Job Details

This range is provided by SGP Technology. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$150.00/hr - $200.00/hr

Head of Automation Life Sciences (DCS, PLC, SCADA and MES) - Delivering the Experts Behind Process Controls & Automation / Industry 4.0 & Digital

Overview

A global biopharmaceutical company is seeking a highly experienced Automation Project Director to lead the automation delivery of a new greenfield facility. This is a critical leadership role that will oversee the delivery of IT/OT infrastructure, automation systems, and integration of multiple technologies. The position reports directly to the sites Automation & Project Delivery lead and plays a key part in the strategic scale-up of the manufacturing operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver all aspects of Automation and IT/OT systems for a new site (Site 2), which will double the capacity of an existing operation.
• Oversee the deployment of systems including DeltaV, Rockwell, MES, OSI PI, SAP, LIMS, and integration of analytical benchtop instruments.
• Manage the end-to-end delivery of IT/OT infrastructure including meters, switches, and network setup.
• Coordinate closely with vendors (notably Emerson) to deliver automation packages and logic development.
• Ensure seamless integration with existing systems, aligning with learnings and frameworks from Site 1, which is in the final commissioning phase.
• Drive execution of digital initiatives such as the Digital Control Tower and Process Analytical Technology (PAT) frameworks.
• Develop, maintain, and deliver project plans and schedules in collaboration with engineering and automation teams.
• Act as a strategic point of contact for project delivery across internal stakeholders and external vendors.
• Ensure robust governance and reporting across all automation workstreams.
• Guide and support a cross-functional team of 1012 professionals, while holding accountability for successful technology implementation.

Experience & Qualifications

• Proven experience delivering large-scale automation and IT/OT infrastructure projects in the life sciences or pharmaceutical industry.
• Strong background with Emerson DeltaV and Rockwell platforms is essential.
• Previous leadership of greenfield or expansion projects involving MES, SAP, OSI PI, and LIMS systems.
• Ability to manage multiple vendors and stakeholders across engineering, automation, and construction.
• Strong understanding of infrastructure, including utility metering, network configuration, and system connectivity.
• Ability to provide strategic leadership while guiding technical teams to problem-solve without needing to be the technical expert.
• Strong organizational, communication, and scheduling skills to drive multi-disciplinary projects.

Seniority level

Director

Employment type

Contract

Job function

Engineering and Project Management

Industries: Pharmaceutical Manufacturing and Biotechnology Research