially dedicated project spaces.

• Ample opportunities for collaboration with global engineering teams, R&D, supply chain, and manufacturing personnel.

• The role will involve significant time spent in manufacturing plants and at supplier facilities. Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week, with a requirement for flexibility to accommodate international project timelines, supplier visits, and critical commissioning phases. Travel may require extended periods away from the primary office location.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and international travel are critical aspects of this role, necessitating a candidate comfortable with a mobile and hands-on working style, balancing office-based strategic work with operational and project-focused site visits.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter will review applications for basic qualifications and fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Focus on technical expertise, project management experience, and strategic thinking related to packaging engineering. Expect questions about past Capex projects, URS development, and sustainability initiatives.

• Technical Assessment/Case Study: A practical exercise or case study may be presented, requiring the candidate to outline a strategy for a packaging innovation, a URS development approach, or a debottlenecking plan for a filling line. This will assess problem-solving skills and technical depth.

• Cross-Functional/Team Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from R&D, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and potentially other engineering leads to assess collaboration, communication, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: Often with a senior executive (e.g., VP of Engineering/Operations) to discuss overall fit, strategic vision, and leadership capabilities.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, present clear metrics on cost savings, efficiency improvements (OEE), waste reduction, capacity increases, and ROI.

• Structure for Impact: Organize projects by type (e.g., Capex, Innovation, Standardization) or by impact area (e.g., Sustainability, Efficiency, Quality).

• Showcase Process: Clearly outline your role and the methodologies used in URS development, technical specification creation, supplier selection, and project execution.

• Highlight Strategic Thinking: Demonstrate how your technical decisions aligned with broader business objectives, sustainability goals, and future market needs.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize experience relevant to FMCG/Food & Beverage packaging and filling systems.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate Technical Challenges: Be ready to discuss common issues in packaging line design, filling accuracy, material compatibility, and automation integration.

• Sustainability Focus: Prepare to articulate how sustainability principles (energy efficiency, recyclability, waste reduction) can be practically implemented in packaging equipment.

• Stakeholder Management Scenarios: Think about how you would gain buy-in for a new technology, manage conflicting priorities between sites, or influence supplier performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate not just technical knowledge but also strategic leadership, project execution capabilities, and a strong understanding of the business impact of their engineering decisions. The portfolio is key to substantiating claims.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency in relevant 3D CAD packages (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Inventor) for design and visualization.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Microsoft Project, Asana, Jira, or similar for planning, tracking, and reporting on Capex projects.

• PLM/PDM Systems: Familiarity with Product Lifecycle Management or Product Data Management systems for managing design data and revisions.

• ERP Systems: Understanding of how packaging equipment specifications integrate with Enterprise Resource Planning systems for procurement and inventory management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• OEE Monitoring Tools: Experience with systems or methodologies for tracking Overall Equipment Effectiveness (e.g., gained from manufacturing site support).

• Data Analysis Software: Tools like Excel for data analysis, and potentially BI tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) for reporting on project performance and operational metrics.

• Simulation Software: Potentially used for process flow or equipment performance simulation.

CRM & Automation:

• Automation Control Systems: Understanding of PLC, HMI, SCADA systems commonly used in packaging automation.

• Robotics: Familiarity with robotic applications in packaging (e.g., pick-and-place, palletizing).

• Digitalization Tools: Awareness of Industry 4.0 concepts and digital solutions relevant to manufacturing and packaging lines.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, the role implies a need for strong CAD skills, project management software proficiency, and a solid understanding of automation and data analysis relevant to manufacturing environments.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence & Precision: A commitment to high standards in engineering design, equipment performance, and product quality.

• Innovation & Forward-Thinking: Actively seeking out and embracing new technologies and methodologies to drive progress.

• Sustainability & Responsibility: Integrating environmental and social considerations into all aspects of packaging design and operations.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where cross-functional teams can work together effectively towards shared goals.

