Packaging & Filling Engineering Design Manager at Flora Food Group

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Packaging & Filling Engineering Design Manager

Company: Flora Food Group

Location: Wageningen, Netherlands (with potential for Katowice, Poland; Kleve, Germany; Pratau, Germany)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Sustainability

Date Posted: July 27, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Lead the global strategy for packaging equipment design, filling technologies, and packaging innovation to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and product flexibility.
Drive the development and deployment of technical standards, engineering specifications, and new packaging solutions across international operations.
Oversee large-scale Capital Expenditure (Capex) projects from concept through commissioning, ensuring alignment with global engineering and manufacturing objectives.
Champion innovation in automation and digital solutions for packaging and filling processes, focusing on sustainability and circular economy principles.
Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and external partners to define and execute the packaging technology roadmap.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a senior technical leadership position within Global Engineering, focusing on strategic direction and execution of packaging and filling technology initiatives. The emphasis on global strategy, technical standards, and Capex project oversight indicates a significant impact on operational efficiency and future-proofing of manufacturing capabilities.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Develop and implement the global strategy for packaging equipment design, filling & packing technologies, and packaging innovation.
Define and uphold global technical standards for packaging equipment, filling systems, and complete packing lines.
Lead the development of User Requirement Specifications (URS), scope definitions, and equipment design standards.
Translate innovation and sustainability requirements into practical engineering specifications for packaging systems.
Drive technology scouting and the evaluation of new automation, digital, and equipment solutions to enhance manufacturing processes.
Focus on sustainability initiatives, including energy efficiency, waste reduction, decarbonization, and circularity within packaging systems.
Lead selected Capex projects, overseeing feasibility, concept design, execution, procurement support, Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), commissioning, and start-up.
Provide expert support to manufacturing sites for troubleshooting, capacity improvements, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) optimization, and debottlenecking related to packaging.
Foster collaboration with R&D Packaging, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Procurement, and external technology partners.
Ensure consistency, safety, quality, and performance across global operations for all packaging and filling platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic planning, technical design, project management, and operational support. The emphasis on global standards, URS development, and Capex oversight suggests a role requiring strong technical documentation skills and a deep understanding of engineering project lifecycles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Process Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or Packaging Engineering.
Master’s degree in a related engineering field is considered an advantage. Experience:
Minimum of 10 years of experience in relevant engineering roles.
Proven track record in managing mid- to large-scale Capex projects with budgets exceeding €5 million.
Extensive experience in packaging engineering, filling systems, or packaging technology within FMCG, Food & Beverage, or Dairy environments.
Demonstrated experience in developing URS documents, technical standards, and equipment specifications.
Experience in technology scouting and innovation deployment within an industrial setting. Required Skills:
Deep technical expertise in packaging equipment, materials, and associated technologies.
Strong understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and food safety standards relevant to packaging.
Proficiency in automation and digital solutions for manufacturing processes.
Expertise in developing URS documents and technical equipment specifications.
Solid understanding of sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) requirements as they apply to equipment and system design.
Advanced project management skills, particularly for large Capex initiatives.
Experience working with suppliers, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and cross-functional teams.
Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
Ability to work independently while aligning global teams.
Fluency in English (written and spoken). Preferred Skills:
Experience in additional European languages.
Familiarity with OEE optimization methodologies and debottlenecking techniques.
Knowledge of circular economy principles in packaging.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a Bachelor's degree in specific engineering disciplines, coupled with 10+ years of experience and significant Capex project management, positions this as a senior engineering management role. The emphasis on FMCG/Food & Beverage experience and GMP/food safety indicates a need for domain-specific knowledge.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Documented examples of developing and implementing global technical standards for packaging equipment and filling lines.
Case studies showcasing successful management of large-scale Capex projects (€5M+), detailing scope, budget, timeline, and outcomes.
Examples of User Requirement Specifications (URS) developed for complex packaging machinery or integrated systems.
Demonstrations of innovation deployment projects, illustrating how new technologies were evaluated, selected, and integrated.
Evidence of contributions to sustainability initiatives within packaging systems, such as energy efficiency improvements or waste reduction strategies. Process Documentation:
Showcase ability to define and document engineering processes for equipment design, selection, and procurement.
Provide examples of workflow optimization for packaging lines, including debottlenecking and OEE improvement initiatives.
Demonstrate experience in documenting and implementing FAT, commissioning, and start-up procedures for new equipment.
Evidence of creating and maintaining technical documentation for global packaging standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates are expected to demonstrate a tangible track record of engineering design, project execution, and process improvement through their portfolio. The focus on global standards, URS development, and sustainability aligns with the strategic nature of the role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The Netherlands has a strong engineering sector, and for a senior role with 10+ years of experience, significant Capex project management, and global responsibility, a competitive salary package is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for similar positions in Wageningen, Netherlands, the estimated annual gross salary range would be between €85,000 and €120,000. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and the final negotiation.

