Electrical and Instrumentation Manager

Electrical and Instrumentation E&I Project Manager

Start date: ASAP.

Duration: Until end of year, options to extend long term.

Location: Olen, Belgium.

Rotation: Monday-Friday.

Type: Freelance contract.

Description

Department: This client is a global leader in materials technology and recycling, employing over 11,500 people and generating €3.61 billion in revenue in 2024. Our core activities and R&D are focused on clean technologies essential to daily life:

• Catalysts to reduce harmful emissions

• Rechargeable battery materials powering future mobility

• Recycling to give new life to used metals

Department description and responsibilities

Technical Solutions (TS), The client's R&D in Olen, Belgium.

Technical Solutions supports global R&D projects with:

• Technical expertise.

• Maintenance of installations, pilot setups, and infrastructure.

• Execution of technical projects for modifications or new builds of installations and trial setups.

The E&I Project Manager will be responsible for managing, organizing, and preparing complex electrical and instrumentation projects. This role requires a strategic approach to project management, ensuring successful execution from initiation through to completion.

Project description:

Various R&D-related projects such as:

• Shell construction projects (new builds, lab setups).

• HVAC systems, distribution infrastructure, reactors, and ovens.

• Test and pilot installations with iterative modifications during trial runs

Primary Tasks and responsibilities

• Lead the automation and electrical scope of R&D-related projects from initiation to post-delivery.

• Coordinate internal teams (Electrical Design, Automation, OT) and liaise with other disciplines and stakeholders.

• Provide technical leadership to internal and external contributors.

• Draft functional analyses for automation projects (PLC/SCADA).

• Oversee OT networks and systems with a focus on cybersecurity.

• Conduct and follow up on risk assessments.

• Ensure clear communication within the project team.

• Deliver technical and financial outcomes, managing budgets typically between €25k and €1M.

• Promote awareness of quality, safety, health, wellbeing, and environmental standards.

• Manage contractor engagements and oversight.

Technical profile requirements

• 5+ Years relevant experience and a proven track record in technical project management.

• Strong knowledge of electrical and automation systems:

o Familiarity with EPLAN and Caneco

o Basic understanding of automation principles and functional analysis (no in depth development required)

o Experience with OT networks and industrial communication protocols

• Understanding of safety-related issues and risk assessment within automated environments.

• Proficient in MS Office; SAP knowledge is a plus.

Non-Technical profile requirements

• Effective team leadership and motivation skills.

• Flexible mindset suited to dynamic R&D environments with frequent changes.

• Ability to think critically and take responsibility for project outcomes.

• Strong planning, organizational and administrative skills.

• Work accurately with a focus on quality and detail but still being able to manage multiple smaller projects at once.

Methodology/Certification requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electromechanics or equivalent, with substantial industrial experience.

• Project management certification is a plus (PMP, Prince2, …).

Language proficiencies

• Fluent in Dutch speaking and writing.

• Has practical English language skills to read and understand technical documents and to conduct technical & safety discussions.

Skills

EPLAN, Caneco - 3 Years

OT Networks & Industrial Communication Protocols - 3 Years

Technical E&I Project Management - 5 Years