Automation Manager

Cognizant Life Sciences Manufacturing; Dublin; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Cognizant Life Sciences Manufacturing is seeking an Automation Manager to lead the automation function for defined accounts/sites, owning delivery, technical direction, and team performance in a GMP environment.

You will oversee end-to-end automation projects, ensure regulatory compliance, and manage cross-functional stakeholders while mentoring engineers and supporting proposals for new and renewal projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Automation, Computer Science, or related field.
• 5–8 years' automation engineering experience with 2–3+ years in a team leadership role.
• Experience delivering automation projects in GMP/regulatory pharma or biotech environments.
• Working knowledge of PLC platforms (Siemens/Rockwell) and SCADA/MES integration.
• Familiarity with S88/S95 standards and CSV processes.
• Project management accreditation (PMP/Prince2) or equivalent desired.
• Experience in cross-functional stakeholder management within client accounts.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end delivery of automation projects, including PLC/SCADA/HMI design, commissioning, and qualification in a validated environment.
• Manage integration of automation systems with MES and Historian platforms.
• Ensure designs comply with GAMP 5, 21 CFR Part 11, and site data integrity requirements.
• Apply S88/S95 standards for batch and equipment models.
• Oversee CSV activities and change control for automated systems.
• Lead and develop a team of automation/controls engineers; conduct performance reviews and CPD.
• Coordinate with Production, QA, Validation, and client teams to ensure timelines and sign-offs.
• Support proposal and pre-sales activity for automation scope on new/renewal projects.

Skills

Team leadership

Automation engineering

Project management

Quality/compliance

Stakeholder management

Client liaison

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Automation/CS

Tools

Siemens PLC

Rockwell PLC

SCADA/MES integration

GAMP 5 / 21 CFR Part 11

PAS‑X / DeltaV / Werum

Job description

We deliver automation, MES, and digital manufacturing solutions to pharmaceutical and biotech clients, supporting Pharma 4.0 architectures across IT, OT, and IoT environments. We're looking for an Automation Manager to lead the automation function for [defined accounts/site], owning delivery, technical direction, and team performance in a highly regulated GMP environment.

Key Responsibilities

Delivery & Technical Ownership

• Own end-to-end delivery of automation projects: PLC/SCADA/HMI design, commissioning, and qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) within a validated environment
• Manage integration of automation systems with MES and Historian platforms
• Ensure automation designs comply with GAMP 5, 21 CFR Part 11, and site data integrity requirements
• Apply S88/S95 standards for batch and equipment models
• Oversee change control, documentation, and CSV (Computer System Validation) activities for automated systems

People Management

• Lead and develop a team of automation/controls engineers
• Conduct performance reviews and support technical upskilling and CPD
• Coach and engage engineers through regular one-to-ones
• Manage project budgets, forecasts, and resource allocation
• Report progress, risks, and variances to senior stakeholders
• Support proposal and pre-sales activity for automation scope on new or renewal projects

Stakeholder & Client Management

• Act as primary automation point of contact for client engineering and quality teams
• Coordinate with Production, QA, and Validation functions on project timelines and compliance sign-off
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Automation, Computer Science, or related field
• Minimum [5–8] years' automation engineering experience, with [2–3+] years in a team leadership/management role
• Experience delivering automation projects in a GMP/regulated pharma or biotech environment
• Working knowledge of PLC platforms (Siemens/Rockwell) and SCADA/MES integration
• Familiarity with S88/S95 standards and CSV processes
• Experience with specific MES platforms (e.g. [PAS‑X, DeltaV, Werum])
• Project management accreditation (PMP/Prince2)
• Experience in cross-functional stakeholder management within client accounts