Automation Lead - Bray

IRL - 1500 Takeda Ireland Limited; Bray; On-site; EUR 72,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

Takeda Ireland Limited in Bray is seeking an engineering leader to own the site automation strategy and ensure reliable, compliant operation of automation and OT systems. You will build a high-performing team and partner with Manufacturing, Quality, IT, EHS and Global Automation to deliver future-ready automation in a cGMP pharmaceutical environment.

Location Bray, Ireland. Base salary range: €72,000 - €99,000.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in automation or OT with leadership experience.
• Experience with PLC/SCADA and networked control systems.
• Regulated pharmaceutical/GMP experience preferred.
• Strong planning and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Define and improve the site automation strategy aligned with global standards.
• Lead and develop the site automation team and ensure technical delivery.
• Own availability, maintenance and lifecycle of automation systems.
• Drive automation projects, cost control and stakeholder alignment.
• Support audits and promote standardisation and cyber security.

Skills

PLC & SCADA

Networked controls

Industrial automation

GxP compliance

Leadership

Cross-functional work

Data integrity

Change control

Education

Bachelors degree in Automation/Engineering/Electrical/Control Systems or related

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

Takeda is an industry-leading, global pharmaceutical company with an unwavering dedication to putting patients at the center of everything we do. We live our values of Takeda-ism – Integrity, Fairness, Honesty, and Perseverance – and are united by our mission to strive towards Better Health and a Brighter Future for people worldwide through leading innovation in medicine. Here, everyone matters and you will be a vital contributor to our inspiring, bold mission. At Takeda, you will make an impact on people’s lives – including your own.

Takeda is an equal opportunity employer. For applicants of U.S and Puerto Rico positions: Click here to learn about our commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO). If you are limited in the ability to use our job application tool, or otherwise require a reasonable accommodation for a disability please click here.