Global Automation Engineering, Technology Head

Role Overview

• Define and execute the global Operational Technology (OT) strategy and roadmap for manufacturing and QC systems, ensuring alignment with I&T and business strategies.
• Advance paperless, recipe-driven, and data-integrated execution aligned to ISA-88/95 and Pharma 4.0 principles.
• Prioritize OT initiatives that enhance productivity, regulatory compliance, and manufacturing reliability.
• Communicate OT strategy, value realization, and roadmap progress to executive and site leadership.
• Provide lifecycle ownership for Enterprise GxP manufacturing and lab OT platforms including OSI Pi, LIMS, Enterprise MES, Edge, Configuration management, and other enterprise tools.
• Ensure platforms meet operational, compliance, and performance standards across global sites.
• Drive harmonization and modernization of Enterprise OT platforms and support the roadmap for site integrations.
• Lead enterprise OT governance structures (Design Authority, Standards Council, etc.).
• Define global OT standards for configuration, recipes, data, and cybersecurity in alignment with I&T, C&Q/CSV, GAMP 5 and GxP requirements.
• Maintain validated, secure, and interoperable architectures between plant-level systems and enterprise data layers.
• Ensure OT environments adhere to 21 CFR Part 11, Annex 11, and digital validation best practices.
• Accountable for Tier 1 capital project delivery for manufacturing and QC digital platforms.
• Govern Tier 2/3 site projects to ensure adherence to global OT standards, validation, and cybersecurity requirements.
• Manage readiness, commissioning, and hypercare for OT systems introduced via T1 capital or digital programs.
• Lead the global OT organization encompassing Lab Systems, Data Systems, Recipe Standards, and Innovation & Partner Enablement.
• Define best practices, playbooks, and training for site automation and lab teams.
• Build global OT capabilities, talent pipelines, and competency frameworks.
• Manage OT budgets (opex/capex) and resource allocation to maximize enterprise value.
• Provide a positive and equitable working environment, emphasizing values such as Customer Focus, Innovation, Integrity, Collaboration, and Superior Performance.
• Develop and manage strategic partnerships with automation, MES, historian, and lab system platform providers.
• Align supplier roadmaps to OT strategy and ensure service excellence, cost optimization, and innovation delivery.
• Collaborate closely with I&T, Operations, Technical Operations, Quality, Validation, and Data Analytics while retaining ownership of the OT domain.
• Identify and pilot emerging OT and industrial digital technologies (AI/ML at the edge, digital twins, composable MES, Cloud, etc.).

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in an Engineering, Automation, Computer Science or local equivalent.
• 15+ years’ work experience, with at least 5 years’ experience in execution systems, operational technology, IT and operations.
• Specific experience in process automation, MES and batch manufacturing industry standards (ISA S88 &S95).
• Direct experience designing, building, deploying and supporting automation and execution systems (SCADA, DCS, MES, PAT, LIMS, Digital Methods, OSI Pi Data historian, etc.) in a regulated large-scale process-based manufacturing environment.
• Experience in running site-based shop floor and laboratory systems in a globally distributed footprint is highly desirable.
• A proven track record of influencing the industry on operational technology via publications and presentations is strongly preferred.
• Experience building, managing, and deploying high performing, innovative and transformational process automation / execution systems across a global organization.
• Demonstrated ability to influence at all organizational levels through clear, concise and impactful verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to build, mentor and grow a high performing and cohesive team.
• Experience in Process Excellence methodology is desirable but not required.
• Ability to work across a range of countries and cultures.
• Demonstrated experience in managing leaders, employees, and cross-functional project teams.
• Strong project management skills and experience in engineering projects within biopharma manufacturing.
• Functional knowledge of cGMPs and manufacturing operations in FDA-regulated facilities.

Tech Stack

• Cloud
• Cyber Security

Benefits

• Health insurance
• 401(k) matching
• Flexible work hours
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities