Associate Director of Process Automation - EMEA

IPS-Integrated Project Services; Coleshill Heath; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

IPS, a leader in consulting and engineering for the life sciences sector, seeks an Associate Director of Process Automation for its UK offices. The role requires extensive experience and leadership in process automation design and project execution, ensuring compliance with industry standards and managing teams to deliver high-quality results. This position offers the opportunity to make a significant impact in a global firm dedicated to innovation and excellence.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in the life sciences industry.
• Expertise with ISA / ISO / IEC standards.
• Ability to travel 50% of time.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the implementation of strategic direction in Process Automation.
• Ensure high-quality deliverables via QA/QC reviews.
• Support business development with technical support and proposal generation.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Technical proficiency

Quality Assurance

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Automation, Engineering or equivalent degree

Job description

Job Description

At IPS, we are global leaders in developing innovative solutions for the consulting, architecture, engineering, project controls, procurement, construction management, and CQV of technically complex facilities, primarily in the life sciences industry. We are looking for a talented Associate Director of Process Automation - EMEA , to join our dedicated team at our office located in Birmingham or Manchester, UK. This role can be located at any of IPS's offices within the EMEA region.

The Associate Director of Process Automation - EMEA supports the Director of Automation & Digitization - EMEA with the utilisation, growth and development of professionals in the Process Automation Discipline which is comprised of Process Automation Engineers from across the EMEA Region. The Associate Director Process Automation - EMEA shall:

• Ensure consistent, high-quality deliverables via QA / QC reviews and technical Audits.
• Support business development with technical support, proposal generation and work hour estimates.
• Possess sufficient technical proficiency in the various facets of Process Automation design to understand project requirements and apply the appropriate resources and execution approach for a successful project.
• Supports strategic company initiatives and innovation.
• Supports Discipline GATEway initiative, controlling budget hours, building relationships with IPSM counterparts and ensure quality is delivered on every project.
• Ensure alignment with Global Engineering procedures, standards and software.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Is responsible for the implementation of the strategic direction as set out by the Director of Automation & Digitization – EMEA.
• Is responsible for the execution of the work performed by the Process Automation team in EMEA.
• Ensure that Lead Engineers design and deliver all requirements for the scope of the project.
• Ensure that the Lead Engineers design and all requirements for the PLC / DCS system & provide guidance to PCS / MCS / BMS / EMS counterparts at IPS and at the client’s end.
• Ensure the right team members are in place to provide any support to the clients.
• Ensure that all team members are trained on the IPS Quality Standards (QMS) system and the engineers adhere to the processes defined in the system.

Ensure all interns, graduates and all levels of engineer engineers are delivering the scope of services for our client for (not limited to):

• User Requirements Specifications (URS), Functional Requirement Specifications (FRS), System Architecture and Network Architecture of the Automation systems for clients.
• Control system architecture for PCS/MCS/BMS/EMS and other systems
• Specifications for DCS, PLC, and SCADA-based process control systems in compliance with cGMP, GAMP, related industry standards, and customer requirements.
• Hardware specification and PLC / HMI support and layouts for Siemens, Emerson, Yokogawa, ABB and other leading automation providers.
• Proposals, estimates, presentations, and other activities.
• Ensure Project Scope and Budgets are on track.
• Ensure earned value reports are in place for all projects and tracked on a weekly basis.
• Provide a 3, 6 and 9 week outlook for scope, risks, mitigation actions.
• Track KPIs for the department. Address gaps and provide options for mitigations for team members.
• Develop automation integrator relationships and maintain vendor / OEM database
• Work with and provides leadership and mentorship to department & project team.
• Any other related tasks and responsibilities assigned by the department head or the company.

Line of Report

• The Associate Director of Process Automation - EMEA reports to the Director of Automation & Digitization - EMEA.
• The Director of Automation & Digitization – EMEA reports to the Senior Director, Design (Prcoess) – EMEA who reports to the EMEA Operations Director.

NOTE: Closing date for application is the 31st July 2025

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Automation, Engineering or equivalent degree from an accredited university.
• 15+ years of varied experience with Instrumentation and Controls for the Life sciences industry.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to deal effectively with client counterparts.
• Expertise with ISA / ISO / IEC standards.
• Travel: Within Country – 25% of time. Outside Country – 25% of time

About Us

IPS, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is a global leader in developing innovative business solutions for the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Through operational expertise and industry-leading knowledge, skill, and passion, IPS provides consultancy services, architecture, engineering, project controls, construction management, and compliance services that allow clients to develop and manufacture life-impacting products. IPS, inclusive of its Enterprise entities, has over 3,500 professionals in over 45 offices across 17 countries in the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. For further information, please visit www.ipsdb.com.

Specialties

Process Architecture, Process Design, Engineering, Construction, Commissioning, Qualification, LEAN Project Delivery, Strategic Master Planning, Energy Conservation Management, Project Controls, Program/Project Management, Operations/Logistics Strategy and Planning, EPCMV and Staffing Services.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment at IPS without regard to race; creed; color; religion; national origin; sex; age; disability; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; genetic predisposition or carrier status; veteran, marital, or citizenship status; or any other status protected by law. IPS is proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.

Attention Search Firms / Third-Party Recruiters: IPS is not seeking assistance or accepting unsolicited resumes from search firms for employment opportunities with IPS. Regardless of past practice, all resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at IPS via email, the Internet, or directly to hiring managers at IPS in any form without a valid written search agreement in place for a specific position will be deemed the sole property of IPS, and no fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by IPS as a result of the referral or through other means.

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