With over a decade of experience in project management and technical innovation, Dries Josson’s career reflects his passion for bringing complex projects to life—from design to mass production. With a keen ability to visualize challenges and solutions before they arise, Dries has honed his expertise across industries, developing a reputation as a proactive, solutions-driven professional.
Could you tell us a bit about your career journey?
“I’ve always been drawn to the idea of understanding how things work and how to make them better. I started my career with roles in sales advisory and warehousing before transitioning into more technical and project-focused positions. One of my early technical roles was at Sabbe bvba, where I advised on pipeline and fiber projects while setting my sights on project management.
The turning point came when I joined TEN, where I handled smaller plastics projects before moving to Barco. At Barco, I gained my first lead project experience, managing new builds from A to Z. For example, I oversaw projects for H&M stores across Europe and even large-scale installations like casinos. These projects taught me how to manage timelines, coordinate teams, and ensure every detail—from production schedules in China to on-site installations—aligned with customer expectations. Later, at Skylux, I managed projects in AG plastics, working on solutions for socially supported environments while balancing materials, supply, and customer needs. My focus was always on creating efficient processes, reducing risks, and ensuring seamless execution.”
What about your time at Daikin?
“At Daikin, I spent seven years managing the introduction of new heating products from concept to mass production. It was a fascinating role because I worked on every stage: manufacturability analysis, line balancing, tool preparation, and risk management. It’s one thing to design a product, it’s another to ensure it can be produced efficiently at scale.
My role wasn’t hands-on production, but I had to know every step of the process inside and out. I was responsible for ensuring production lines ran smoothly, producing hundreds of units per shift. It’s incredibly rewarding to see a product I helped bring to life being sold and used by customers worldwide.”
What inspired your passion for technical and project management?
“As a child, I loved taking things apart to figure out how they worked. Whether it was fixing my father’s telephone or tinkering with other devices, I was always curious about their function. That curiosity has stayed with me. Even now, when I’m designing or planning a project, I visualize every possible issue and solution before we begin. I enjoy working with my hands, but my real passion lies in managing the entire process from start to finish.”
Why did you choose to become an on-site consultant?
“I became a consultant because I thrive on change. Early in my career, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do long-term, so I saw consulting as an opportunity to explore different industries and roles. Over time, I realized that I love following projects from A to Z, ensuring every detail is handled and every challenge is addressed.
Consulting also matches my proactive nature. I’m quick to learn, whether through manuals or hands-on experience, and I’m not afraid to ask questions or seek help when needed. For instance, when I started at Daikin, I had to step into someone else’s role without a handover. I had to learn on the spot and quickly deliver results. It’s experiences like these that have sharpened my problem-solving skills and taught me to adapt under pressure.”
What motivates you in your work?
“I’m motivated by progress and problem-solving. I love diving into discussions, aligning teams, and finding solutions. I don’t shy away from disagreements, as long as they lead to the best outcome for the project. For me, a project isn’t just work; it’s like a living thing that I want to see grow and succeed.”
What motivates you to go to work each day?
“The variety of projects is what excites me every morning. There’s always something new to tackle, and I never know what the day will bring. I’m an active and proactive person, I can’t sit still and that unpredictability keeps me motivated and eager to get started.”
Can you share a memorable project you’ve worked on?
“One of my favorite projects was the iconic water tower for Barco that you see along the E17 in Waregem. We painted it black, added a 60-square-meter LED screen, and crowned it with LED tubes. It’s rewarding to know that the project is still standing strong, and it’s something people see and recognize every day.
I’ve also worked on countless manufacturing projects where the outcome isn’t as visible, but the satisfaction of seeing a production line smoothly delivering hundreds of units per day is just as fulfilling.”
What sets you apart as a professional?
“I think my ability to see the bigger picture is one of my strongest qualities. I like to be in contact with all departments—design, production, logistics—to ensure that everything aligns. I’m also highly organized, creating clear structures and plans to address potential risks and optimize efficiency.
At the same time, I’m deeply invested in the projects I work on. I take them personally, not in a negative way, but because I genuinely care about their success. I’ve learned to balance this passion with patience and listening to others, which has been a valuable lesson over the years.”
What’s next for you?
“I’d love to continue managing long-term projects where I can oversee the entire development process, from the initial concept to installation at the customer’s site. I enjoy roles that allow me to engage with multiple departments, solve complex problems, and deliver results that make a real impact.”
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