Engineering Director – Food

LAPORTE is a consulting engineering firm providing high-value engineering services to the pharmaceutical, food and beverage, industrial biotechnology, and industrial manufacturing sectors, with 30 offices across North America and Europe and more than 520 dedicated employees. We are an independent company wholly owned by 45 of our principal engineers.

To support our continued growth, we are seeking an Engineering Director to lead and expand our Food & Beverage activities in Belgium. This strategic role offers a unique opportunity to drive business development, lead major industrial projects, and build a high‑performing local team while benefiting from the support of our international network of experts.

Our current offices are located in Brussels and Louvain-la‑Neuve. We are also open to establishing a presence in another Belgian city based on business needs and the successful candidate's location.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Market Growth

• Develop and execute LAPORTE's growth strategy within the Belgian food and beverage sector.
• Leverage existing relationships with multinational clients already served by LAPORTE across North America and Europe.
• Identify and develop new business opportunities through industry networking, client engagement, and strategic prospecting.
• Represent LAPORTE at industry conferences, trade fairs, and professional associations as an exhibitor, speaker, or industry expert.
• Build and maintain strong long‑term client relationships.

Engineering & Project Delivery

• Lead the design and execution of food and beverage manufacturing facilities, process systems, utilities, and packaging installations.
• Oversee the preparation of engineering studies, technical specifications, equipment specifications, and tender documentation.
• Direct multidisciplinary engineering projects from concept through commissioning.
• Manage project scope, budgets, schedules, risks, and resources.
• Coordinate contractors and ensure compliance with applicable health, safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Supervise equipment installation, start‑up, qualification, and commissioning activities.

Leadership & Team Development

• Build and develop LAPORTE's Food & Beverage engineering team in Belgium.
• Recruit, mentor, and support engineering professionals in collaboration with the Human Resources team.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Provide strong leadership aligned with LAPORTE's values and entrepreneurial culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Biotechnology Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in industrial food and beverage engineering projects.
• Proven experience in engineering consulting, project management, and client relationship development.
• Demonstrated success in leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complex industrial projects.
• Strong knowledge of food and beverage manufacturing processes and industry regulations.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to develop business opportunities and drive growth.
• Fluency in English is required. French and/or Dutch proficiency is highly desirable.
• Willingness to travel within Belgium and occasionally internationally.

What We Offer

• A unique opportunity to build and lead LAPORTE's Food & Beverage business in Belgium.
• A dynamic and entrepreneurial environment that encourages initiative and professional growth.
• Significant career advancement opportunities based on performance and business development success.
• Competitive salary package.
• Company car or vehicle allowance.
• Hospitalisation insurance and group insurance.
• Teleworking allowance and professional expense reimbursement.
• Meal vouchers and eco vouchers.
• Company laptop and mobile phone.
• The support of an international network of engineering experts across Europe and North America.