Engineering Manager - La Chapelle

Your Role 

We are looking for an Engineering Manager for the Manufacturing-Operations team, who will report to the Plant Director at our plant in La Chapelle-Vendomoise. In this role, you will be responsible for leading the site’s capital investment (CAPEX) strategy and technical innovation projects to support the long-term growth, performance, and sustainability of the factory. You will own the end-to-end engineering and CAPEX project portfolio, including strategic planning, new equipment introduction, process development, and continuous technical improvements, while ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient execution

What you will do 

• Lead engineering projects from conceptual design through commissioning and handover to operations, ensuring delivery on cost, time, quality, safety, and performance.
• Manage the site master plan, including buildings, infrastructure, utilities (steam, air, water, energy), and new production lines.
• Ensure Vertical Startups of new equipment and lines, achieving target OEE, quality, and energy performance in the shortest possible time.
• Develop and validate CAPEX business cases (ROI, payback, risk assessment) in collaboration with Finance and stakeholders.
• Lead supplier selection, technical evaluations, contract execution, and governance for major CAPEX projects.
• Ensure compliance with HS, food safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements (ATEX, CE, HACCP, local codes) from design to commissioning.
• Drive energy efficiency, environmental performance, and sustainability initiatives embedded into engineering and utility system design.
• Standardize engineering practices, tools, and project governance in line with global engineering standards.
• Manage and develop the site engineering team, including project engineers and technical experts, ensuring skills development, engagement, and succession planning.
• Lead and coordinate cross-functional and matrix project teams, mobilizing resources from Production, Maintenance, Quality, HSE, Utilities, Supply Chain, and Finance.
• Influence and align stakeholders without direct hierarchical authority, ensuring effective collaboration, prioritization, and decision-making.
• Anticipate, arbitrate, and resolve conflicts between operational constraints and project objectives.
• Act as a trusted business and technical partner to site leadership and global functions.

What we are looking for 

Required Experience

• Degree: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Process, or Industrial Engineering.
• Certifications: Advanced certification in Project Management.
• Experience: 7+ years in engineering and CAPEX project management within food, beverage, pharmaceutical, or process industries.
• Proven track record managing multi-million-euro CAPEX portfolios, from feasibility to final commissioning and post-investment performance review.
• Strong experience in greenfield and brownfield projects, including installation of complex process equipment, utilities, and automated production/packaging systems.
• Solid knowledge of hygienic design, food safety standards, environmental regulations, and sustainability best practices.
• Strong understanding of regulatory, safety, and compliance frameworks (ATEX, CE, HACCP, local building codes).

Technical Competences

• Advanced Project & CAPEX Management
• Process Engineering & Hygienic Design
• Equipment Installation, Commissioning & Vertical Startup
• Utilities Engineering (steam, compressed air, water, energy)
• Automation & Technology Roadmaps
• Engineering Standards & Work Processes
• PFMEA & Risk Management
• Change Management & Operational Readiness

 Leadership Competences

• Strategic Project & "Vertical Startup" Leadership
• Cross-Functional & Matrix Team Leadership
• Stakeholder Influence & Decision Facilitation
• Systemic Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement
• Talent Development & Knowledge Transfer
• Operational Excellence Systems (DMS, DDS 2, VSU)

What we offer  

• Incentives and profit-sharing
• Canteen with discounted price
• Fresh fruits once per week
• Amazon product discount
• 80% of health insurance costs are covered by the company
• CSE: various activities and benefits all year round
• Affinity University platform: Professional development opportunities for employees at different stages of their careers, acknowledging diverse career paths.
• Celebrations & Fun
• “Holidays bonus”

If you don’t meet all the requirements, don’t worry. We value diverse backgrounds and encourage you to apply anyway. Your application will be thoughtfully reviewed! 

We cultivate an inclusive culture that celebrates diversity. We firmly believe that embracing a variety of perspectives is integral to both our company’s success and the strength of our team. That’s why we are committed to providing equal opportunities for all. 

Our Company 

Affinity Petcare is more than an international petfood company. For more than 60 years, we have been dedicated to nourishing healthy bonds between dogs, cats, and people to make the world a better place.  

We are very proud of our innovative brands which include: Ultima, Advance, Brekkies, Nature’s Variety, Nature’s Menu, Natural Trainer, Libra, and more. Currently, we have over 1,200 professionals working for this purpose from Barcelona, Paris, Milan, and London, as well as  4 production sites through which we supply the 70+ countries where our brands have a presence.  

So, what are you waiting for? Join our team to leave your footprint! 

Want to know more about us?  

Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest updates and job opportunities. You can also follow us on Instagram 👉 @affinitycareers to find out more about life at Affinity and hear stories from our team.