Automation/Instrumentation Engineering Manager

GlaxoSmithKline; Worthing; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company in Worthing, UK is seeking an Automation/Instrumentation Engineering Manager to lead a multi-discipline team and ensure the design, delivery, and maintenance of reliable automated systems. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in automation and instrumentation engineering in manufacturing, with strong knowledge of control systems and compliance standards. This role offers career growth and the opportunity to impact patient-focused work significantly.

Benefits

Clear development pathways

Training and support for technical and leadership skills

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in automation, controls or instrumentation engineering in a manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience with PLC, DCS or SCADA systems and process instrumentation.
• Strong knowledge of control system lifecycle, commissioning and validation practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead a multi-discipline team of automation and instrumentation engineers.
• Own technical delivery for control systems, PLCs, SCADA and related networks.
• Set engineering standards and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Skills

Automation engineering

Instrumentation engineering

PLC systems

Control strategies

Technical documentation

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Degree in engineering (electrical, electronic, control systems, instrumentation)

Tools

SCADA systems

DCS systems

Job description

Site Name: UK - West Sussex - Worthing

Posted Date: Dec 9 2025

Automation/Instrumentation Engineering Manager

Closing Date for Applications – 23rd December (COB)

This is a site-based role at Worthing.

Business Introduction

We manufacture and supply reliable, high-quality medicines and vaccines to meet patients’ needs and drive our performance.

Our network of 37 medicines and vaccines manufacturing sites delivered 1.7 billion packs of medicines and 409 million vaccine doses in 2024 to help make a positive impact on the health of millions of people.

Our supply chain is not just core to our operations; it’s vital to bringing our innovations to patients as quickly, efficiently and effectively as possible.

Technology is transforming how we manufacture medicines and vaccines, enabling us to increase the speed, quality and scale of product supply.

We need the very best minds and capability to help us on our journey to make more complex products, harnessing the power of smart manufacturing technologies including robotics, digital solutions and artificial intelligence to deliver for patients.

Position Summary

You will lead the Automation and Instrumentation engineering team to design, deliver and maintain reliable automated systems across site operations. You will work closely with manufacturing, quality, project delivery and external partners to deliver safe, compliant and efficient automation solutions. We value practical technical leadership, clear communication, and a passion for developing people. This role offers strong career growth, meaningful impact on patient‑focused work, and the chance to help unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a multi‑discipline team of automation and instrumentation engineers to support operations, projects and continuous improvement.
• Own technical delivery for control systems, PLCs, SCADA, process instrumentation and related networks from design through commissioning and handover.
• Set engineering standards, ensure compliance with regulatory and safety requirements, and maintain system lifecycle records.
• Manage contractors and third‑party suppliers, ensuring work meets schedule, budget and quality expectations.
• Coach and develop engineers and technicians, building capability and promoting best practice.
• Collaborate with site stakeholders to prioritise work, support change control, and resolve technical issues quickly.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide subject‑matter expertise on automation architecture, control strategies, and instrumentation selection.
• Ensure control systems and instrumentation are designed, validated and documented to required standards.
• Lead technical reviews, risk assessments and root‑cause investigations for automation incidents.
• Plan and support site automation capital projects, from requirements capture to FAT, SAT and handover.
• Oversight of maintenance and calibration programmes for instrumentation and control hardware.
• Promote continuous improvement through automation, data use and digital tools to increase reliability and efficiency.

Basic Qualification

• Degree in engineering (electrical, electronic, control systems, instrumentation) or equivalent technical qualification.
• Extensive experience in automation, controls or instrumentation engineering in a manufacturing environment.
• Hands‑on experience with PLC, DCS or SCADA systems and process instrumentation.
• Strong knowledge of control system lifecycle, commissioning and validation practices.
• Experience managing engineering teams, contractors or suppliers.
• Clear communicator with proven stakeholder engagement and problem‑solving skills.

Preferred Qualification

• Experience working in life sciences, pharmaceutical or highly regulated manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of industrial networks, OT/IT integration and cybersecurity basics for control systems.
• Experience with regulatory expectations for computerized systems and validation activities.
• Project management experience delivering capital automation projects.
• Familiarity with predictive maintenance, process analytics or smart manufacturing tools.
• Professional registration or chartership (e.g., IET, IMechE, IChemE) or equivalent.

About Worthing Manufacturing Site

Manufacturing at the Worthing site is for antibiotics. It is advised that you take this into consideration when deciding to apply for this position.

GSK Worthing Site is a mixed manufacturing site with complex regulatory pressures. Manufacturing processes are highly technical and include high hazard activities.

What We Offer

You will join a collaborative engineering community focused on safety, quality and continuous improvement. You will have clear development pathways, training and support to grow your technical and leadership skills. You will make a real difference by helping deliver reliable operations and bringing innovation to site automation.

How to Apply

If this role aligns with your experience and ambitions, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your CV and a short cover letter that explains how your skills match the role and why you want to join GSK in this position. We look forward to hearing from you.

Why GSK?

Uniting science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together.

Equal Opportunity Statement

GSK is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This ensures that all qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), military service or any basis prohibited under federal, state or local law.