Cork | Permanent | On-site
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Site Automation Manager to join the Engineering function of a leading global pharmaceutical manufacturing organisation based in Cork.
This is a senior engineering leadership position, responsible for leading the site's Automation and MES function and playing a key role in the continued development of its manufacturing and digital engineering capabilities.
You'll be joining an established engineering environment where automation, manufacturing technology and continuous improvement are central to the site's operations.
The Role
Reporting into the Site Engineering leadership team, you will lead a specialist Automation and MES team, providing both technical direction and people leadership.
Your focus will be on ensuring the reliability and performance of site automation systems, while also driving improvements, new technology implementation and digital transformation initiatives across the manufacturing operation.
Key responsibilities will include:
* Leading, coaching and developing a high-performing Automation and MES team
* Ensuring the availability, reliability and performance of automation and manufacturing systems
* Providing technical leadership across automation, MES and manufacturing technology projects
* Managing the full lifecycle of automation projects from design and implementation through to ongoing support
* Supporting digital transformation and the continued development of more connected and efficient manufacturing processes
* Driving preventative and predictive approaches to minimise equipment downtime
* Developing automation strategies aligned with wider business and engineering objectives
* Working closely with Manufacturing, Quality, IT, Engineering and other key stakeholders
* Promoting continuous improvement and the adoption of automation best practice
* Supporting change management and the introduction of new technologies
* Ensuring all automation activities operate in line with relevant quality, safety, regulatory and data integrity requirements
* Building a strong culture around accountability, collaboration, knowledge sharing and continuous development
About You
We're looking for an experienced Automation professional who has progressed into a senior technical or engineering leadership position within the pharmaceutical or highly regulated manufacturing environment.
You'll ideally have:
* A Level 8 degree in Automation, Electronic Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related discipline
* Significant experience working within pharmaceutical manufacturing or another highly regulated manufacturing environment
* Strong technical knowledge across industrial automation and MES systems
* Experience leading automation projects and delivering manufacturing technology improvements
* Proven experience managing, mentoring and developing engineering or automation teams
* Strong understanding of GMP, data integrity and regulated manufacturing environments
* Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
* A track record of delivering continuous improvement and driving change
* A hands-on, collaborative leadership style with the ability to operate strategically as well as technically
