Digital Strategy & Program Lead – Connected Factory
Contracting – Antwerp
Job Purpose
Execute the Digital Strategy to deliver one fully digitalized and connected manufacturing facility.
The role is responsible for executing the end-to-end Digital strategy for a new industrial facility, covering the full Digital landscape: from infrastructure foundations to Digital applications and products, and from project delivery through operational mode (post-PPQ batches).
This position ensures that Digital systems are designed, implemented, validated, and operated in full alignment with business objectives, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.
Role Objectives
- Define and organize the governance required to manage, steer, and report Digital program activities, addressing challenges and issues as they arise
- Report progress and key risks within the program and to the broader Digital organization
- Lead the planning, development, and implementation of all Digital systems required for efficient and compliant factory operations
- Ensure alignment of Digital objectives with overall business, engineering, quality, and operational goals
- Oversee the deployment of appropriate technologies supporting production, automation, and plant management processes
- Ensure full compliance with Digital standards (infrastructure, cybersecurity, validation) across all stakeholders, including Digital, Engineering, Quality, and external partners
Main Responsibilities
- Establish and manage the Digital project schedule, including critical milestones and delivery deadlines, fully aligned with the overall project plan
- Develop and maintain a detailed Digital project plan covering:
- Infrastructure and hardware acquisition
- Digital applications and products rollout
- Transition to routine operational mode for all Digital elements
- Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure Digital systems are designed and implemented in compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices (GxP, SOX, Cybersecurity, etc.)
- Collaborate closely with Engineering teams to ensure automation and equipment systems (e.g. SCADA, DCS/DeltaV, MES) are implemented in strict adherence to Digital guidelines
- Track and manage Digital project costs
- Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks, defining and implementing contingency plans when required
- Provide technical expertise and thought leadership to resolve complex Digital and operational challenges
- Ensure clear, structured, and regular communication with all stakeholders regarding progress, risks, and key decisions
About You
You are experienced in executing multi-year Digital strategies and combine strong technical expertise with excellent leadership and communication skills. You are comfortable operating in complex, regulated, and international environments.
Experience
- Significant experience managing complex Digital programs or projects, preferably in an industrial or pharmaceutical environment
- Proven project management expertise, including leadership of technical and functional teams
- Experience working in international and remote team contexts
Skills & Competencies
- Strong leadership and stakeholder management capabilities
- Excellent communication, facilitation, and negotiation skills
- Solid understanding of Digital systems, infrastructure, and industrial IT/OT landscapes
- Ability to operate across strategic, tactical, and operational levels
Languages
- Fluent in English
- Flemish or French is a strong plus