• Efficiency & Optimization: Continuously striving to improve processes, reduce waste, and maximize operational effectiveness.

Collaboration Style:

• Globally Aligned: Working to ensure consistency and best practices across all international sites, while respecting local nuances.

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Building strong relationships with R&D, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Procurement to ensure holistic solutions.

• Data-Driven Dialogue: Using data and metrics to inform discussions and drive consensus on technical decisions.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining open and transparent communication channels with all stakeholders, especially during project phases and troubleshooting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture likely values a blend of technical rigor, strategic foresight, and collaborative execution. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to lead with influence and foster a culture of continuous improvement and sustainability.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Global Standards with Local Needs: Ensuring that standardized designs are adaptable and practical for diverse manufacturing sites with varying equipment, infrastructure, and local regulations.

• Integrating Sustainability Mandates: Translating ambitious ESG goals into feasible and cost-effective engineering solutions for packaging and filling equipment.

• Managing Complex Capex Projects: Successfully delivering multi-million Euro projects on time and within budget, coordinating multiple vendors and internal teams across geographies.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with advancements in automation, digital technologies, and sustainable materials to maintain Flora Food Group's competitive edge.

• Driving Change Management: Gaining buy-in and facilitating the adoption of new technologies and standards across a global operational footprint.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Packaging Technology Training: Access to industry conferences, workshops, and specialized courses on emerging packaging materials, automation, and sustainability solutions.

• Leadership Development Programs: Opportunities to enhance skills in strategic planning, global team management, and executive communication.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Deep dives into R&D, supply chain logistics, and manufacturing operations to gain a holistic understanding of the business.

• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior leaders within the Global Engineering or Operations functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges but also offers substantial opportunities for professional growth, allowing the candidate to become a key player in shaping the future of packaging technology for a major food group.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to developing a global technical standard for a new packaging line. What key factors would you consider, and how would you ensure buy-in from multiple sites?"

• "Walk me through a large Capex project you managed (>$5M). What were the biggest challenges, how did you overcome them, and what was the ultimate ROI or business impact?"

• "How do you integrate sustainability requirements (e.g., recyclability, energy efficiency) into the early stages of packaging equipment design, and what metrics do you use to track progress?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Flora Food Group, what do you see as the biggest opportunities and challenges for our packaging technology roadmap in the next 3-5 years?"

• "How would you foster collaboration and knowledge sharing between our global engineering teams and manufacturing sites to ensure successful technology deployment?"

• "Describe a time you had to influence stakeholders with differing priorities to adopt a new engineering solution. What was your strategy, and what was the outcome?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, your specific role, and the quantifiable results (e.g., "Reduced energy consumption by 15%", "Increased line throughput by 20%", "Achieved 98% material recyclability").

• Visual Aids: Use diagrams, flowcharts, and photos to illustrate complex systems and processes. For Capex projects, include timelines and budget breakdowns.

• Storytelling: Frame your experience as a narrative, highlighting your problem-solving skills, leadership, and ability to drive successful outcomes.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the technical intricacies of packaging equipment, materials, and automation systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare detailed examples that showcase strategic thinking, project management mastery, deep technical knowledge, and strong leadership and influence skills, all tailored to the context of the food and beverage industry.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Flora Food Group careers page.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your experience in large-scale Capex management, technical standard setting, and packaging innovation within the food/FMCG sector. Quantify all achievements using relevant metrics.

• Tailor Your Resume/LinkedIn: Highlight keywords such as "Packaging Engineering," "Filling Systems," "Capex Project Management," "URS Development," "FMCG," "GMP," "Sustainability," and "OEE Optimization." Ensure your experience directly aligns with the responsibilities and requirements outlined.

• Prepare Your Case Study: Be ready to present a detailed walkthrough of one of your most impactful projects, focusing on the challenges, your strategic approach, the execution, and the measurable business results.

• Research Flora Food Group: Understand their product portfolio, market position, commitment to sustainability, and any recent news or initiatives related to manufacturing or innovation. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.