Associate Director Automation Engineering

Associate Director Automation Engineering

We are seeking an experienced Associate Director – Automation Engineering to lead and develop a high-performing process control organization supporting a large-scale biologics manufacturing facility. This senior leadership role has significant influence across operations, project delivery, compliance, and site start-up.

During an exciting greenfield build and multi-year start-up phase (2025–2028), this role will be instrumental in shaping the automation strategy, building a new team, and implementing robust GMP-compliant control systems to support reliable and efficient biologics manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of process control engineers and consultants
• Own performance management, development planning, succession planning, and resourcing
• Build a strong, collaborative automation culture aligned with GMP expectations

Automation & Process Control Oversight

• Ensure reliable, compliant automation systems supporting daily biologics manufacturing operations
• Set and reinforce standards for automation engineering deliverables and technical rigor
• Coordinate and prioritise process control activities across operations and projects

Project Delivery & Site Start-Up

• Provide automation leadership during design, delivery, commissioning, qualification, and start-up of a greenfield facility
• Partner cross-functionally to implement systems, business processes, and site standards required for GMP manufacturing
• Adapt leadership approach in a dynamic, fast-growing start-up environment

Operational Excellence & Compliance

• Ensure automation systems operate in a continuous state of compliance
• Track, monitor, and report key functional performance indicators
• Demonstrate strong commitment to environmental, health, and safety standards

Business & Financial Management

• Develop and deliver the Automation Engineering business plan
• Review and manage budgets and financial performance against targets

Requirements

• 10+ years’ experience in biopharma engineering, automation, IT, operations, or manufacturing
• Proven experience in automation engineering within a biologics or GMP manufacturing environment
• Strong people leadership experience, including coaching, performance management, and team building
• Experience delivering highly automated greenfield manufacturing sites
• Hands‑on knowledge of SCADA, DCS, and MES platforms (e.g. DeltaV, Rockwell, Syncade)
• Experience as part of a site or plant leadership team
• Demonstrated success in recruiting, retaining, and developing high‑performing technical teams

Seniority Level: Director

Employment type: Full‑time

Industries: Pharmaceutical Manufacturing and Biotechnology Research

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