Strategic Automation Lead

SR/AHTE-231811
Strategic Automation Lead

Our client in the South East of Ireland is looking for a Strategic Automation and Digital Lead to steer their site through an exciting period of growth and change. Any applicant must have a proven track record of working in a strategic management position with people management, budget management and stakeholder management experience. This candidate must be fluent in both written and spoken English and have strong communication skills.
As part of this role you will define and execute the continuous investment plan to ensure the site remains current and innovative in both automation and digital technologies to leverage business benefit and avoid significant obsolescence in both skills and technology.
The role is responsible for automation system performance and replacement across two sites, manufacturing and utility assets working closely with the wider engineering team to reduce losses and ensure efficient operation, leveraging new technologies and digital platforms to drive the business forward.

As part of this role you will:
·You will lead a highly talented and motivated automation team (currently 6 members), providing strategy, prioritisation and direction while ensuring continued automation and digital development throughout the site.
·Responsible for definition of the site automation obsolescence and upgrades strategies ensuring consistent standards in hardware and software are applied and obsolescence risks are addressed/mitigated.
·Define and execute the continuous investment plan to ensure the site remains current and innovative in both automation and digital technologies to leverage business benefit and avoid significant obsolescence in both skills and technology. Provide shop floor support for problem solving and investigation activities for all automation issues.
·System Ownership for Serialization and Track and Trace systems.
·Lead and initiate continuous improvement programs and projects including the development and optimization of operation and maintenance procedures for automation / control systems.
·Tender and appoint contractors for the supply of automation services, plant and equipment, installation or Service work.
·Stay current on developments in the field of instrumentation, control technology, digital opportunities and company Standards. Be the site champion for Industry 4.0 and build this into the site Automation and Digital Strategies.
·Capability of designing, specifying, managing and improving control and automation systems including: Instrumentation; PLCs – Siemens, Allen Bradley and Mitsubishi; Motion Control; Data Acquisition; Machine safety; Automated Control Networks; SCADA / HMIs.

Key requirements:
·Honours Degree in an Engineering field.
·Experience of successfully delivering capital projects.
·10+ years’ experience in an FMCH or GMP compliant environment, with at least 5 years’ people management experience.
·Experience of providing and presenting data and recommendations to site leadership teams to facilitate and influence timely and effective decision making.


Any applicant must have an existing work permit/ visa for Ireland (Stamp 4 visa) or an EU passport to apply. NO visa sponsorship offered with this role.