As a leading biologics manufacturer, our client offers comprehensive, integrated and customised services to over 200 clients globally including 13 of the top 20 biopharmaceutical companies worldwide. Establishing a new state-of-the-art campus in Leinster, the company now requires an experienced leader within Automation to join the business and manage the design and system integration plans for the site.

The Role

The Associate Director of Automation will have full involvement in the development of the site from early design stage through to commissioning and completion of the project. This individual will also drive operational excellence across all processes. Developing the right culture within the team and commitment requires a senior professional with particularly strong communication and influencing skills. While this role is broad, responsibilities will include:

• Leading a team of Engineers across the site while reporting to the Engineering Director
• Supporting the hiring plan for the automation team with headcount forecast of approximately 10 staff
• Guiding and leading the development of design and implementation of the automation strategy for the site, ensuring this is translated into effective operational plans that deliver on all customer and project commitments
• Identifying and partnering with selected vendors to support the project as required
• Liaising with the global engineering group to align the global strategy at site level ensuring standards are adhered to effectively
• Implementing system changes and conducting investigations across automation systems as required
• Working as part of the global engineering group to integrate standards and align the operation accordingly
• Liaising closely with business partners and internal stakeholders to support manufacturing operations successfully
• Establishing a culturally committed automation team, working with each team member closely to develop and improve, metrics and performance

The Person

• A degree in a technical discipline
• A minimum of 5-7 years' industry experience within a leadership position
• Industry experience sitting within a biologics or chemical process and manufacturing business with an understanding of GMP and fundamental control principles
• A practical approach to problem-solving with an understanding of the commercial impact of key decisions
• Expertise in designing and mapping sustaining work in addition to ongoing operational support plans
• Full understanding of automation system implementation and validation
• Knowledge and proven experience operating deltaV; iFix graphics, deltaV architecture and software, familiarity with historian and alarm management
• Proficiency with mainstream DCS and PLC systems, I/O component, communication module and configuration, supervisory control systems (SCADA)
• Be a well-rounded leader who can influence the management team demonstrating a collaborative approach to leadership
• Previous experience in the development of high performance work teams
• Excellent communication and organisational skills

To discover more about this opportunity, apply now or contact Aisling Clements at HRM on +353 1 632 1883 for a confidential discussion.