Job Function
Supply Chain Engineering
Job Sub Function
Manufacturing Engineering
Job Category
Scientific/Technology
All Job Posting Locations
Geel, Antwerp, Belgium
Plant Engineer
Reports to the Operations Manager and acts as backup during his absence.
Purpose
The Plant Engineer is responsible for daily production planning, leading the morning meeting (TIER1) and weekly planning meeting, supporting production activities, and acting as backup for the Operations Manager. The role handles daily issues related to plant and technical systems, safety, and quality, serves as the Subject Matter Expert for plant‑related systems, and leads projects focused on process and production optimization, safety, quality, and cost reduction.
Main Activities
* Lead the morning meeting / TIER1 where production performance and issues are discussed.
* Report and discuss near‑accidents, incidents, deviations—both safety and quality.
* Investigate deviations and issues, propose solutions, take corrective actions, and communicate these to the operational population.
* Conduct production and housekeeping plant tours (5S) and ensure actions from these rounds are resolved within 24 hours.
* Follow up on operational or process changes and maintain related documents (OJT/WI/JBS/…) in line with procedures and change control requirements.
* Prepare technical activities, mainly regarding preparation and coordination of shutdown and start‑ups.
* Take into account requirements regarding safety, quality, and productivity of equipment and processes.
* Approve standard operating procedures, work instructions, forms, etc.
* Participate in and lead JJPS and continuous improvement projects within the area and at site level.
* Maintain oversight of safety and quality deviations within the BU and direct action plans.
* Optimize existing processes through methodologies such as SMED analysis, with the goal of reducing production time.
* Ensure compliance with preventive rules and procedures, cGxP, and quality procedures, and assess their feasibility within plant‑specific installations.
* Support RCPS in the plant, both for continuous improvement and daily issues.
* Ensure correct documentation of activities according to GMP.
* Provide correct instructions to ensure a controlled and safe working environment.
* Keep knowledge and expertise up to date.
* Serve as main contact for production teams regarding operational issues.
* Act as point of contact for other departments such as engineering, safety, other plants, process engineers, and chemical/pharmaceutical development.
* Play a key supporting role for operators, plant management, foremen, technical services, quality assurance, and others.
* Communicate effectively (verbally and in writing).
* Act as process owner for weekly planning and ensure correct execution.
Responsibilities
* Support the day‑to‑day operations of the plant.
* Develop proposals and solutions to continuously improve safety, health, environment, and quality, and manage the implementation of improvement projects independently or in collaboration with engineering.
* Act as production contact person and make independent decisions during assigned activities, including standby role.
* Review/evaluate long‑term production planning and indicate potential conflicts or additional actions in a timely manner.
Knowledge and Complexity
* Extensive work experience in chemical and pharmaceutical production.
* Advanced knowledge of equipment and interdependencies.
* Advanced knowledge of chemical processes and the ability to understand and learn new processes.
* Thorough knowledge of control and automation systems: DeltaV, RS3, PCS7, PLC.
* Thorough knowledge of preventive rules and procedures, GMPs and quality procedures, and related protective equipment.
* Knowledge of PAT (Process Analytical Tools).
* Knowledge of SAP, planning and administration, GMP documentation.
* Experience in coaching internal personnel and new employees.
* Knowledge of risk analysis, project management, Process Excellence techniques, and change control.
* Solid knowledge of problem‑analysis techniques and Root Cause Problem Solving.
* Ability to identify complex or recurring problems and develop and implement solutions to improve continuity, safety, health, environment, quality, or cost efficiency.
* Proactively identify opportunities to structurally improve/optimize process equipment and prevent technical issues.
* Sense of urgency and ability to provide quick solutions or alternatives.
* Ensure compliance with quality, safety, environmental, and health procedures and guidelines and company policies.
* Perform tasks independently and work under time pressure to meet milestones.
* Investigate user needs and develop solutions.
Communication and Coordination
* Daily contact with colleagues, production management, Shift Supervisor, Line Support Specialist, Lead Operator, operators.
* Daily contact with quality assurance, safety, process engineers, cleaning experts, planning.
* Daily contact with maintenance services, engineering department, and facility services to ensure smooth functioning of the production plant.
* Targeted contact with new colleagues and installation users regarding training on work instructions and procedures and addressing unsafe behavior.
* Targeted contact with other departments when supporting projects.
* Regular contact with site management (SLT) and TIER3 reporting.
* Technical English knowledge; able to communicate with international contractors and external companies.
* Strong communication skills.
Preferred Skills
* Accelerating
* Coaching
* Compliance Risk
* Critical Thinking
* Facility Management
* Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
* Lean Manufacturing Principles
* Lean Supply Chain Management
* Manufacturing Engineering
* Performance Measurement
* Product Design
* Program Management
* Project Engineering
* Project Schedule
* Robotic Automation
* Safety-Oriented
* Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Application
* Technologically Savvy
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