Group Paper Engineer

Does papermaking define your craft, and do you thrive on machines that can perform just that little bit better every day? Do you want your technical expertise to have impact across multiple paper mills and paper machines — from stock tower to winder — without ever compromising on substance? Are you looking for an international role where autonomy, trust and clearly visible results on the shop floor come together naturally?

At VPK Paper Group, this is not merely a position, but a key expert role in which your knowledge, experience and passion for paper production genuinely make a difference — every single day.

Proud, driven and committed — does this sound like you? Then you may well embody the VPK DNA we are looking for.

Your Role

As Group Paper Engineer, you act as a technical sparring partner, problem solver and catalyst for improvement across the group’s paper machines. You combine deep technical expertise with a strong understanding of day-to-day operational realities on the shop floor.

Your responsibilities include:

• Full technical ownership of all activities from stock tower to winder, with a focus on quality, output, stability and profitability
• Analysing paper machines and processes in their full context: technology, raw materials, people, organisation and culture
• Identifying and driving structural improvement opportunities, including:
  • paper machine productivity and capacity
  • energy consumption
  • process stability
  • automation and process control
• Taking ownership of technical and process-related challenges, guiding them from root-cause analysis through to implementation
• Building and consolidating papermaking knowledge at group level, and embedding best practices across sites
• Contributing to both large-scale technical programmes and seemingly simple optimisations that deliver lasting energy and cost savings
• Working closely with local teams to:
  • break down complex process issues
  • test and validate solutions under real operating conditions
  • support optimisation, rebuild and capacity-increase projects
  • temporarily provide specialist expertise where required
• Developing and maintaining strong relationships with machine suppliers, technology partners, and internal stakeholders across all divisions and sites
• You report directly to the COO Paper.

Who You Are

• You are not a conventional engineer, but a papermaker at heart — someone who understands the technology, senses the process and engages people along the way.
• You have a deep-rooted passion for papermaking and a keen interest in what happens technically and physically within a paper machine
• You hold a Master’s degree as:
  • a Paper Engineer, or
  • a Bio-engineer or Mechanical/Civil Engineer with a strong affinity for process engineering, energy, thermodynamics and mechanics
• You have at least 10 years’ relevant experience in paper production
• You are comfortable working in complex process environments with large-scale assets and continuous production
• You bring proven experience in:
  • optimisation and stabilisation of paper machines
  • process and quality improvement
  • start-ups, rebuilds or capacity expansions
• You think analytically, while always keeping a firm grasp on practical reality
• You communicate clearly, calmly and respectfully — even in sensitive situations
• You believe in working alongside local teams, building trust through listening and visible presence
• You are not driven by hierarchy, but by content-driven impact
• You are autonomous, proactive, and prepared to substantiate and stand by your technical decisions
• You are comfortable operating in an international role with frequent travel
• Professional-level English is essential; French is a strong advantage

What We Offer

• A rare expert position where you can genuinely make a technical difference
• Influence across multiple mills and paper machines, with clear and measurable results
• A diverse and challenging machine park that allows you to further develop and broaden your technical expertise
• Close collaboration with highly experienced colleagues at group level
• A role characterised by autonomy and trust, within clear strategic frameworks
• A flexible working arrangement, based from our sites in Oudegem (BE), Alizay (FR), Strasbourg (FR) and from home — while supporting other European sites as required
• A culture centred on craftsmanship, respect for expertise and continuous improvement
• You will join a small, dedicated expert team of three
• A competitive salary, tailored to your experience and place of residence

Who We Are

• VPK Group is an internationally growing, family-owned business with a strong reputation in sustainable paper and packaging solutions.
• The group operates seven paper mills with nine paper machines, and places strong emphasis on group-wide technical and operational support.
• VPK Paper produces approximately 530,000 tonnes of packaging paper per year, manufactured from 100% recycled paper and cardboard.
• Our culture is guided by four core values: Ownership, Trust, Care & Beyond. These values shape our decisions and our day-to-day way of working.
• VPK Group is committed to an inclusive recruitment policy. We value diversity and encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, nationality or physical ability. We strive to foster a workplace in which everyone feels welcome, respected and valued, and we look forward to the unique contribution you can bring to our team.