Operational Technology Regional Lead

Lear; Coventry; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive technology firm based in Coventry is seeking an Operational Technology Regional Lead to oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of automation systems. This role involves leading a team to enhance operational efficiency and quality through Industry 4.0 initiatives. The ideal candidate has over 10 years of experience in manufacturing automation, a bachelor's degree in engineering, and strong leadership qualities. Competitive salary and comprehensive career development opportunities are offered.

Benefits

Competitive Salary

Access to Learning and development opportunities

Opportunities to give back to the community

Qualifications

• 10+ years in Manufacturing Automation or OT Leadership.
• Strong knowledge of ICs, PLCs, SCADA, DCS, MES systems.
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal.

Responsibilities

• Develop the Operational Technology roadmap for the connected factory initiative.
• Lead the planning, execution, and completion of OT projects.
• Design standard industrial level OT network topologies.

Skills

Manufacturing Automation

OT Leadership

SCADA

PLC

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or technical field

Tools

SCADA systems

DCS

MES systems

Job description

Job Title: Operational Technology Regional Lead

Location: Coventry

Driving the future of automotive. We’re Lear For You.

Company Overview

Lear, a global automotive technology leader in Seating and E-Systems, enables superior in-vehicle experiences for consumers around the world. Our diverse team of more than 165,000 talented employees in 37 countries is driven by a commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and sustainability. Lear is Making every drive better™ by providing the technology for safer, smarter, and more comfortable journeys. Lear, headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, serves every major automaker in the world and ranks #186 on the Fortune 500. Further information about Lear is available at lear.com.

Position overview:

We are seeking a highly skilled Operational Technology Regional Lead to join our Advance Manufacturing and Engineering Team within the Lear EU & Africa Seating organization. This role will be responsible for leading the team that will design, implement, and maintain automation systems that monitor and control industrial processes. The successful candidate will have deep expertise in OT areas including network topology, SCADA systems, IIOT platforms and industrial communication protocols.

You will collaborate with Manufacturing, Logistics, Quality, IT, and Compliance teams to deliver applied technologies and Industry 4.0 initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, quality, and productivity. The ideal candidate combines leadership and technical excellence with a passion for innovation and process improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

OT Roadmap

• Develop the Operational Technology roadmap for the connected factory initiative in the region
• Lead the planning, execution, and completion of OT projects across the EMEA region, ensuring they meet timelines, budgets, and technical requirements.
• Assist in building business cases for new ideas and projects, including impact assessment and financial benefits.
• Document exploration paths, learnings and project progress.

OT Architecture & Design

• Assess high-level process concept blocks (Value Stream Mapping-like) for each Business Unit from OT and IT perspectives.
• Define baseline architecture and modular network design for scalability across plants.
• Align regional OT/IT design with global standards and operational models.
• Define baseline backbone for machinery connectivity, aligned with Business Segment operational model

OT System Implementation

• Define requirements for PLCs, SCADA, DCS, MES systems.
• Define DCS/SCADA Architecture per Business Segment
• Align OT Topology per selected architecture (depending on business model)
• Lead PLC and HMI Program Architecture with Controls CoE team to standardize Program Code
• Map best practices for Robotics Programming Architecture – to define common backbone architecture
• Lead vendor evaluation and selection.
• Oversee installation, configuration, and validation of OT systems.
• Ensure proper documentation and end-user training.

OT Network Management

• Design and ensure adherence to standard industrial level OT network topologies
• Ensure alignment with IT around infrastructure hardware for switches, and routers.
• Monitor network performance and troubleshoot issues.

Cybersecurity

• Conduct OT risk assessments and software audits with IT
• Implement and manage Automation Version Control & Lifecycle management
• Monitor for security incidents and lead incident response.
• Manage and solve security and visibility incidents in the OT realm

Governance & Compliance

• Maintain OT compliance with industry standards and regulations (NIS2).
• Prepare for audits and remediate non-compliance issues.
• Manage change control processes for OT systems.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee asset inventory and lifecycle management.
• Ensure robust backup and disaster recovery plans for OT systems.
• Drive continuous monitoring and reporting of OT performance.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Coordinate with IT, operations, and global OT teams.
• Manage vendor relationships and third-party access.

Key skills and Qualifications:

• 10+ Years in Manufacturing Automation or OT Leadership
• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or technical field.
• Industrial manufacturing domain knowledge essential
• Strong knowledge of ICs, PLCs, SCADA, DCS, MES systems
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal.
• Curious mindset with passion for innovation, technology and creative problem-solving.
• Analytical thinking and ability to balance creativity with feasibility.
• Familiarity with control system architectures and network topologies
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills
• Excellent communication and team collaboration abilities

Why Lear

We offer a fantastic place to work, opportunity to grow and being part of a company who places its people first.

What We Offer

• Competitive Salary,
• Access to Learning and development opportunities
• Opportunities to give back to the community
• Meaningful work that makes a difference in the world

Lear Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse workplace.

Applicants must submit their resumes for consideration using our applicant tracking system. Due to the high volume of applications received, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. Unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies, or similar, will not be paid a fee and will become the property of Lear Corporation.

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