Benefits:

Comprehensive health insurance package.
Generous paid time off and holiday allowances.
Pension scheme contributions.
Opportunities for professional development, training, and certifications.
Potential for performance-based bonuses.
Travel allowance and expense coverage for business trips.
Access to company resources for innovation and technology development.
Support for relocation if applicable. Working Hours:
Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week.
Flexibility may be offered, but the role requires on-site presence and regular travel for project execution and site support.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on senior engineering management roles in the Netherlands, factoring in the specified experience level, responsibilities (global strategy, large Capex), and industry (Food & Beverage FMCG). Benefits are typical for senior positions in European multinational companies.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Food & Beverage (specifically within the FMCG sector, as implied by "Flora Food Group" and the nature of packaging/filling technology). This industry is characterized by fast-paced innovation, stringent quality and safety standards, and a focus on consumer trends, sustainability, and efficiency.

Company Size: Flora Food Group is likely a medium to large-sized enterprise, given the scope of global operations, international locations (Poland, Netherlands, Germany), and the management of significant Capex projects. This size suggests structured processes, cross-functional teams, and opportunities for broad impact.

Founded: [Founding date not provided] The company's history and founding principles would influence its culture, potentially emphasizing heritage, innovation, or sustainability.

Team Structure:

The role sits within the Global Engineering team, reporting to a senior engineering or operations leader.
This team likely includes specialists in various engineering disciplines, project management, and technical support.
Close collaboration is expected with R&D Packaging, Supply Chain, Manufacturing Operations, and Procurement departments at both global and local site levels.
Interaction with external technology partners, suppliers, and OEMs will be a significant component. Methodology:
Data-driven decision-making for technology selection and investment.
Emphasis on standardized engineering processes and best practices for consistency and quality.
Agile or structured project management methodologies for Capex execution.
Continuous improvement culture focused on OEE, efficiency, and sustainability.
Collaborative approach to problem-solving and innovation.

Company Website: www.florafoodgroup.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of a global Food & Beverage company implies a dynamic environment focused on product quality, safety, efficiency, and increasing demands for sustainable practices. The team structure suggests a matrixed organization where collaboration is key.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level role, a technical leadership position with significant strategic and managerial responsibilities. It is positioned as a key architect of the company's packaging and filling technology future.

Reporting Structure: The role reports into the Global Engineering leadership, suggesting a direct line to strategic decision-making regarding capital investments and technology roadmaps. Regular interaction with site-level engineering and operations management is expected.

Operations Impact: This role has a substantial impact on Flora Food Group's operational efficiency, product quality, market competitiveness, and sustainability goals. Decisions made will influence capital expenditure, manufacturing capabilities, and the company's environmental footprint for years to come.

Growth Opportunities:

Advancement to Director-level roles within Global Engineering or Operations.
Specialization in emerging areas like advanced automation, digital manufacturing (Industry 4.0), or sustainable packaging solutions.
Opportunities to lead larger, more complex global programs or divisions.
Potential to move into broader operational leadership roles or strategic planning functions within the company.
Development of leadership skills through managing global teams and high-stakes projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression within a large, international organization, particularly for engineers who excel in strategic thinking, project leadership, and cross-functional collaboration within the food and beverage sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily on-site, with potential for hybrid arrangements depending on specific site policies and project needs. The primary location is Wageningen, Netherlands, a hub for food research and innovation. Other potential locations include Germany and Poland.

