Site Automation Manager

Team Horizon; Dublin; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Team Horizon is seeking a Site Automation Manager for a client in Cork. The role leads the Automation and MES team within Engineering, reporting to the Site Engineering Manager.

The objective is to maximize manufacturing system efficiency by leveraging advanced automation technologies and fostering operational excellence and people development. You will drive digital transformation, ensure regulatory compliance, and promote a culture of continuous improvement across manufacturing operations.

Qualifications

• Degree (Level 8) in Automation or Electronic Engineering.
• 10+ years of technical experience in the Pharmaceutical industry, focused on automation and MES systems.
• At least 5 years of proven project and people management experience.
• Experience with solid dosage or sterile manufacturing preferred.
• Fluent English, both written and oral.

Responsibilities

• Deliver maximum availability and performance of automation and MES solutions.
• Oversee design, implementation, and lifecycle management of automation/MES projects.
• Drive digital transformation and paperless manufacturing initiatives.
• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team; provide mentoring and performance feedback.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive team culture focused on learning, accountability and knowledge sharing.
• Champion process enhancements and embed automation best practices for continuous improvement.
• Recognize and reward innovation; lead change management initiatives.
• Build strong relationships with cross-functional stakeholders and align automation strategy with business needs.
• Maintain high standards in communication, customer focus, and stakeholder engagement.
• Ensure compliance with cGMP, SOPs, data integrity and Health, Safety & Environmental regulations.
• Promote EHS&E culture and Right First Time ethos.

Skills

People management

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Continuous improvement

Change management

Team coaching

Digital transformation

Education

Level 8 Engineering degree

Job description

Team Horizon is seeking a Site Automation Manager for a client in Cork. The Automation Manager will lead the Automation and MES team within the Engineering department, directly reporting to the Site Engineering Manager. In this role, you will maximize manufacturing system efficiency by leveraging advanced automation technologies and fostering a culture of operational excellence and people development.

Why You Should Apply

This is an excellent opportunity to join a world class manufacturing operation, with an outstanding track record of reliably delivering high-quality medicines to patients around the world suffering serious illnesses.

There is a strong culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the company to strive for solutions that improve health outcomes and dramatically improve people’s lives.

Our client is developing the capability to produce all its medicines, helping to ensure continuity of supply of our medicines as they expand internationally.

What You Will Be Doing

Deliver maximum availability and performance of automation and MES solutions, using proactive/predictive maintenance to minimize downtime.

Oversee design, implementation, and full lifecycle management of automation/MES projects, ensuring efficient and cost-effective manufacturing aligned with business priorities.

Drive digital transformation and paperless manufacturing initiatives leveraging expert technical skills.

Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team; provide mentoring, feedback, performance reviews, and clear objectives.

Foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture focused on learning, accountability, and knowledge sharing.

Champion process enhancements and embed automation best practices for continuous improvement.

Recognize and reward innovation; lead and support change management initiatives as technologies and business needs evolve.

Build strong, trust-based relationships with cross-functional stakeholders, aligning automation strategy with business needs.

Maintain the highest standards in communication, customer focus, and stakeholder engagement internally and externally.

Ensure compliance with cGMP, SOPs, data integrity and security, and Health, Safety & Environmental regulations.

Promote an EHS&E culture, set ISO and company standards, and always demonstrate a ‘Right First Time’ ethos.

What You Need To Apply

Degree (Level 8) in Automation, Electronic Engineering, or a related discipline.

Minimum 10 years of technical experience in the Pharmaceutical industry, focused on automation and MES systems.

Extensive knowledge of pharmaceutical equipment; experience with solid dosage or sterile manufacturing preferred.

At least 5 years of proven project and people management experience, with a strong track record of talent development and results delivery.

Inspirational leadership style, proactive change management skills, and a passion for continuous improvement.

Excellent leadership, decision-making, and communication abilities.

Strong customer focus and proven collaborative team player.

Fluent English, both written and oral.