Automation Lead - Bray

Takeda; Bray; On-site; EUR 72,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

Takeda in Bray, Ireland, is seeking a senior automation leader to define and deliver the site automation strategy within a cGMP pharma manufacturing environment. You will own automation systems across PLC, SCADA, historian, and related platforms, driving reliability, compliance, and future-ready digital enablement.

You will lead a high-performing team, collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, IT, and external partners, and ensure cyber resilience, lifecycle management, and audit readiness across

Qualifications

• Degree qualification in Automation, Electrical, Industrial, or related discipline.
• 7+ years in automation or OT, with 2+ years in leadership.
• Strong PLC/SCADA and industrial automation experience.
• Experience in regulated pharma/biotech GMP environment.
• Knowledge of data integrity, validation and change control.

Responsibilities

• Define, lead and continuously improve the site automation strategy in alignment with site priorities and global automation standards.
• Lead, coach and develop the site automation team, building capability, resilience and knowledge transfer.
• Own the technical availability, operation, maintenance and lifecycle management of automation and OT systems.
• Plan and execute automation projects and site investment initiatives, ensuring delivery, compliance and cost control.
• Provide automation leadership for manufacturing, utilities, facilities and process equipment; troubleshoot and support CAPA.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic planning

Problem solving

Education

Degree qualification in Automation, Electrical, Industrial, Control Systems, Computer Science, Engineering or related

Tools

PLC

SCADA

Networked control systems

Virtualised environments

Industrial automation infrastructure

Job description

Job Description

About the role

The role is responsibility for the automation function at our Bray manufacturing site. This is a key Engineering leadership role responsible for defining and delivering the automation strategy, ensuring reliable and compliant operation of automation and operational technology systems, and building a high-performing team that supports manufacturing performance, digital enablement and inspection readiness.

In this role, you will act as the site owner for automation system availability, lifecycle management, optimisation, cyber resilience, backup and disaster recovery, and technical governance across PLC, SCADA, historian, building management, environmental monitoring and related automation platforms. You will work closely with other Engineering functions, Manufacturing, Quality, IT, EHS, Global Automation and external partners to deliver safe, compliant and future-ready automation solutions in a cGMP pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.

What you will do

• Define, lead and continuously improve the site automation strategy in alignment with site priorities and global automation standards.
• Lead, coach and develop the site automation team, building capability, resilience and strong knowledge transfer across critical systems.
• Own the technical availability, operation, optimisation, maintenance and lifecycle management of assigned automation and OT systems.
• Plan and execute automation projects and site investment initiatives, ensuring technical delivery, compliance, cost control and stakeholder alignment.
• Provide automation leadership for manufacturing, utilities, facilities and process equipment, including troubleshooting, deviation support and CAPA ownership.
• Implement and maintain access control, virus protection, backup, and disaster recovery arrangements for industrial automation systems and networks.
• Support cGxP, EHS, data integrity, qualification and validation expectations across automation systems and related project delivery.
• Act as a key interface with other Engineering functions, Manufacturing, Quality, IT, EHS, Global Automation, suppliers and service providers.
• Represent automation during audits and inspections as a technical subject matter expert when required.
• Identify and promote opportunities for standardisation, digital manufacturing, cyber security improvement, data visibility and operational excellence.

What you bring

• Degree qualification in Automation, Electrical, Industrial, Control Systems, Computer Science, Engineering or a related discipline.
• Typically 7+ years’ relevant experience in automation, control systems or operational technology, ideally including 2+ years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Strong experience with PLC, SCADA, networked control systems, virtualised environments and industrial automation infrastructure.
• Knowledge of MES, historian, building management systems, environmental monitoring systems and data integration platforms is advantageous.
• Experience working in a regulated pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device or similarly controlled GMP manufacturing environment.
• Practical understanding of cGxP, data integrity, computer system validation, qualification, change control, deviations and CAPA processes.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams, influence in a matrix environment and translate technical priorities into business value.
• Strong planning, communication, analytical and problem-solving skills, with the confidence to make decisions within your area of expertise.
• A continuous improvement mindset and interest in digital manufacturing, cyber security, standardisation and lifecycle management.

Locations

Bray, Ireland

Base Salary Range:

€72,000.00 - €99,000.00

The estimated salary range reflects an anticipated range for this position. The actual base salary offered may depend on a variety of factors, including the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.

For information about our benefits, please click here.

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time