Senior Project Manager

Job Title: Senior Project Manager
Start Date: Mid-April 2026
End Date: 31st December 2026 (objective to extend for the execution of the project)
Location: Olen, Belgium
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 3 days on site, 2 days from home after probation. Near full site attendance required during execution phase
Client: Leading Multinational Materials Technology Company

Kintec are currently partnered with a leading multinational materials technology company. They are currently recruiting for Senior Project Manager to be based in Hoboken, Belgium.

Department description and responsibilities
The core of our client's worldwide Research & Development activities is located in Olen. Research at our client focuses on new materials and processes that respond to global trends such as raw material scarcity and clean mobility. CRD is committed to developing new methods, solutions, and technologies for a cleaner future.

Project description

A new laboratory building is being constructed in Olen, project Glasgow. 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 (2027-..)

• 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

Language proficiencies

• Fluent Dutch (spoken & written).