Packaging & Filling Engineering Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Packaging & Filling Engineering Design Manager

Company: Flora Food Group

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

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering Management / Operations Strategy

Date Posted: 2026-08-13

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearheads the global strategy for packaging equipment design, filling, and packing technologies, driving innovation and technical standards across Flora Food Group.

• Leads the development and deployment of new packaging solutions, ensuring alignment with future requirements for efficiency, sustainability, product flexibility, and performance.

• Manages Capital Expenditure (Capex) projects from concept to execution, overseeing budgets exceeding €5 million.

• Collaborates cross-functionally with R&D, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Procurement to define and deliver the packaging technology roadmap.

• Drives sustainability initiatives within packaging systems, focusing on energy efficiency, waste reduction, decarbonisation, and circularity.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a senior technical leadership position within Global Engineering, focusing on strategic development and deployment of packaging and filling technologies. The emphasis on global standards, innovation management, and significant Capex project oversight indicates a high level of responsibility and impact on operational efficiency and sustainability across multiple international sites.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

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

• Shape and enforce global technical standards for packaging equipment, filling systems, and complete packing lines.

• Lead the development of User Requirement Specifications (URS), scope definitions, and detailed equipment design standards.

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

• Conduct technology scouting and evaluate new automation, digital, and equipment solutions to maintain a competitive edge.

• Champion sustainability goals by integrating energy efficiency, waste reduction, decarbonisation, and circularity principles into packaging system design.

• Lead selected Capex projects, managing feasibility, concept design, execution, procurement support, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), commissioning, and start-up phases.

• Provide technical expertise and support to manufacturing sites for troubleshooting, capacity improvements, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) optimisation, and debottlenecking.

• Foster strong relationships with external technology partners, suppliers, and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).

• Manage cross-functional teams and stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery and technology adoption.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a blend of strategic planning, technical leadership, project execution, and operational support. The emphasis on URS, FAT, commissioning, and OEE optimisation points towards a hands-on engineering management role deeply embedded within the operational lifecycle of packaging machinery and processes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

• Master’s degree in a relevant engineering field is considered an advantage. Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in relevant engineering roles, with a strong focus on packaging engineering, filling systems, or packaging technology.

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

• Experience within FMCG, Food & Beverage, or Dairy manufacturing environments is essential.

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

• Experience in technology scouting and innovation deployment projects.

• Exposure to sustainability and ESG requirements translating into equipment and system design. Required Skills:

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

• Proficient in developing User Requirement Specifications (URS) and technical equipment specifications.

• Strong capabilities in Capex project management, from concept through commissioning.

• Excellent understanding of sustainability principles (energy efficiency, waste reduction, circularity) in manufacturing equipment.

• Proven ability to work with suppliers, OEMs, and cross-functional teams.

• Strong communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.

• Ability to work independently while aligning global teams.

• Fluent in English. Preferred Skills:

• Additional European languages.

• Experience with OEE optimisation and debottlenecking methodologies.

• Familiarity with digital solutions and Industry 4.0 concepts in packaging automation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a Bachelor's degree coupled with 10+ years of experience, and specific mention of managing Capex projects over €5 million, positions this role as a senior engineering leadership position. The emphasis on FMCG/Food & Beverage/Dairy backgrounds and specific technical areas like GMP and food safety are critical for tailoring applications.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case studies demonstrating successful management of large-scale Capex projects (€5M+) in packaging or filling equipment, highlighting scope, budget adherence, and timeline management.

• Examples of developed URS documents and technical specifications for packaging machinery, showcasing attention to detail, compliance, and clarity.

• Documentation of innovation or technology deployment projects, illustrating the process from identification to implementation and impact assessment.

• Evidence of sustainability integration in equipment design, detailing improvements in energy efficiency, waste reduction, or circularity.

• Examples of process optimization initiatives, such as OEE improvements or debottlenecking efforts, with quantifiable results. Process Documentation:

• Showcase a structured approach to defining and documenting engineering processes, including design standards, URS development, and equipment specification creation.

• Demonstrate experience in documenting project lifecycles for Capex projects, including feasibility, design, procurement, FAT, commissioning, and handover.