Office Location(s):

Wageningen, Netherlands
Katowice, Poland
Kleve, Germany
Pratau, Germany Workspace Context:
The work environment will involve a mix of office-based strategic planning and technical design, and site-based activities for project execution, FATs, and troubleshooting.
Collaboration will be a core aspect, requiring interaction with diverse teams across different geographies and cultures.
Access to advanced engineering tools, simulation software, and potentially pilot facilities will be available.
The environment is expected to be dynamic, with a focus on problem-solving and continuous improvement. Work Schedule:
Standard 40-hour work week, with potential for extended hours during critical project phases (e.g., commissioning, FATs).
Regular travel (estimated to be significant) will be required to support suppliers, FATs, and project execution across international sites.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and significant travel are key aspects of this role, underscoring the hands-on nature of managing global engineering projects and supporting manufacturing operations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will review applications, focusing on core qualifications, experience level, and alignment with the role's technical and leadership requirements.
Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to assess technical depth, strategic thinking, project management experience, and cultural fit. This stage may involve reviewing a candidate's portfolio.
Technical/Panel Interview: A session with subject matter experts (e.g., senior engineers, R&D specialists, manufacturing leads) to delve deeper into technical competencies, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of packaging and filling technologies.
Case Study/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to prepare and present a case study based on a past project, demonstrating their approach to a complex engineering challenge, process optimization, or innovation deployment.
Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic vision, leadership approach, and overall fit for the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type (e.g., Capex, Innovation, Standardization, Sustainability).
Content: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the solution implemented, the technologies used, the challenges faced, and the quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, efficiency gains, OEE improvement, sustainability impact).
Visuals: Include diagrams, schematics, photos, or short videos where appropriate to illustrate complex designs or processes.
Focus on Impact: Emphasize how your work delivered business value, aligned with strategic objectives, and adhered to best practices in engineering and operations.
Tailor: Highlight projects most relevant to packaging engineering, filling technology, Capex management, and sustainability.

Challenge Preparation:

Be prepared to discuss specific engineering challenges you've overcome, particularly in areas of packaging equipment, automation, and large-scale project execution.
Familiarize yourself with current trends in sustainable packaging and food safety regulations.
Practice articulating complex technical concepts clearly and concisely.
Develop strategies for answering behavioral questions related to leadership, stakeholder management, and cross-functional collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and potential case study suggests that demonstrating practical application of skills and quantifiable results is crucial for this role. Candidates should prepare to articulate their contributions to past projects in detail.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

CAD Software: Proficiency in industry-standard CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Inventor) for design and visualization.
Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Microsoft Project, Asana, Jira, or Primavera for managing Capex projects.
Simulation & Analysis Tools: Familiarity with simulation software for equipment performance, process flow, or material handling.
ERP Systems: Understanding of how engineering designs integrate with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems for procurement and inventory management.

Analytics & Reporting:

OEE Measurement Tools: Familiarity with systems or methodologies for tracking and analyzing Overall Equipment Effectiveness.
Data Analysis Software: Proficiency in tools like Excel, Power BI, or Tableau for analyzing performance data, identifying trends, and generating reports.
Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES): Understanding of MES capabilities for real-time production monitoring and control.

CRM & Automation:

