Erik Hesselink

Head of Projects and Engineering at Koppert

The Randstad, Netherlands

About

Experienced Head of Projects & Engineering with a strong track record in leading multidisciplinary teams and delivering complex, high‑impact projects within the biotechnology, industrial, and oil & energy sectors. With more than a decade of experience managing engineering teams, project managers, and large investment portfolios, I specialize in shaping and executing capital project strategies that drive growth, sustainability, and operational excellence. At Koppert Biological Systems, I lead the Projects & Engineering organization, overseeing building projects, process installations, packaging technology, climate control systems, and the technical infrastructure that supports Koppert’s global production expansion. I collaborate closely across departments to develop future‑proof, innovative, and sustainable solutions that optimize production processes and safeguard a safe, compliant, and efficient working environment. Previously, I led multidisciplinary project teams in the marine, industrial, and oil & gas sectors, delivering integrated systems such as hydraulic powerpacks, sampling systems, helicopter fueling systems, and specialized control systems for offshore applications. Core strengths - Leadership of engineering and project management teams - Capital project portfolio & strategy - Multidisciplinary project execution - Technical installations, production facilities & utilities - Sustainability-driven engineering - Stakeholder management & cross-functional collaboration - Energy, gas, and industrial systems expertise - People development & organizational growth Driven by curiosity, collaboration, and continuous improvement, I enjoy building teams, systems, and projects that make a measurable impact.

Experience

  • Koppert ()
    • Head of Projects and Engineering
      Sep 2024 - Present · 1 yr 11 mos

      At Koppert Biological Systems, I lead a multidisciplinary team of (lead) engineers and project managers. In this role, I am responsible for managing the portfolio of all our buildings, building-related installations, (packaging) machines, and climate control systems for the cultivation of microbiology and macrobiology. I collaborate closely with various departments to develop innovative and sustainable technical solutions that support and optimize our production processes. With my team, I ensure the efficient execution of projects, continuous improvement of installations and systems, and the safeguarding of a safe and future-proof working environment. Our focus is on realizing Koppert's growth ambitions, with sustainability and innovation at the core.

    • Head of Projects at Koppert
      Jan 2021 - Oct 2024 · 3 yrs 10 mos

      Head of project’s department and together with my team of projectmanagers responsible for portfolio of the expansion and modification of all Koppert production facilities. Projects are multidisciplinair and can be found in the field of building construction, offices, fermentation plant, rearing facilities, greenhouses and energy distribution within the plant.

  • DGI | Doedijns (3 yrs 2 mos)
    • Manager Projects
      Apr 2018 - Jan 2021 · 2 yrs 10 mos

      Head of the projects department at Doedijns BV. and member of the Management Team. Responsible for managing a team of 7 project engineers and project managers in completing integrated systems for the Marine, Industrial and Oil&Gas industries. Examples of the various systems are : hydraulic powerpacks, sampling systems, helicopter fueling systems.

    • Project Manager
      Dec 2017 - Apr 2018 · 5 mos

      Responsible for delivery of the Upending control system to Heerema Vlissingen BV for the Equinor Peregrino 2 Jacket.

  • Frames (20 yrs 4 mos)
    • Product Manager
      Jan 2013 - Nov 2017 · 4 yrs 11 mos

      Sales responsible for the product group Hydraulics in the Oil & Gas industry. Translating client needs into solutions or new products in close cooperation with engineering and R&D

    • Project Manager
      Jan 2007 - Dec 2012 · 6 yrs

      Responsible for the project department hydraulic systems, chemical injection systems and valve automation. Managing a group of project engineers and member of the Management Team.

    • Sr. Project Engineer
      Aug 2005 - Dec 2006 · 1 yr 5 mos

  • Commercial engineer at Imatrans Hijswerktuigen BV
    Feb 1995 - Jul 1997 · 2 yrs 6 mos