• Provide examples of how process documentation supports knowledge transfer, training, and the establishment of global technical standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the scope of responsibilities, a portfolio demonstrating a systematic approach to engineering design, project management, and innovation is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to showcase their ability to translate strategic goals into executable engineering plans and deliver tangible operational improvements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on location (Katowice, Poland), experience level (10+ years), and the senior nature of the role, a competitive salary range for a Packaging & Filling Engineering Design Manager would typically fall between €70,000 - €100,000 per annum. This estimate considers the complexity of managing global strategies, large Capex projects, and the specialized technical expertise required within the FMCG sector in Western/Central Europe.

• Methodology: This estimate is derived from market salary benchmarks for senior engineering management roles in Poland, particularly in industrial hubs like Katowice, factoring in the additional complexity of international responsibilities and the specific industry (Food & Beverage). Data sources considered include industry salary surveys, recruitment agency reports for engineering leadership in Europe, and cost of living indices for Katowice.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance package.

• Pension scheme contributions.

• Generous annual leave allowance.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and certifications.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

• Relocation assistance (if applicable).

• Access to company car or car allowance. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, likely around 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility may be offered, but the role requires on-site presence and potential for travel, suggesting a need for adaptability to project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on current market data for similar roles in Poland and the specified experience level. Actual compensation will be determined by Flora Food Group based on individual qualifications, experience, and the final negotiation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Food & Beverage Manufacturing (specifically Flora Food Group, known for its food products).

Company Size: Flora Food Group is a significant player in the food industry. While specific employee numbers for the entire group are not provided, it operates internationally with multiple production sites, suggesting a large to very large enterprise. This implies a structured corporate environment with established processes and a global reach.

Founded: Flora Food Group has a long history in the food sector, indicating a stable and established company with deep industry expertise and a commitment to long-term growth.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within the Global Engineering team, reporting to a senior engineering or operations leader.

• It involves close collaboration with R&D Packaging, Supply Chain, Manufacturing operations teams at various sites, and Procurement.

• Leadership of cross-functional project teams for Capex initiatives is a key aspect.

• The team likely includes specialized engineers in various disciplines, supporting global engineering initiatives. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is expected, particularly in project evaluation, performance optimisation (OEE), and technology selection.

• A systematic approach to engineering design, URS development, and project management is foundational.

• Emphasis on innovation, continuous improvement, and staying at the forefront of packaging technology.

• Strong focus on sustainability and ESG principles integrated into operational strategies.

Company Website: https://www.florafoodgroup.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Operating within a large, established food conglomerate like Flora Food Group suggests a culture that values both tradition and innovation. The global nature of the role implies a need for strong cross-cultural communication and adherence to standardized corporate processes, while also encouraging local adaptation and problem-solving.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Engineering Management / Technical Leadership role. It requires significant strategic input, decision-making authority over major capital investments, and a broad scope of technical responsibility across multiple international sites. It's a key position for shaping the future of packaging technology within the company.

Reporting Structure: The role reports into the Global Engineering leadership. The manager will likely have direct or indirect reports, including project engineers, design specialists, or technical experts within the packaging and filling domain. They will also be a key stakeholder for site-based engineering teams.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and substantial impact on Flora Food Group's operational efficiency, product quality, cost of goods, and sustainability performance. By defining and deploying best-in-class packaging and filling technologies, the manager contributes to:

• Reduced manufacturing costs through improved efficiency and reduced waste.

• Enhanced product shelf-life and consumer appeal.

• Meeting stringent regulatory and sustainability targets.

• Enabling new product introductions and market agility.

• Optimizing capital allocation for engineering projects. Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to advance into broader engineering leadership roles (e.g., Head of Global Engineering, Director of Operations).

• Opportunity to specialize further in specific areas of packaging technology or sustainability.

• Development into a key subject matter expert (SME) for packaging and filling systems across the industry.

• Potential for international assignments or leadership of larger, more complex global initiatives.

• Mentorship opportunities for junior engineers and project teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The clear path for advancement from this role suggests that Flora Food Group invests in its technical talent. Demonstrating strategic thinking, leadership, and impactful project delivery will be key to progressing within the organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily on-site, with potential for hybrid arrangements depending on specific site policies and project needs. The company operates multiple international locations, including manufacturing facilities.

