Project Lead | HVAC | Utilities | EHS

Randstad - Netherlands; Cuijk; Hybrid; EUR 50,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

NS Business Card for travel

Randstad Academy training

Job summary

Danone Nutricia Research is seeking a Project Lead for HVAC, Utilities and EHS to drive technical delivery of critical utility infrastructure on a flagship expansion. You will lead end-to-end design, commissioning, and safety governance across the project footprint, coordinating with operations, contractors, and regulatory bodies.

The role requires strong English communication, a background in engineering with safety qualifications, and the ability to lead safety initiatives, risk assessments,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree with a higher safety management qualification (e.g., NEBOSH Diploma, CSP).
• 5–8 years in engineering and Health & Safety on major industrial projects; 3 years in F&B acceptable.
• Experience as Health and Safety Specialist or Lead on large-scale industrial projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead HVAC and utilities delivery from design through handover (steam, air, cooling, HVAC).
• Build cleanrooms and high-care areas to meet quality/export standards.
• Manage procurement, contracts, and budgets for the utilities work package.

Skills

HVAC system design

Project leadership

EHS compliance

MS Project

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's/Master's degree + safety qualification

Tools

MS Project

Job description

We have an excellent opportunity at our client, Danone - Nutricia Research, for a Project Lead | HVAC | Utilities | EHS.

In this position you will lead the technical delivery of critical utility infrastructure and drive a zero-harm safety culture on a flagship industrial expansion. The Haps production facility of Danone - the flagship location among their global network - is undergoing a major capital investment program to expand capacity, automate operations, and satisfy strict export requirements.

This dual-focused leadership role owns the end-to-end design and commissioning of complex HVAC and process utility systems while serving as the primary authority for Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) across the entire project footprint.

Key Responsibilities

• HVAC and Utilities Delivery: Drive basic design, tendering, installation, commissioning, and handover for steam, compressed air, cooling, and HVAC systems.
• Controlled Environment Design: Build cleanrooms, aseptic zones, and high-care areas to meet international quality, hygiene, and export standards.
• Capital Procurement and Control: Draft technical specifications, negotiate contracts, select suppliers, and track timelines (MS Project) and budgets for the utilities work package.
• EHS Strategy and Governance: Enforce local health and safety legislation alongside internal corporate guidelines, converting compliance targets into actionable site procedures.
• Process Safety and Risk Mitigation: Facilitate HAZOP, RI and E, and Task Risk Analyses (TRA). Manage high-risk programs including ATEX, LOTO, Working at Height, and Confined Space Entry.
• On-Site Safety Leadership: Maintain a strong daily floor presence to lead toolbox talks, conduct safety walks, perform behavioral observations, and execute direct stop-work authority when necessary.
• Auditing & Incident Management: Lead Root Cause Analyses (RCA) for safety incidents, track corrective measures, and manage third-party safety audits.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Act as the primary technical point of contact between project leadership, plant operations, external contractors, and regulatory inspection bodies.

Functie-eisen

• Bachelor's/Master's level of working and thinking (HBO or WO level), supplemented by a relevant higher safety management qualification (e.g., NEBOSH Diploma, CSP, or an equivalent higher safety engineering certification).
• Minimum of 5 to 8 years of experience in a combined or closely related role covering engineering and Health and Safety within major industrial projects. Exception: A minimum of 3 years of experience is acceptable if gained within the Food and Beverage industry.
• Demonstrated work experience as an Health and Safety Specialist or Lead within complex, large-scale (industrial) projects.
• In-depth knowledge of laws and regulations, Health and Safety management systems, and critical safety programs (such as LOTO, ATEX, working at heights, and confined spaces). Solid experience with MS Project.

Competenties

• Experience in leading incident investigations, audits, and root cause analyses (RCA).
• Excellent communication skills in English (and preferably in Dutch) to effectively liaise between project teams, contractors, and regulatory bodies.
• Fluent in English (official working language); Dutch is an advantage/pre.
• Persuasion & Influence: Inspires and aligns employees, project managers, and contractors at all levels with standards, moving beyond a simple reliance on rules and regulations.
• Communication Agility: Effortlessly shifts between a hands-on toolbox talk on-site, discussions with contractors, and strategic reporting to the project directorate.
• Culture Builder & Coach: Fosters an open, proactive safety culture and coaches team members and stakeholders to take ownership of their responsibilities.
• Flexibility & Adaptability: Navigates changing frameworks or regulations with ease and handles change requests pragmatically.
• Pragmatic & Solution-Oriented: Translates complex requirements and legislation into feasible, workable solutions for daily site operations.
• Decisiveness Under Pressure: Remains steadfast and makes decisive calls when safety or quality is at stake, even under tight project deadlines.
• Stakeholder Management: Builds and maintains effective working relationships with contractors, suppliers, regulatory bodies, and internal project teams within a matrix organization

Arbeidsvoorwaarden

• Salary: A market-competitive salary matching your experience and level, ranging between €4,500 and €5,000 gross per month based on a 40-hour work week.
• Holidays: 25 vacation days per year for full-time employment, with the option to accrue or purchase additional days.
• Pension Scheme: An excellent pension plan from day one through the VvDN pension fund.
• Mobility: A choice between a travel allowance of €0.23 per kilometer or an NS Business Card for business travel.
• Development: Unlimited access to training courses and education via the Randstad Academy to continuously expand your expertise.
• Hours: 32 to 40 hours per week (40 hours preferred)
• Hybrid: 4 days on-site in Haps, 1 day working from home possible

Application Procedure & Important Dates

Selection Process:

Round 1: Interview with HR and Hiring Manager

Round 2: Follow-up interview with HR and Hiring Manager

Bedrijfsinformatie

At Danone, you will thrive in a fast-paced, complex environment built for personal and professional growth. As the team behind globally trusted brands like Evian, Alpro, Nutricia, Activia, and Nutrilon, they take immense pride in their certified B-Corp status - holding ourselves to the highest standards of environmental performance, transparency, and social impact.

The company is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse workforce and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All hiring decisions are made strictly based on qualifications, business needs, and merit.

For more information about this company: About Danone