We are recruiting for our client  an expert in industrial automation and OT systems to lead digital transformation and smart manufacturing projects at a major industrial site in Northern France.

We are recruiting on behalf of our client

A leading international manufacturing group (approx. 30,000 employees worldwide), renowned for its innovation, technological excellence,  chemical & life Sciences and strong commitment to sustainability.

As part of accelerating its digital transformation, our client is strengthening its team at a strategic manufacturing site located in the Lille region, currently undergoing major modernization.

The Role

As the Industrial Automation & OT Systems Lead, you will be the technical owner of the site’s automation infrastructure and digitalization roadmap.

You will lead projects and operations related to:

    - Automation systems (PLC/DCS/SCADA)

    - Industrial IT/OT integration

    - Digital & Cybersecurity

    - Smart manufacturing and MES deployment

You work cross-functionally with engineering, maintenance, IT, and production teams. No direct team management – this is a key expert role for someone hands-on and forward-thinking.

Key Responsibilities

   Automation / OT Systems

    Drive the site's automation upgrade roadmap and modernisation strategy

    Define technical solutions, write specifications, conduct functional analysis

    Oversee deployment of OT solutions (PLC, SCADA, DCS)

    Collaborate with maintenance & automation engineering teams

    Interface with users to prioritize and implement automation requests

    Technologies: Schneider PLCs, ABB DCS, SCADA systems

Industrial Digitalization & OT Architecture

    Develop and maintain OT systems and their interfaces

    Support implementation and evolution of MES-like functionalities

    Ensure data flows and interconnectivity across systems:     OSIsoft PI, J5, SAP interfaces, OPC, Historian, pseudo-MES

    Align with corporate IT/OT cybersecurity standards

IT Systems (as backup)

    Support continuity of IT infrastructure and telephony (in collaboration with local IT expert)

    Apply group-level IT policies at plant level

Technology Watch & Project Governance

    Monitor new technologies and propose investment plans

    Manage project budgets, timelines and quality

Profile

    Engineering degree in industrial automation, industrial IT, or equivalent

    5+ years’ experience in industrial environments, especially in automation / OT

    Strong technical understanding of PLCs, SCADA, DCS, OT-IT interfaces

    Project-driven, hands-on, curious and solution-oriented

    French, English (spoken/written)

Candidate Profile

    Engineering degree or equivalent in industrial IT / automation / networking

    Proven experience (5 to 10 years) in an automated manufacturing environment

    Strong skills in network architecture, cybersecurity, and project management

    Leadership, proactivity, and ability to thrive in a demanding environment

    Professional English proficiency required

Location

Lille Region – Hauts-de-France, France
A strategic and attractive location at the crossroads of major European routes. Offers a quality of life combining connectivity, urban vibrancy, and natural surroundings.

Compensation & Career Growth

    Attractive salary based on experience

    Potential for advancement within the group (France & international)

    High-visibility role with strategic impact in an advanced technological environment

Contact
Philippe BILDÉ
Antal International Paris London
[email protected]
www.antal.com/recruitment/france-paris-bsc