OT Manager @ Darta
AMJC04288
Function
The OT Manager is responsible for managing, standardizing and further developing the OT landscape within Darta. He/she acts as the bridge between production, engineering and IT, ensuring that the automation and information systems in the factories operate safely, reliably and in an integrated manner.
The purpose of the role is to develop and safeguard a group-wide OT vision and structure: from PLC and SCADA systems to MES, Historian, and data integration with ERP and BI. The OT Manager guarantees continuity in their production, ensures clear standards, lifecycle management and cybersecurity and supports the digitalization of the factories.
Thanks to the OT Manager, Darta benefits from a shared vision, centralized coordination and streamlined management of OT systems, resulting in an integrated approach. This enhances efficient collaboration between IT and production, reduces the risk of disruptions, and accelerates the execution of the digital strategy. In this way, Darta can optimize its processes and achieve significant efficiency gains.
Tasks & Responsibilities
The OT Manager oversees and develops operational technology across all Darta sites and ensures a stable, secure, and standardized OT environment. This strengthens efficient collaboration between IT and production and supports Darta’s digital growth and automation projects, enabling optimal production performance.
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Building a group-wide OT strategy and uniform standards across all sites.
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Leading and coordinating the OT team and collaborating with IT, production, and engineering. You will lead, coach, support, and develop employees. You determine internal/external capabilities and drive the further expansion of the team.
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Leading OT-related projects. You coordinate, organize, and evaluate projects. As Project Manager for OT, you monitor scope, direct resources (internal and external), and manage budget and timing in line with business needs.
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Implementing and managing SCADA and automation systems.
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Ensuring cybersecurity, network segmentation and lifecycle management of OT systems.
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Safeguarding data capture and integration with ERP and BI.
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Managing change, test and release processes to ensure reliable 24/7 production.
Profile
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Master’s degree in (industrial) engineering, electromechanics, automation, or a comparable technical field.
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At least 7 to 10 years of relevant experience, preferably in a production environment (food, chemical, or manufacturing industry).
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Knowledge of OT systems (PLC, SCADA, MES, Historian) and experience with integrations with IT systems (ERP, BI, data platforms).
Offer
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Training and support in new technologies and systems.
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Opportunities for growth within a rapidly expanding international company.
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A flexible work environment with a balance between on-site presence and autonomy.
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A hands-on, no-nonsense workplace with short decision-making lines.
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The chance to directly contribute to the digital and technical evolution of an ambitious food group with a clear vision on sustainability and quality.
OT Manager @ Darta
Darta is a Belgian family business that has been developing high-quality frozen products since 1988 for both households and professional kitchens. Its extensive range is supplied to large-scale kitchens, catering businesses, schools, healthcare institutions and supermarkets at home and abroad.
With five sites (Belgium, UK, Italy, Portugal, Sicily), more than 1,000 employees and an annual production volume of 300,000 tons, Darta is one of the largest players in the European frozen food sector. The headquarters and main production and R&D activities are located in Ardooie.
Sustainability at Darta:
Darta, with the baseline “Naturally green,” places sustainability at the heart of all its activities. The company aims to make the world greener and society better through a strategy based on four Ps: Planet (reducing environmental impact), Products (offering safe, healthy and high-quality products), People (an inspiring and safe working environment), and Partnership (sustainable collaboration with farmers, suppliers and other stakeholders).
Darta promotes sustainable food production by using local raw materials and working with more than 600 agricultural partners. Modern freezing and packaging processes ensure that flavour, texture and nutritional value are preserved without unnecessary additives. At the same time, Darta continuously invests in energy-efficient production systems, renewable energy and recyclable packaging, contributing to a responsible food chain and a low ecological footprint.
An important milestone is the CO₂-neutral factory in Yorkshire (UK), where residual waste is converted into sustainable energy together with local partners, resulting in products with a minimal carbon footprint and maximum respect for nature.
Products:
– Frozen vegetables: carefully selected and quickly frozen seasonal vegetables to preserve taste and vitamins.
– Ready-made meals: pastas, stews, oven dishes and sauces for quick and easy preparation.