Global Director, Automation & Robotics Strategy

Kerry

Naas

Hybrid

EUR 180,000 - 260,000

Full time

3 days ago

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Job summary

Kerry is seeking an Engineering Director, Automation & Robotics to define and lead the company’s global automation strategy across our manufacturing footprint. You will oversee end-to-end lifecycle from concept to deployment, driving safety, productivity, quality and operational excellence.

Hybrid work policy requires weekly presence in Naas offices. You will partner with regional teams, lead a Centre of Excellence, and align capital investments with strategic goals while advancing smart factory

Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Robotics, Automation, Mechatronics or related field.
10+ years of leadership in deploying advanced robotics and automation within large-scale manufacturing.
Proven experience building strategic partnerships with robotics suppliers, automation technology providers and system integrators globally.
Hands-on experience working within a matrix organisation and contributing from a Centre of Excellence perspective.
Demonstrated ability to manage complex capital portfolios with ROI, payback and cost discipline.
Strong knowledge of Operational Technology and its integration with IT data architecture and control systems.
Exceptional leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
Experience within food manufacturing and GMP/industry regulations is desirable.

Responsibilities

Define and own the end-to-end global robotics and automation strategy in alignment with Kerry’s goals.
Serve as Kerry’s global subject matter expert for robotics, mechatronics and advanced manufacturing technologies.
Lead enterprise-wide alignment on a multi-year manufacturing automation roadmap, advancing plant capabilities.
Expand and lead a global robotics and automation centre of excellence, providing governance and expertise.
Transform automation into a core enabler of business performance.
Partner with regional and site teams to identify automation opportunities.
Build global standards, governance frameworks and best practices for automation design and lifecycle management.
Lead capability development across the network with training and knowledge sharing.
Define and implement an automation maturity model to benchmark sites and prioritise investments.
Establish KPIs and dashboards to measure automation performance and ROI impact.
Own the global automation and robotics project portfolio and ensure alignment with ROI expectations.
Drive disciplined capital planning and ensure safety, quality, and readiness from concept to commissioning.