QFS Global Filling Expert

UNAVAILABLE; Hoofddorp; Hybrid; EUR 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Competitive salary

Annual bonus

Pension plan

Health insurance discounts

Job summary

Danone in the Netherlands seeks a senior expert in filling technologies to drive standards, validation and start-up support for aseptic/hygienic lines across Hoofddorp, Zoetermeer and Utrecht.

You will own validation, revalidation triggers, and continuous improvement to reduce defects and contamination risk, collaborating with QFS Regions, Factories and Engineering. The role requires 8–12+ years in aseptic filling and strong documentation; Danone offers a hybrid working environment.

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering (Process/Mechanical), Food Engineering, or equivalent.
• 8–12+ years in filling technologies (aseptic/hygienic) and validation exposure.
• Experience with start-ups and supplier management.
• Strong communication, leadership and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Own technical guidance for filling systems including aseptic/hygienic fillers and closures.
• Ensure filling design aligns with contamination control and hygienic zoning.
• Define and apply validation expectations for filling lines.
• Lead investigations for filling integrity failures and deviations.

Skills

Filling tech

Aseptic processing

Process design

Validation methods

Experimental design

Mathematical modelling

Leadership

Communication

Documentation

Risk assessment

Collaboration

Education

Engineering degree

Food engineering

Job description

Short Intro and About the Job

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Filling Standards & Technology Governance : own technical guidancefor filling systems: aseptic fillers, hygienic fillers (ESL),closure systems, sterilization methods (where applicable), and integrityexpectations.
• Ensure filling design and operation align with contamination controlstrategy and hygienic zoning principles.
• Validation & Qualification - define and apply validation expectationsfor filling: media fills (where applicable),sterilization/aseptic performance checks, container closure integrityprinciples, and line hygiene verification.
• Establish revalidation triggers (maintenance changes, format change, major deviations, equipment upgrades).
• CAPEX, New Lines & Start-ups: provide expert support for new fillers/line upgrades: user requirement specifications, supplier technicalreviews, commissioning, and performance qualification.
• Ensure that “design for cleanability” and contamination control areembedded early.
• Drive operational excellence & reliability improvements to reduce filling-related defects and microbiological risks (e.g., seal failures, cap torque issues, aseptic boundary loss, micro recontamination).
• Analyse OEE loss due to filler hygiene/sterility constraints and identifytechnical countermeasures.
• Lead/assist investigations for filling integrity failures and aseptic/hygienic deviations; define corrective actions and verify effectiveness.

KEY DELIVERABLES:

• Filling Standards & Technology Governance Validation & Qualification of filling lines
• Expert support for new fillers/line upgrades Technical assistance, competency building, and best practice sharing across the network.
• Continuous improvement initiatives and risk mitigation strategies for filling processes.

MAIN INTERACTIONS:

• Internal: QFS Regions and Factories, Operations, Engineering, R&I, Global QFS
• External: Industry associations, committees, regulatory and certifying agencies KEY

METRICS:

• Filling integrity performance: % compliance with defined filling validation and routine verification requirements.
• Reduction in filling-related critical defects and Repeat deviation elimination
• Training completion and capability building metrics FGLs and business impact related to aseptic processes

About You

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE:

• Degree in Engineering (Process/Mechanical), Food Engineering, or equivalent.
• 8–12+ years in filling technologies (aseptic/hygienic), start-ups, supplier management, and validation exposure.

INNOVATION SKILLS & COMPETENCIES :

• Deep expertise in filling technologies and aseptic processing.
• Advanced knowledge of process design, validation, assessment, monitoring and verification methods
• Expertise in experimental design, mathematical modelling, and process validation
• Strong communication, training, leadership, and collaboration skills for capability building and cross-functional influence Analytical skills for risk assessment and continuous improvement of process controls Adaptability, flexibility, self-driven, detail-oriented, and results-oriented
• Excellent documentation skills

About Us, We offer and What’s next

At Danone, we offer a complete package of benefits, with a competitive primary salary and yearly bonus, but also benefits like a premium free pension, 30 days annual leave and several discounts on a collective health insurance and even on some of our products.

In the Netherlands we also offer a hybrid working environment which enables each team to meet our people's desire for flexibility. Across our 3 office hubs in Hoofddorp, Zoetermeer and Utrecht this helps us create better opportunities for connection & synergies across our entities, teams, functions and categories.

We put people at the center of everything we do. Bring your unique perspective, ambitions and ideas to the table – the impact you could make might surprise you. We are committed to embrace diversity, nurturing an inclusive workplace where every individual is valued; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is deeply embedded in Danone's DNA.

* All applications will be considered for a vacancy without discrimination based on ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, disability, or any other protected status.

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