Operational Technology Manager

Bel; Brookings (SD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food industry company is seeking an Operational Technology Manager to optimize industrial IT infrastructure and manage automation systems in Brookings, SD. This role requires at least 3 years of experience in engineering, specifically within the agri-food sector. The successful candidate will implement operational technologies, ensure data management, and lead training efforts for teams. Competitive salary and opportunities for growth are offered in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in engineering or automation.
• Successful experience managing industrial projects in agri-food.
• Expertise in designing automation and robotic systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee connectivity works and manage physical connections.
• Deploy and locally operate EDGE middleware for data management.
• Maintain up-to-date technical documentation and provide training.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

High level of autonomy

Rigorous and methodical approach

Interest in technological innovation

Technical English proficiency

Education

Engineer-level education or equivalent

Tools

Rockwell ControlLogix RS

SIEMENS S7 Family

WinCC

FactoryTalk

Machine learning/AI solutions

Job description

The Bel Group is a major player in the food industry, known for its portfolio of internationally recognized brands such as The Laughing Cow®, Kiri®, Babybel®, Boursin® Nurishh®, Pom'Potes®, and GoGo squeeZ®. In 2024, the Group generated sales of €3.74 billion. The company is committed to putting consumers and responsibility at the heart of decision‑making, and is currently looking for a dedicated Operational Technology Manager to join its engineering maintenance team in Brookings, SD.

#IWorkForAllForGood

Job Title

Operational Technology Manager

Location

Brookings, SD, United States

Overview

The Operational Technology Manager oversees the implementation of operational technologies, ensures data availability, and optimizes the industrial IT infrastructure. Key responsibilities include contributing to technical expertise groups, managing business application deployments, and providing training on new technologies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Deploy and locally operate the EDGE middleware for data management and industrial application deployment.
• Oversee connectivity works, including migration of shop floor equipment and management of physical connections.
• Deploy and maintain data model standards for all machines, ensuring industrial data availability for upper layers and inter‑asset communications.
• Supervise and optimize the industrial IT infrastructure (ILAN), managing networks, servers, control and monitoring systems, ensuring network security, availability, and performance in alignment with group technical standards and cybersecurity requirements.
• Implement international standards (OPC UA, PackML, ISA) and modify programs as needed to optimize overall plant performance, leveraging technologies such as PLC, HMI, AI, machine learning, vision, wireless security, AGV, and cobot.
• Participate in technical expertise groups (GET), contribute to digital stream deployments, and manage the deployment of business applications from the EDGE Manager.
• Maintain up‑to‑date technical documentation, provide local training and knowledge transfer on new technologies or modifications, functionally manage site automation engineers, and facilitate community engagement with the technical manager.
• Deliver first‑level automation training to autonomous teams and update operational KPIs within their domain.

Minimum Requirements

• Engineer‑level education or equivalent in acquired skills with a minimum of 3 years of experience in engineering/automation.
• 3 years of successful experience managing industrial projects and automation packages, preferably in the agri‑food sector.
• Recognized expertise in designing automation and robotic systems, including PLC, variable speed drives, sensors, EDGE, robots, cobots, industrial safety systems, and industrial information systems such as SCADA and MES.

Competencies and Abilities

Soft Skills

• Cross‑functional leadership and management
• High level of autonomy, proactivity, and initiative‑taking
• Rigorous and methodical with a strong written communication culture
• Collaborative teamwork across multiple functional areas (IS/IT, Industrial Performance, Purchasing, Maintenance, Quality, Safety, etc.)
• Interest in technological innovation
• Technical English proficiency

Hard Skills

• Industrial protocols: OPC‑UA (advanced level), Profinet, Ethernet/IP, IO‑Link, AS‑Interface
• Automation: Rockwell (ControlLogix RS, Studio 5000), SIEMENS (S7 Family, TIA Portal), Schneider (PacDrive, Modicon)
• SCADAs & HMI: WinCC, FactoryTalk (View, Linux)
• Industrial standards: PackML, industrial safety standards (e.g., NF EN 61508), robotics (ISO 15066), vision and AI
• Knowledge of Linux & Windows/Industrial network administration (Cisco, VMware, Windows Server, Stratix, Scalance, Linux)
• Awareness of cybersecurity
• Electrical certification level B1
• Applied industrial deployment experience of machine learning/AI solutions

Working Conditions

Work is performed in office and manufacturing environments during regular business hours, with variations due to special projects or deadlines. The role requires lifting up to 30 lbs. and climbing ladders. Frequent travel within the U.S. and internationally is anticipated. Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn in the plant as required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.