Process Automation Lead (w/m/d) - Pharma

Real; Frankfurt; On-site; EUR 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flat hierarchies

Individual onboarding program

Attractive compensation

Corporate benefits

Cafeteria and meal allowance

Professional development opportunities

Free parking with charging stations

Job summary

A specialized pharmaceutical firm in Frankfurt is seeking a Process Automation Lead to take ownership of its automation landscape. You will lead a cross-functional unit responsible for designing control systems and translating compliance frameworks into scalable solutions. The ideal candidate has substantial experience in automation leadership in a regulated environment and communicates fluently in German and English. Competitive compensation and training opportunities are provided.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in automation leadership within a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with GxP principles and engineering standards.
• A track record of leading interdisciplinary teams and managing external partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead a cross-functional automation unit responsible for designing and delivering control systems.
• Translate compliance frameworks into scalable automation concepts.
• Develop a multi-year automation investment strategy aligned with business goals.

Skills

Automation leadership

Communication in German and English

Continuous improvement

Supplier engagement

Education

Degree in Automation, Electrical, Process, or Control Engineering

Tools

Automation platforms

EMSR systems

Digital engineering tools

Job description

Process Automation Lead (w/m/d) - Pharma

A highly specialized pharmaceutical production site-focused on the development and manufacturing of advanced biologics - is seeking a Process Automation Lead (m/w/d) to take ownership of its automation landscape. This role is central to enabling operational resilience, regulatory alignment, and long-term scalability in a tightly controlled, innovation-driven environment.

What You'll Lead

• A cross‑functional automation unit responsible for designing and delivering control systems across production and infrastructure
• The translation of compliance frameworks into practical, scalable automation concepts
• The execution of automation packages within large‑scale investment programs, including new builds and site expansions
• A structured approach to talent development, addressing both current capability gaps and future skill needs
• The technical definition and sourcing of EMSR‑related equipment and systems
• Internal alignment on automation architecture, ensuring consistency and forward compatibility
• Supplier engagement from technical evaluation to performance oversight
• A culture of continuous improvement, with a focus on execution quality, cost control, and delivery timelines
• The development of a multi‑year automation investment strategy, aligned with broader site and business goals

What You Bring

• A degree in Automation, Electrical, Process, or Control Engineering, or a related discipline
• Substantial experience in automation leadership within a regulated manufacturing environment (biotech, pharma, or chemical)
• Familiarity with GxP principles, engineering standards, and project governance
• A track record of leading interdisciplinary teams and managing external partners
• Strong communication skills in German and English
• Confidence working with automation platforms, EMSR systems, and digital engineering tools

What the Company Offers

• Flat hierarchies and a pleasant working environment
• Individual onboarding program
• Attractive compensation
• Corporate benefits (employee discounts)
• Cafeteria and meal allowance
• Training and professional development opportunities
• Free parking garage for employees, including charging stations for your electric car