Group Automation Engineer
Location: Belgium/Poland/Uk/France
Department: Operations
Pull up a chair – there’s a place for you at our table.
At What’s Cooking?, we’re always hungry for innovation — and that includes the smart technologies that help us craft food efficiently and sustainably.
We’re looking for a Group Automation Engineer who’s ready to make an impact across our European production network. If you’re passionate about automation, digitalization, and driving operational excellence through technology, this could be your perfect recipe for success.
What will you do as a Group Automation Engineer at What’s Cooking?
As our Group Automation Engineer, you will lead automation initiatives across all our factories, acting as both a strategic partner and a hands-on technical expert. You’ll design, standardize, and improve automated systems that enhance efficiency, reliability, and safety — shaping the future of smart manufacturing at What’s Cooking?.
Working closely with local engineering, maintenance, and IT teams, you’ll ensure our automation systems are scalable, connected, and ready for tomorrow’s digital challenges.
More specifically, you will:
* Develop and maintain a group-wide automation roadmap aligned with long-term factory and digitalization strategies.
* Harmonize automation standards and architectures across sites to ensure scalability, reliability, and connectivity.
* Collaborate closely with the IT department to guarantee secure, seamless data integration and infrastructure support.
* Lead group-wide automation projects that improve operational performance and system reliability.
* Drive standardization and best practices in automation tools and processes.
* Provide hands-on technical expertise in design, implementation, troubleshooting, and upgrades.
* Support local engineering and maintenance teams by sharing knowledge, coaching, and promoting technical excellence.
* Foster strong collaboration across sites, ensuring continuous improvement and alignment with strategic goals.
Your Profile: What Do You Bring?
* You have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Automation, Electrical, Industrial, or Process Engineering (or equivalent).
* You have 5–10 years of experience in industrial automation, ideally within manufacturing or food production.
* You have strong project management skills and can lead cross-site initiatives effectively.
* You’re a collaborative communicator, comfortable engaging with engineering, IT, and operations teams.
* You’re fluent in English (French or Dutch is a plus).
* You’re willing to travel occasionally to our European production sites.
What’s in It for You?
Join a forward-thinking Belgian food group with an international footprint — where innovation meets craftsmanship and people come first.
* Welcoming team & open culture: We believe in teamwork, a personal approach, and celebrating shared success.
* Growth & development: We’ll support your professional journey, helping you deepen your expertise and broaden your impact.
* Attractive package: Competitive salary with a full range of benefits, including:
* Meal vouchers
* Group & Health insurance
* Pension plan
* Company car
* Regular remote working
* 32 days of annual leave