Office Location(s):

• Primary identified location: Katowice, Poland.

• Other potential locations for the role or collaboration: Wageningen, Netherlands; Kleve, Germany; Pratau, Germany.

• This implies regular travel to manufacturing sites, supplier facilities, and potentially other corporate offices. Workspace Context:

• The workspace in Katowice will likely be a modern office environment within a Flora Food Group facility.

• Access to engineering design software, project management tools, and communication platforms is expected.

• Collaboration will occur through a mix of in-person meetings (at sites or offices), virtual meetings, and digital collaboration tools.

• The environment will be dynamic, involving interaction with diverse teams across different countries and cultures. Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week is the baseline.

• The nature of engineering management and Capex projects often requires flexibility and willingness to work beyond standard hours during critical project phases, FATs, commissioning, or when supporting urgent operational issues.

• Regular travel is expected, which may involve extended periods away from the primary office location.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be comfortable with international travel and working across different time zones. The on-site requirement in Katowice, Poland, is a key factor for location-based considerations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV/LinkedIn profile focusing on relevant experience in packaging engineering, Capex management, and FMCG/Food & Beverage industries.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion on packaging technologies, URS development, equipment specification, GMP/food safety, and sustainability in engineering. Expect to discuss specific projects and challenges.

• Project Management/Leadership Interview: Assessment of Capex project management skills, stakeholder management, influencing abilities, and leadership style. Case studies related to managing large projects may be presented.

• Cross-Functional / Stakeholder Interview: Meeting with key stakeholders from R&D, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Procurement to assess collaboration and communication skills.

• Final Interview: Discussion with senior leadership, focusing on strategic vision, alignment with company values, and overall fit for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type (e.g., Capex, Innovation, Sustainability, Process

Improvement).

• Content: For each project, include:

  • Challenge: Clearly state the problem or objective.
  • Solution: Detail your role, the technologies used, and the processes followed.
  • Results: Quantify outcomes (e.g., cost savings, efficiency gains, waste reduction, project completion metrics). Use metrics like ROI, OEE improvement percentages, or energy savings.

• Visuals: Incorporate diagrams, schematics, or photos where appropriate to illustrate complex designs or installations.

• Focus on Impact: Highlight your direct contribution and the business impact of your work. For this role, emphasize global strategy, standardization, innovation, and large-scale project execution.

• Tailor: Select examples that best demonstrate your expertise in packaging, filling, automation, and sustainability relevant to Flora Food Group's operations.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for scenario-based questions: "How would you approach X problem?" or "Describe a time you managed a conflict related to a project."

• Review common packaging and filling challenges in the food industry and potential solutions.

• Understand current trends in packaging sustainability and automation.

• Practice articulating complex technical concepts clearly and concisely for both technical and non-technical audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for this role, especially for demonstrating hands-on experience with large Capex projects and technical design. Candidates should prepare detailed case studies that showcase their problem-solving abilities and quantifiable achievements.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

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

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Microsoft Project, Asana, Jira, or similar for managing Capex projects and timelines.

• ERP/MRP Systems: Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems for understanding supply chain and production integration.

• Data Analysis Tools: Advanced Excel for data analysis, potentially BI tools like Tableau or Power BI for reporting and dashboards.

Analytics & Reporting:

• OEE Tracking Software: Experience with systems or methodologies for monitoring and improving Overall Equipment Effectiveness.

• Performance Monitoring Tools: Tools for tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) related to packaging line performance, energy consumption, and waste.

CRM & Automation:

• Automation Platforms: Understanding of PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) systems and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) for packaging and filling lines.

• Digitalization Tools: Familiarity with Industry 4.0 concepts, IoT applications in manufacturing, and digital twin technologies for packaging equipment is a plus.

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication and project collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software isn't listed, the role implies a need for strong technical software skills in design, project management, and data analysis. Familiarity with industrial automation and digital manufacturing trends will be highly valued.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence: A commitment to high standards in engineering design, project execution, and operational performance.

