Job Title: Project Manager - Senior
Location: Olen - 3 days on site / 2 days home office- during preparatory phases and after onboarding period.
Duration: 1 year contract
Rate: Open
Language proficiencies
• Fluent Dutch (spoken & written).
• Good command of English to understand technical documentation and interact with suppliers/stakeholders.
Job Description:
Project description
A new laboratory building is being constructed in Olen. The overall building design, calculations, 3D modelling and utilities concepts have already been completed. The next phase focuses on:
• Designing and equipping a flexible, modular laboratory environment capable of supporting multiple teams.
• Setting up or relocating an analysis laboratory, including defining which analytical methods will move to the new building.
• Determining the optimal laboratory layout (floorplan, safety, flows, utilities, equipment, etc.).
• Preparing for the transfer of teams into the new facility.
• Full involvement in the execution phase in 2027, with project completion expected end of 2028.
Primary tasks and responsibilities
• Phase 1 – Analysis, concept development & budget (2026)
• Review and integrate existing engineering and 3D design deliverables into the laboratory fit out planning.
• Translate analytical and user requirements into a functional modular laboratory concept (layout, flows, utilities, safety).
• Establish cost estimates and investment budgets for the laboratory fit out.
• Prepare the annual capex request (planning, scenarios, risk assessments).
• Phase 2 – Detail engineering & execution
• Coordinate detailed laboratory engineering with internal engineering departments, utilities, design partners, and suppliers.
• Schedule, track and steer progress using Planisware or equivalent PM tooling.
• Manage contractors, integrators and equipment suppliers during installation and commissioning.
• Ensure compliance with safety (VCA, HSE, regulatory) and environmental rules.
• Organise FAT/SAT and qualification steps where relevant.
• Coordinate the phased relocation of three CRD teams to the new laboratory environment.
• Project management, governance & stakeholder communication
• Own the scope, budget, timing and quality of the entire laboratory fit out package.
• Identify and mitigate risks, issue management, scenario planning.
• Report status and key decisions to the Hiring Manager and stakeholders (CRD, production, engineering, maintenance, HSE).
• Facilitate workshops and structured decision making processes with laboratory users and technical teams.
Technical profile requirements
• Master's degree in Engineering or Applied Sciences (mechanical, chemical/process, electromechanics or equivalent).
• Minimum several years of experience managing technical or engineering projects (lab infrastructure, utilities).
• Experience with the design and implementation of a laboratory is mandatory.
• Strong understanding of technical utilities (HVAC, gases, ventilation, electrical supply, clean utilities).
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, 3D models and P&IDs.
• Knowledge of safety and regulatory frameworks (ATEX is an advantage).
• Strong command of MS Office and experience with PM tools such as Planisware.
• Experience with LIMS is a plus.
Non Technical profile requirements
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills, able to steer multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Structured, analytical and able to manage complexity.
• Hands on, pragmatic and willing to be highly present on site, especially during execution.
• Quality driven and safety focused.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities and make well founded decisions.
Methodology / Certification requirements
• VCA?VOL required (or willingness to obtain before execution phase).
• Project management certification (PMP, Prince2, …) is a plus.
• ATEX is a plus
Skills:
Experience as Project Manager in an Engineering environment - 7 year
Experience with Labo-design& implementation - 5 years
knowledge of Technical Utilities - 7 yrs