The Director of Automation & Technology leads and supports the implementation of the Group’s industrial strategy through the integration of automation solutions, coordination of industrial investments, and optimization of production flows.
He/she develops tools and Industrial Engineering concepts based on Industry 5.0 principles, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality production.
He/she also conducts active technology scouting, builds a strong network of suppliers and integrators, and promotes the adoption of best industrial practices to maintain the Group’s competitiveness.

Main Responsibilities

Management of Industrial Investments

• Monitor the execution of investment budgets: forecasts, commitments, expenses, variances.
• Manage project timelines: from needs definition to final acceptance.
• Launch projects on time, ensure order tracking, reception, installation, commissioning, and invoicing.
• Act as the main point of contact for Maintenance teams regarding installation and regulatory compliance of industrial equipment.
• Work with Finance to build investment business cases (ROI calculation) and ensure budget compliance.
• Coordinate all investment projects across the Group’s industrial sites.

Technology Scouting and Network Development

• Conduct active technology scouting on industrial innovations (automation, robotics, operations digitalization, machine safety, etc.).
• Participate in trade shows, technical conferences, and specialized events.
• Develop and maintain a strong network of suppliers, integrators, and strategic technology partners.
• Identify and benchmark best industrial practices to support continuous innovation and competitiveness gains.

Development of Industrial Engineering Concepts – Industry 5.0

• Design and promote tools and methods that support safe and high-quality production.
• Deploy solutions that harmoniously integrate people, machines, and material flows.
• Initiate and lead projects to improve operational efficiency, ergonomics, and the attractiveness of production sites.
• Analyze and improve task sequences to maximize efficiency and reduce waste.
• Redefine production flows to ensure smooth operations without compromising quality or safety.

Design and Integration of Automation Solutions

• Analyze the automation needs of industrial sites in collaboration with operations, maintenance, quality, and safety teams to create precise and tailored specifications.
• Design custom automation solutions using appropriate technologies (robotics, machine vision, smart sensors, actuator systems, etc.), ensuring compatibility with industrial standards and the specific constraints of the Group’s products and processes.
• Ensure the technical integration of automation solutions into the existing production environment, in close collaboration with relevant departments (IT, production, maintenance, safety, quality).
• Supervise the entire project cycle:
  • Draft functional and technical specifications.
  • Select and manage suppliers, integrators, or engineering firms.
  • Place and track orders.
  • Supervise manufacturing, FAT (Factory Acceptance Test) at the supplier, delivery, and on-site installation.
  • Supervise SAT (Site Acceptance Test) and ramp-up.
• Train local teams (production, maintenance, methods) on new equipment and ensure the availability of technical documentation for operation and maintenance.
• Monitor post-installation performance (OEE, reliability, MTTR, MTBF, ergonomics) to validate the achievement of initial objectives (productivity, quality, ergonomics, safety).
• Gradually standardize approaches and solutions to promote reproducibility and simplify future automation projects across all sites.

Required Skills and Experience

• Recognized expertise in industrial automation, process engineering, and advanced production technologies.
• Proven experience in managing industrial investments and coordinating multi-site projects.
• Strong knowledge of regulations related to industrial equipment safety.
• Solid project management and budget control skills.
• Ability to build and maintain a strategic supplier/partner network.
• Financial skills for profitability analysis (ROI, payback).
• Technological curiosity, proactivity, and innovation-oriented mindset.
• Cross-functional leadership and excellent influencing skills in complex environments.

Profile Sought

• Engineering degree (Automation, Electromechanics, Mechatronics, or equivalent).
• Minimum 10 years of experience in an industrial environment, including 5 years in automation and investment project roles.
• Fluent English is essential.