• Innovation: Driving continuous improvement and adopting new technologies to maintain a competitive advantage.

• Sustainability: Integrating environmental and social responsibility into all aspects of packaging and filling system design.

• Collaboration: Working effectively across functions and geographies to achieve shared goals.

• Safety & Quality: Ensuring that all engineering solutions prioritize the safety of people and the quality of products.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Strong emphasis on working closely with R&D, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Procurement to ensure holistic solutions.

• Global Alignment: Ability to lead and influence diverse global teams, ensuring consistency in standards and practices while respecting local operational nuances.

• Open Communication: Fostering an environment where ideas, feedback, and concerns can be shared openly and constructively.

• Problem-Solving Focus: A collaborative approach to identifying and resolving technical and operational challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's emphasis on diversity and inclusion, as stated in the job description, suggests a culture that values varied perspectives and fosters an equitable workplace. This is a key point for candidates to align with.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Global Standardization vs. Local Needs: Balancing the implementation of global technical standards with the specific operational realities and needs of different manufacturing sites.

• Pace of Technological Change: Keeping abreast of rapid advancements in packaging materials, automation, and digital technologies.

• Sustainability Mandates: Meeting increasingly stringent sustainability targets for packaging systems, which can involve significant investment and complex technical solutions.

• Project Execution Complexity: Managing large, multi-million Euro Capex projects across international borders, involving multiple stakeholders and potential supply chain disruptions.

• Data Integration: Ensuring seamless data flow and integration between new packaging equipment and existing plant systems.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Conferences & Trade Shows: Attending events focused on packaging technology, automation, and sustainability to stay updated on the latest trends and network with peers.

• Vendor Training: Participating in specialized training programs offered by equipment manufacturers and technology providers.

• Professional Certifications: Pursuing certifications in project management (e.g., PMP) or specialized engineering fields.

• Internal Mentorship: Learning from senior leaders within Flora Food Group and mentoring junior engineers.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining deeper insights into R&D, manufacturing processes, and supply chain operations through project involvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in global manufacturing. Candidates should demonstrate resilience, adaptability, and a proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous learning.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to developing global technical standards for packaging equipment. How do you ensure buy-in from various sites?"

• "Walk me through a large Capex project you managed from conception to commissioning. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?"

• "How do you balance innovation with the need for operational reliability and efficiency in packaging systems?"

• "What is your strategy for integrating sustainability requirements into equipment design, and how do you measure its success?"

• "How would you approach technology scouting for new packaging automation solutions for Flora Food Group?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Flora Food Group and our position in the food industry?"

• "How do you see your role contributing to our sustainability goals?"

• "Describe a situation where you had to influence stakeholders from different departments or countries. What was the outcome?"

• "How do you foster a culture of safety and quality within your engineering teams?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Executive Summary: Start with a high-level overview of your most impactful projects.

• Problem-Solution-Result: For each case study, clearly articulate the challenge, your solution, and the quantifiable results (ROI, efficiency gains, cost savings, sustainability impact).

• Visual Aids: Use slides with clear graphics, diagrams, and key metrics. Avoid text-heavy slides.

• Focus on Leadership: Emphasize your role in leading teams, managing budgets, and driving strategic initiatives.

• Tailor to Flora Food Group: Connect your experience and portfolio examples to the specific needs and challenges of Flora Food Group's packaging and filling operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to discuss specific technical details related to packaging machinery, filling systems, and automation, as well as demonstrate strong project management and leadership capabilities. Quantifiable achievements are key for showcasing impact.

📌 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.

• Tailor Your Resume/LinkedIn: Highlight experience in packaging engineering, filling systems, large Capex project management (€5M+), FMCG/Food & Beverage industries, GMP, food safety, and sustainability. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 detailed case studies showcasing your most relevant projects, focusing on quantifiable results and your strategic contributions. Be ready to present these during the interview process.

• Research Flora Food Group: Understand their product portfolio, market position, sustainability initiatives, and recent news to inform your interview responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

• Practice Interview Questions: Rehearse answers to strategy, technical, and behavioral questions, particularly those related to leadership, project management, and cross-functional collaboration.

⚠️ 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.

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