Global Automation Lead

Work Your Magic with us! Start your next chapter and join MilliporeSigma.

Ready to explore, break barriers, and discover more? We know you’ve got big plans – so do we! Our colleagues across the globe love innovating with science and technology to enrich people’s lives with our solutions in Healthcare, Life Science, and Electronics. Together, we dream big and are passionate about caring for our rich mix of people, customers, patients, and planet. That's why we are always looking for curious minds that see themselves imagining the unimaginable with us.  

Your role:

As the leader of a global team covering Europe, the Middle East, the USA, and APAC, you will be responsible for overseeing the automation activities delivered by suppliers in strategic Capex projects. This includes managing activities from design and manufacturing to installation and commissioning. You will collaborate with Regional Heads of Project & Engineering to align on resource plans and responsibilities for each strategic Capex project. 

Additionally, you will work with the digital operations & smart manufacturing team to develop execution strategies for digitalization in manufacturing, warehouse/distribution centers, and laboratories. Ensuring the implementation in different regions and projects meets global guidelines will be a key part of this role. You will also partner with the Process & Technology team to establish standards and platforms for process automation and ensure their implementation in strategic Capex projects aligns with project objectives.

Developing a workforce strategy to meet the organization’s present and future needs, including talent development, hiring, and resource allocation, will also be a crucial aspect of this role. Managing talent, playing a key role in performance management and compensation processes, and leading diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives will be part of your responsibilities.

Creating learning and development opportunities aligned with the organization’s skill and capability needs, and providing rewarding career paths for team members, will be essential. You will also be responsible for setting and implementing organizational process assets globally, such as technical guidelines, standard operating procedures, tools, and key performance indicators. Facilitating knowledge and experience sharing internally across regions and externally with vendors and driving for best practices and continuous improvement will also be part of your role.

Collaborating with the Capex sourcing team to develop, maintain, and leverage global and regional strategic partners for major automation activities in Capex projects will be a key responsibility. You will also work closely with Global Plant Operation to identify opportunities and needs for digitalization and automation to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Planning and managing department expenditure in alignment with Capex Project budget will be another integral part of this role.

Flexible work location (EMEA/US/APAC). Preferred locations within the US include Burlington, MA or St. Louis, MO.

Who you are:

Minimum Qualifications:

• 10+ years of process automation / equipment automation / digitalization experience in pharmaceutical, chemical, FMCG, or related industries.
• 5+ years of people management experience, with global footprint.
• Proven record in multinational companies of leading the execution of Automation, digitalization projects.
• Up-to-date knowledge of digitalization tools for smart manufacturing and IT/OT integration.
• Flexible for international travel (up to 20%)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiar with all kinds of commonly used automation systems, i.e., SCADA, PLC, DCS, etc. and their application in batch or continuous process.
• Working experience about the automation of mechanical assembly, filling, packaging, material movement, warehousing, etc., with certain technology such as Servo, Robotics, ASRS.
• Knowledge of GxP, familiarity with regulatory requirements (GMP, GAMP) in connection with OT systems in the pharmaceutical, chemical, FMCG, or related industries.
• Full competence to build the structure and culture of the team and define R&R within that structure to enable the achievement of project mission and objectives. Typically works without supervision and provide technical guidance.
• Ability to plan and prioritize work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.
• Operate effectively, even when things are not certain, or the way forward is not clear. Respond effectively to unclear situations, seek to resolve ambiguity, and make progress.
• Analytical and easily grasp the big picture, having ability to summarize the essential from complex issues, with a strategic approach.
• Fluent in English and in another language, such as German.
• Skill and art of remote/virtual management of people and projects.

What we offer: We are curious minds that come from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. We celebrate all dimensions of diversity and believe that it drives excellence and innovation, strengthening our ability to lead in science and technology. We are committed to creating access and opportunities for all to develop and grow at your own pace. Join us in building a culture of inclusion and belonging that impacts millions and empowers everyone to work their magic and champion human progress!
 
Apply now and become a part of our diverse team!

If you would like to know more about what diversity, equity, and inclusion means to us, please visit https://www.emdgroup.com/en/company/press-positions.html