AUTOMATION MANAGER EN/FR

Location: Mons, Belgium - with 30% international travel

Contract: Permanent (CDI)

Department: Flow Control - Robot Casting Technology (RCT)

Reports to: Global Engineering Manager

Team: 6-8 engineers (VIEs and permanent staff)

About the Company

Our client is a global leader in engineering services and technical solutions, serving heavy industries worldwide. Their Automation Department, based in Hainaut (Mons), designs and delivers cutting-edge automated equipment for industrial process control applications. To strengthen their team, they are looking for a Robot Casting Technology Automation Manager to lead the development and deployment of robotic systems for continuous steel casting.

Your Mission

As Automation Manager, you will:

• Lead and develop a team of 6-8 automation engineers working on complex OEM-scale robotic integration projects and foster their development through coaching and evaluations.
• Manage the full lifecycle of automation projects: from R&D and design to programming, testing, and international commissioning.
• Coordinate project planning, resource allocation, and technical execution from basic engineering to on-site commissioning.
• Collaborate closely with Mechanical Engineering, R&D, Purchasing, QMS, Workshop, and Project Management to ensure system performance and on-time delivery.
• Provide hands-on technical support and contribute directly to engineering tasks when needed.
• Travel internationally (Brazil, China, Czech Republic, USA, Mexico, South Korea) for commissioning and technical support (2-4 weeks per trip, 30% travel).
• Promote best practices, design standards, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Track KPIs and ensure alignment with business and project goals.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards (e.g., 2006/42/CE, robot safety).

Your Profile

• Master's degree in Automation, Electromechanics, Mechatronics or related with experience.
• 5+ years of experience in automation or robotics project management, ideally in heavy industries (steel, glass, automotive, mining ).
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in PLC programming (Siemens S7 / TIA), HMI (WinCC), and robot programming (KUKA, Fanuc).
• Strong experience in commissioning, technical servicing, and customer site activities.
• Familiarity with project management tools (MS Project, FMEA, risk analysis).
• Excellent understanding of electrical drawings, automation instrumentation, and safety standards (Machine Directive 2006/42/CE, robot safety).
• Leadership skills to manage teams and subcontractors, with a practical mindset.
• Fluent in English; French is a plus.
• Open to travel abroad (min 2 - max 4 weeks for each travel)
• Personality: Hands-on, adaptable, flexible, autonomous, and results-oriented with strong communication skills.

The Client Offer

• A permanent contract with a competitive salary and complete benefits package:
• Company car + fuel card
• Interesting group insurance
• DKV health insurance (ambulatory, dental, family)
• Meal vouchers, eco-cheques
• 6 RTT days + 4 additional days for overtime
• A dynamic international environment with real career growth opportunities, including mobility within the group .
• The chance to work on high-value projects (€4M+ equipment) and shape the future of robotic casting technology.

Ready to take on the challenge?

Apply now or contact Justine De Schrijver - Hays Engineering at 010/23.38.64 for more information.