Department Manager Automation Brussels Area, Belgium
About Nalys Nalys is a fast-growing consultancy company specialised in high‑tech engineering and life sciences. Our mission is to deliver cutting‑edge expertise to major players in the pharmaceutical industry while fostering an environment where our consultants can thrive, grow, and make an impact. Joining Nalys means joining a community built on excellence, innovation, and people-oriented values.
The Role As
Department Manager Automation, you will lead an automation engineering department embedded within one of our pharmaceutical partners. You will oversee the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of automation standards, support the execution of multiple projects, and contribute to shaping the long‑term strategy of the discipline. This role is ideal for a seasoned automation expert who thrives in fast‑paced environments, enjoys mentoring teams, and is motivated by delivering high‑quality solutions within a highly regulated industry.
Key Responsibilities Leadership & Team Management Lead and support a multidisciplinary team of automation engineers Develop training, development, and succession plans to foster team growth Promote a culture of continuous learning, technical excellence, and compliance. Technical & Project Oversight Ensure the development and application of up‑to‑date automation standards, procedures, and best practices Oversee the quality of engineering deliverables across projects Support troubleshooting, design reviews, and technical decisions throughout project lifecycles. Continuous Improvement Drive process optimisation and contribute to improving templates, tools, and methodologies Identify emerging technologies and trends relevant to automation in pharma Support lessons‑learned initiatives to enhance project delivery practices. Business & Stakeholder Engagement Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders Support business development activities such as proposal input and technical presentations Represent the automation discipline in cross‑functional forums.
Your Profile You hold a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Automation, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field You have at least 10 years of experience in automation or related disciplines, ideally in the pharmaceutical or other regulated industries You have a proven experience managing teams within automation, C&Q, E&I, or similar technical domains Strong understanding of regulatory expectations, industry standards, and project execution in GMP environments You are skilled to manage multiple projects simultaneously, with solid budget and planning capabilities Excellent communication, organisational, and stakeholder‑management skills You are resilient, proactive, and able to thrive in a fast‑paced, client‑focused environment You are fluent in
English
and French or Dutch.
Recruitment Process Screening Interview Our Talent Acquisition team will review your application and invite you for a first discussion Technical Interview You will meet with both a Nalys Technical Director and your TA contact to explore your expertise in more depth. Business Unit Interview A final conversation with the Business Unit Director to align on career perspectives, expectations, and culture.
How to Apply If you are passionate about automation, eager to guide a team towards excellence, and motivated by impactful work in the pharmaceutical world, we’d love to hear from you! Apply directly via LinkedIn or send your CV to your Nalys Talent Acquisition contact.