Senior Manager, Automation

About the role

We are seeking an experienced automation leader to oversee the design, implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of manufacturing automation systems within a regulated production environment. Reporting to the site technology leadership team, this position will lead a team of automation engineers responsible for supporting critical process equipment and IT/OT infrastructure.

The successful candidate will play a key role in driving automation strategy, ensuring operational reliability, and delivering innovative solutions that support manufacturing excellence. This position requires strong technical expertise across automation platforms, process equipment, and compliance-focused environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation activities related to the design, installation, commissioning, maintenance, and support of manufacturing process equipment and automation systems.
• Provide leadership and direction to a team of automation engineers supporting site operations.
• Develop and execute automation strategies aligned with site and global business objectives.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance system performance, reliability, and operational efficiency.
• Serve as the owner of process-related computerised systems and ensure their ongoing compliance and performance.
• Establish, monitor, and improve key performance indicators for automation and control systems.
• Manage change control activities and corrective and preventive action (CAPA) processes related to automation systems.
• Act as subject matter expert during investigations, inspections, and regulatory audits involving automation platforms.
• Support lifecycle management activities, including the development and maintenance of technical documentation such as user requirements, functional specifications, and detailed design specifications.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, operations, engineering, quality, and technical services teams to support new process introductions and operational improvements.
• Partner with internal stakeholders, vendors, and contractors to ensure alignment with technical standards and project requirements.
• Support long-term facility, equipment, and technology roadmaps through strategic engineering input.
• Promote knowledge sharing, training, and development within the automation engineering team.
• Ensure compliance with applicable safety, quality, cybersecurity, and regulatory requirements.
• Support digitalisation initiatives and the adoption of emerging automation technologies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Extensive experience supporting industrial automation systems within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of automation platforms including DCS, PLC, SCADA, MES, Historian, and related systems.
• Experience supporting process equipment within highly regulated manufacturing facilities.
• Thorough understanding of computerised system design, operation, maintenance, and lifecycle management.
• Demonstrated experience leading technical teams and managing cross-functional stakeholder relationships.
• Knowledge of industry regulations, compliance requirements, and quality systems within regulated environments.
• Experience with Building Management Systems (BMS), maintenance management systems, and related infrastructure technologies.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and technical documentation practices.

Desired Skills

• Automation Engineering
• Industrial Automation
• IT/OT Integration
• SCADA Systems
• PLC Programming and Support
• Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
• Distributed Control Systems (DCS)
• Process Control
• Data Historian Platforms
• Digital Manufacturing
• Continuous Improvement
• Computerised Systems Validation
• Root Cause Analysis
• Change Management
• Technical Leadership