As Manager Engineering, you will shape and implement the strategic direction for Operational Technology (OT) and preventive/predictive maintenance across our two cutting-edge cheese packaging sites in Wolvega and Leerdam. Your mission: to drive cost-effective equipment performance, reduce downtime, and ensure our technical assets meet the highest standards of safety, compliance and operational excellence.
You’ll report into Multisite Technical Services Manager and collaborate closely with the two Team Leads Maintenance at each location, forming a strong technical backbone for our operations.

What we ask

• A Bachelor’s degree (HBO) with 10+ years of experience, or a Master’s degree (WO) with 7+ years of experience in engineering or a related field;
• Deep knowledge of OT systems and maintenance processes in a production environment;
• At least 7 years of leadership experience, with a proven ability to manage and develop technical teams;
• Strong strategic thinking and execution skills, especially in implementing long-term technical roadmaps;
• Excellent communication and reporting abilities, with a knack for stakeholder alignment;
• Solid planning, organizational, and project management capabilities.

What we offer

At FrieslandCampina you work on strong, globally loved brands enjoyed by millions every day, like Friso, Campina, Chocomel and Frisian Flag. As a farmer-owned cooperative, we combine an international environment with a clear social and sustainable purpose. We support your growth through training, coaching and internal career opportunities. With trust and autonomy, you can make real impact. 

Employment benefits: 

• Salary between €5,250 and €7,150 gross per month (full-time), depending on experience and fit for the role. 
• A work week of 32 to 38 hours, a 5% year-end allowance, 12,5% company  bonus, 8% holiday allowance and a pension scheme. 
• Hybrid working with flexible working hours, a train card and/or €0.23 per km (max. 30 km one way). 
• 200 hours of annual leave, with the option to buy or sell up to 40 hours. 
• A laptop, phone and home office equipment to support flexible working. 
• Wellbeing and inclusion initiatives, such as health support, employee assistance programs and diversity initiatives. 
• Extras at the head office, such as milk and cheese during lunch and fresh fruit. 

Vacancy description

As Manager Engineering, you will shape and implement the strategic direction for Operational Technology (OT) and preventive/predictive maintenance across our two cutting-edge cheese packaging sites in Wolvega and Leerdam. Your mission: to drive cost-effective equipment performance, reduce downtime,  and ensure our technical assets meet the highest standards of safety, compliance and operational excellence.
You’ll report into Multisite Technical Services Manager and collaborate closely with the two Team Leads Maintenance at each location, forming a strong technical backbone for our operations.

Strategic Maintenance & OT Leadership 

• Design and implement preventive and predictive maintenance strategies to ensure equipment reliability and minimize downtime;
• Develop and roll out a unified OT strategy across both sites aiming for standardization and efficiency.
  
  

Team Management & Collaboration 

• Lead a team of 12 FTE, including reliability, maintenance and OT engineers;
• Work closely with other departments to ensure seamless operations and technical alignment.
  
  

Asset Lifecycle & Optimization 

• Oversee the full lifecycle of equipment—from procurement to maintenance and eventual replacement;
• Maintain detailed records of maintenance activities, equipment status and spare parts inventory.
  
  

Innovation & Continuous Improvement 

• Identify opportunities for process optimization and technical innovation;
• Introduce new technologies and engineering methods to elevate maintenance and OT practices.
  
  

At FrieslandCampina, we’re more than just a dairy company. We’re a community of passionate people working together to make a difference—from our farmers to our employees, and from our partners to our consumers. You’ll be part of a team that values diversity, ownership and impact. We believe in empowering our people to shape their careers and contribute to something bigger.

Our Sites 

• Leerdam: Specializes in packing whole cheeses. blocks, and wedges for global export;
• Wolvega: Focuses on sliced and grated cheese for the European market.

Together, these sites operate 24/5, employ over 650 people and package more than 165 kton of cheese annually. We serve top retailers like Aldi, Lidl, Rewe, Carrefour, Mercadona, Sainsbury’s and Costco, as well as our own brands like Frico, Milner and NoyNoy.