Project Lead | HVAC | Utilities | EHS

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.

• HVAC and Utilities Delivery:
  Drive basic design, tendering, installation, commissioning, and handover for steam, compressed air, cooling, and HVAC systems.
• Controlled Environment Design:
  Build clean rooms, 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.

• 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.

• 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…