CRM Systems: While not a direct CRM role, understanding how packaging and filling operations integrate with Sales and Supply Chain functions managed via CRM might be beneficial.
Automation Platforms: Experience with PLC programming concepts, SCADA systems, and industrial automation hardware/software.
Integration Tools: Knowledge of how different systems (e.g., MES, ERP, PLCs) are integrated to ensure seamless data flow.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack reflects a need for strong design and project management capabilities, coupled with an understanding of manufacturing operations technology, data analysis, and automation principles critical for modern food and beverage production.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Excellence in Engineering: Commitment to high-quality design, robust solutions, and adherence to technical standards.
Innovation & Continuous Improvement: A drive to explore new technologies and optimize existing processes for efficiency and sustainability.
Safety & Compliance: Upholding the highest standards of safety, food safety, and regulatory compliance in all designs and operations.
Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a cooperative environment where diverse teams work together to achieve common goals.
Sustainability & Responsibility: Integrating environmental and social considerations into engineering decisions and operational practices.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-functional Partnership: Proactive engagement with R&D, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Procurement to ensure alignment and integrated solutions.
Global Alignment: Ability to work effectively with teams across different regions, respecting cultural nuances while driving unified standards.
Supplier & Partner Engagement: Collaborative approach to working with external vendors and technology providers to ensure successful project outcomes.
Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the exchange of best practices and technical insights across the engineering and operations functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture likely emphasizes a blend of technical rigor, innovation, and a strong commitment to sustainability and safety, which are paramount in the food and beverage industry. Collaborative efforts across global teams and external partners are central to achieving strategic objectives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Global Standardization: Implementing consistent packaging and filling standards across diverse international sites with varying existing infrastructure and operational maturity.
Pace of Innovation: Keeping abreast of rapid advancements in packaging materials, machinery, and automation technologies and integrating them effectively.
Sustainability Demands: Meeting increasingly stringent sustainability targets (e.g., decarbonization, circularity, waste reduction) while maintaining cost-effectiveness and product integrity.
Capex Project Complexity: Managing large, multi-million Euro projects with multiple stakeholders, suppliers, and potential unforeseen issues across different geographies.
Cross-Cultural Management: Leading and influencing teams and stakeholders across different countries and cultural backgrounds.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Advanced Technology Training: Access to training on cutting-edge packaging machinery, automation, and digital manufacturing solutions.
Sustainability Certifications: Opportunities to pursue certifications or specialized training in sustainable engineering practices and circular economy principles.
Leadership Development Programs: Structured programs to enhance leadership, strategic planning, and global project management skills.
Industry Conferences & Forums: Participation in leading packaging and food processing technology events to stay current with industry trends and network.
Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior leaders or to mentor junior engineers, fostering knowledge transfer and skill development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant challenges inherent in global operations management and technological advancement, balanced by robust opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement in a dynamic industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

"Describe your approach to defining and implementing global technical standards for packaging equipment. What are the key considerations for ensuring buy-in across different regions?"
- Preparation: Focus on your experience with standardization processes, stakeholder engagement strategies, and how you balance global consistency with local operational needs.
"Walk us through a complex Capex project you managed from concept to commissioning. What were the biggest challenges, and how did you overcome them?"
- Preparation: Prepare a detailed case study using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), highlighting budget management, risk mitigation, and successful outcomes. Quantify achievements where possible.
"How do you integrate sustainability requirements into the design of packaging and filling systems? Provide specific examples related to energy efficiency, waste reduction, or circularity."
- Preparation: Research Flora Food Group's sustainability goals if available, and prepare examples of how you've applied sustainable engineering principles in previous roles. Company & Culture Questions:
"What interests you about Flora Food Group and this specific role within our Global Engineering team?"
- Preparation: Research the company's products, market position, recent news, and stated values (especially around innovation and sustainability). Connect your skills and aspirations to the company's mission.
"How do you approach collaborating with diverse, international teams and external suppliers to achieve common objectives?"
- Preparation: Use examples that demonstrate your communication, influencing, and cross-cultural competence. Highlight your ability to build strong working relationships. Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
Selectivity: Choose 2-3 of your most impactful projects that directly align with the core responsibilities of this role (e.g., a significant Capex project, a successful innovation deployment, a standardization initiative).
Conciseness: Clearly outline the project's objectives, your specific contributions, the challenges, the solutions implemented, and the measurable results. Use visuals effectively.
Storytelling: Frame your projects as compelling narratives that showcase your problem-solving skills, technical expertise, and leadership capabilities.
Focus on ROI: Be prepared to discuss the financial impact, efficiency gains, or sustainability benefits derived from your work for each project.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking, project leadership, and an understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within the food and beverage packaging sector.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Packaging & Filling Engineering Design Manager position:

Submit your application through the provided link on the Flora Food Group careers page.
Portfolio Customization: Prepare a concise portfolio that highlights your experience in packaging engineering, filling systems, large-scale Capex project management, and sustainability initiatives. Focus on quantifiable results and specific examples relevant to the FMCG/Food & Beverage industry.
Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize keywords such as "Packaging Engineering," "Filling Systems," "Capex Project Management," "Technical Standards," "URS Development," "Automation," "Sustainability," "FMCG," and "Global Operations." Clearly list your experience with projects exceeding €5 million.
Interview Preparation: Study the company's website, recent news, and any available information on their sustainability efforts. Prepare to discuss your experience using the STAR method and be ready to present a key project from your portfolio.
Company Research: Understand Flora Food Group's position in the market, their product portfolio, and their commitment to innovation and sustainability to articulate your interest and alignment during the interview process.

⚠️ 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.

Packaging & Filling Engineering Design Manager