Automation Project Lead

Perfact Group; Antwerpen; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Perfact Group is seeking an Automation Project Leader to drive and structure automation initiatives from concept to solution design. You will combine process insight, technical design, and cross-functional coordination to deliver scalable automation aligned with program strategy.

You will oversee the preparatory phase, deepen process understanding with stakeholders, define technical specifications, select solutions, develop business cases, and hand over to the engineering team for implementation.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation projects from concept through design phase.
• Map requirements with stakeholders (IT, EHS, safety, production).
• Develop technical specifications and initial solution designs.
• Coordinate with internal teams or external suppliers for solution delivery.
• Prepare business cases and ensure handover to engineering for implementation.

Job description

For an industrial site, we are looking for an Automation Project Manager responsible for leading and structuring individual automation projects, from the concept phase through solution design. You combine process insight, technical design, multidisciplinary coordination, and project management to deliver high-quality and scalable automation solutions. You align projects with various stakeholders and ensure they are well-prepared and ready for implementation when handed over to the engineering team.

Description:

As an Automation Project Leader, you lead individual automation projects and structure them from the concept phase through solution design. The role combines process insight, technical solution design, multidisciplinary coordination and project management to deliver high-quality, scalable automation solutions that align with the program strategy.

You are responsible for the preparatory phase of each initiative: you deepen your understanding of the process, map out requirements together with stakeholders (IT, EHS, safety, production, etc.), establish technical specifications, select an appropriate solution (using internal resources or external suppliers), develop the business case and subsequently hand over the project to the engineering team for implementation.

Within the program, a team of multiple Automation Project Leaders is being built. Projects are assigned based on each engineer's skills, expertise and background.

Process and concept design

Understand the complete process to be automated, both on the shop floor and in collaboration with operators. Critically evaluate existing methods and apply lean principles together with the OE team (Operational Excellence). Identify dependencies between different departments, such as safety, IT, maintenance and operations. Assess feasibility, taking into account operational and environmental constraints.

Technical design and solution design

Gather, document and structure functional and technical requirements. Develop initial technical specifications and concept descriptions. Design and evaluate automation solutions and architectures. Investigate possible solutions, leveraging internal expertise or external suppliers. Monitor and validate the choices made in the solution design. Assess technical feasibility, including integration requirements with IT, LIMS, MES, networks and safety systems.

Alignment with business and stakeholders

Develop business cases for automation initiatives. Facilitate alignment between operations, maintenance, engineering, IT, EHS (Environment, Health & Safety) and safety.

Project management and project preparation

Lead assigned automation projects during the concept and design phase. Plan and manage scope, schedule, resources, risks and dependencies. Prioritize multiple initiatives running simultaneously. Monitor and report progress at program level. Coordinate input from different departments to achieve a complete and consistent project definition. Ensure the project is clearly defined and validated and ready for execution, after which it is handed over to the engineering team for implementation.