Project E&A Lead

MCO Health BV is active in the Netherlands with advisory brands such as Orthica and AOV. The company aims to support optimal human health and works with a team of 120 employees in Almere who share a passion for good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.

We are looking for a:

As a Project E&A Lead, you will be part of the Engineering leadership team within our Operations organization. You will have overall responsibility for the Electrical & Automation (E&A) scope of a large-scale strategic investment project, ensuring that all electrical, automation, and digital systems are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and fully aligned with business and production needs.

In this role, you will provide strategic direction and governance over E&A engineering activities, while leading and coordinating project engineers and external partners responsible for execution. You will act as the key interface between project management, engineering, operations, IT/digital teams, and suppliers for all electrical, automation, and data integration topics.

From early feasibility and concept development through detailed design, construction, commissioning, and start-up, you will ensure that automation architecture (PLC, SCADA, MES, DMO), electrical infrastructure, and digitalization solutions are robust, future-ready, and compliant with company standards and local regulations. You will also play a key role in enabling advanced automation, full process traceability, and the realization of a lighthouse factory vision.

Responsibilities

• Taking full ownership of Electrical & Automation (E&A) scope within a large-scale greenfield/brownfield investment project
• Leading the design, development, and implementation of advanced electrical and automation infrastructures
• Driving the digitalization roadmap, including traceability systems, data integration, and smart factory applications
• Shaping and executing the “lighthouse factory” vision with best-in-class automation and Industry 4.0 solutions
• Managing E&A-related project scope, timelines, budget, and deliverables
• Coordinating closely with internal stakeholders (Engineering, Operations, IT/Digital, Quality, Safety, Procurement) and external partners
• Defining automation architecture (PLC, SCADA, MES, DMO) and ensuring seamless integration across all layers
• Ensuring robust electrical infrastructure design (MV/LV systems, power distribution, energy management)
• Driving end-to-end data flow from shopfloor systems to DMO, enabling full process traceability and data visibility
• Leading supplier selection, technical evaluations, and contractor management for E&A packages
• Ensuring machinery safety compliance by design, including risk assessments, safety concepts, and implementation of safety standards
• Overseeing installation, commissioning, testing, and start-up of electrical and automation systems
• Ensuring compliance with company standards, international regulations, and safety requirements
• Identifying technical risks and implementing mitigation strategies throughout the project lifecycle
• Driving standardization, scalability, and future-ready system design principles
• Enabling data-driven decision-making through reliable and integrated automation systems

What we expect from a Project E&A Lead

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or related fields
• Minimum 8–12 years of experience in electrical and/or automation engineering within industrial or manufacturing environments
• Proven experience in capital investment projects, from design through commissioning and start-up
• Strong knowledge of industrial automation systems (PLC, SCADA, MES)
• Hands-on experience with electrical systems including power distribution, control panels, and industrial networks
• Experience in digitalization and smart factory initiatives is highly desirable
• Familiarity with traceability systems and end-to-end data integration from shopfloor to data platforms (e.g., DMO)
• Solid knowledge of machinery safety (e.g., risk assessments, safety circuits, relevant standards such as ISO 13849 / IEC 62061)
• Knowledge of cybersecurity principles in industrial automation environments is a plus
• Experience with FMCG, food, pharmaceutical, or similarly regulated industries is an advantage
• Solid understanding of safety standards, electrical regulations, and compliance requirements
• Experience working with EPC contractors, system integrators, and global suppliers
• Financial awareness, including budget management and cost control within project scope
• Familiarity with project management tools and SAP is a plus
• Strong analytical, structured, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to lead complex technical topics and drive decisions across cross-functional teams
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence without direct authority
• Fluency in English (written and spoken)

What you can expect from us

• 5% bonus and 8% holiday allowance
• 25 vacation days
• 3 additional days off scheduled around national holidays
• Discount on MCO products
• A wide range of professional training and development programs
• A professional working environment, strong team spirit, company pride, and driven colleagues