E&I Project 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