The Mechelen plant - part of Kellanova and perhaps your future workplace - is one of the largest and most important Pringles production sites in the world. Our 650 employees produce Pringles for export to Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Did you know that there are more than 30 flavours available?
Your future job:
You are responsible for leading the automation, control systems, and digital infrastructure team within our manufacturing environment
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and mentor a team of approximately 10 FTEs, setting daily direction and fostering engagement to achieve short- and medium-term objectives.
- Develop, align, and execute the Site Digital Masterplan—a strategic roadmap for automation and digital infrastructure—while spearheading key digital transformation initiatives (e.g., Industry 4.0, AI in manufacturing).
- Oversee the design, implementation, continuous improvement, and maintenance of advanced control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, and DCS platforms.
- Drive innovation through digital transformation projects, such as smart sensors, vision systems, predictive maintenance, and IoT-enabled solutions.
- Align the Process Control & Information Systems (PC&IS) strategy with broader business goals and operational efficiency targets.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with production, quality, IT, and engineering teams to ensure seamless integration and execution of digital initiatives.
- Chair the site's Digital Community of Practice (CoP)—a central component of the Lead Center of Excellence (CoE)—to promote knowledge sharing, capability building, and continuous improvement.
As the PC&IS Leader, you will own the full 5E leadership model (Envision, Engage, Energize, Enable, Execute), ensuring cross-functional collaboration and high performance across the team.
This is a pivotal leadership role at the intersection of operational technology and digital innovation, ideal for a candidate passionate about enabling smart manufacturing and continuous improvement.
Who are we looking for?
- You hold a degree in engineering or an information technology related field.
- You have a strong command of both Dutch and English.
- You possess a solid understanding of reliability concepts such as OEE, BD, and the OEE loss tree.
- You are familiar with analytical and troubleshooting methodologies, including Checklists, Lean, BPS, 5 Whys (YY), BDA, and DMAIC.
- You are a team player who contributes to a positive, healthy, and collegial work atmosphere.
- Proven Leadership Skills: Demonstrated ability in leadership fundamentals such as continuous improvement, team engagement, effective communication, active listening, and building high-performing teams.
- Operational Excellence & Lean Manufacturing: Experience with structured problem-solving, root cause analysis, autonomous maintenance, and team-based organizational models within a manufacturing or industrial setting.
- Digital & IT Awareness: Solid understanding of Industry 4.0 technologies and general IT systems (e.g., MES, DCS, networked systems), or a strong willingness and ability to learn quickly.
What can we offer you?
Working in a stimulating environment where collegiality, teamwork, and respect are central - everyone has a place at our table;
A permanent contract with a competitive salary package.
Opportunities for development and advancement. We encourage this through training and coaching.
Interested?
For inquiries, you can contact HR at +32 15 26 54 56. You can apply via the application button.
Mars has agreed to acquire Kellanova in a combination that will shape the future of snacking! The transaction is anticipated to close within the second half of 2025 (subject to Kellanova shareowner approval and other customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals). The companies remain separate until closing.
You can learn more at www.futureofsnacking.com, and our hiring teams will be happy to discuss further questions if your application advances in the hiring process.
