Site Automation Lead

Leiden Bio Science Park; Leiden; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnson & Johnson in Leiden, The Netherlands, seeks a Site Automation Lead to own the ISA‑95 Level 1–2 lifecycle and selected Level 3 systems in a regulated manufacturing site.

You will drive automation strategy, partner across Operations, Quality, MSAT, Engineering and IT, and lead a high-performing team to deliver scalable, value-driven solutions.

Qualifications

• BSc in Engineering or related field; MSc/MBA/PhD or equivalent preferred.
• 8+ years in a manufacturing environment, biopharmaceutical or GMP context.
• 4+ years in leadership and delivery within a regulated manufacturing setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing automation organization with succession planning and performance management.
• Own and deploy the site automation strategy, ensuring standardization and architectural alignment.
• Advance the digital manufacturing roadmap; identify upgrades and optimize performance.
• Lead automation and data-driven projects with compliant, on-time and within-budget delivery.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory compliance

Digital transformation

Stakeholder management

Education

BSc in Engineering or related field

MSc/MBA/PhD or equivalent

Tools

DeltaV

PLCs

MES PAS-X

OSIPI

GAMP principles

Job description

Site Automation Lead

Johnson & Johnson is currently seeking a Site Automation Lead to join our Global Engineering & Technology organization located at the manufacturing site in Leiden, The Netherlands.

Position Summary

You lead the site’s automation organization, owning the lifecycle of ISA‑95 Level 1–2 and selected Level 3 systems, ensuring compliance, reliability, and performance in a regulated environment. As part of the GET Leiden Leadership Team, you define and execute the automation strategy, translating business priorities into scalable, value‑driven solutions.

You drive automation delivery and system reliability while leading a high‑performing team and partnering across Operations, Quality, MSAT, Engineering, and IT/Digital to advance innovation, compliance, and operational excellence.

This role requires a strong people leader and change agent who can influence across a matrix and lead digital transformation.

What you will do

• Lead and develop a high‑performing automation organization (individual contributors, supervisors, managers), driving engagement, capability growth, succession planning and strong performance management.
• Own and deploy the site automation and execution systems strategy, ensuring standardization, architectural alignment, and consistency across the platform.
• Advance the digital manufacturing roadmap and continuously improve automation systems by identifying upgrades, optimizing performance, and aligning with site and enterprise priorities.
• Lead automation and data‑driven projects, ensuring compliant, safe, on‑time, and within‑budget delivery, including proper documentation and change control of all system modifications.
• Maintain GMP and EHS compliance, including SOP adherence, deviation/NCR investigation, CAPA management, and continuous audit readiness.
• Oversee full lifecycle management of execution systems, including design (FS/DS), validation (FAT, SAT, IO/PQ), system integration, interfaces, master data/recipes, and lifecycle documentation.
• Direct system performance, reliability, upgrades, and continuous improvement; ensure effective 24/7 system support, manage infrastructure (incl network in partnership with IT) and data system performance.
• Partner cross‑functionally (Operations, MSAT, Engineering, IT, DOTS) and manage vendors/contracts; provide input to capital projects, platform standards, and recipe/library development.
• Define policies and procedures, monitor KPIs, and drive continuous improvement using best practices, ensuring systems are fit for use and aligned with regulatory and business requirements.

Who you are

BSc degree in Engineering, Science or related technical field or a related field with 10+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment, biopharmaceutical OR an advanced degree MSc/MBA/Ph.D. or equivalent with 8+ years.

4+ years of leadership and delivery experience AND 4+ years of proven experience within a pharmaceutical or GMP regulated manufacturing environment in automation or IT role.

Role requirements

• Proven ability to lead technical teams, manage competing priorities, and consistently deliver results in a complex, multi‑stakeholder environment.
• Strong knowledge of cGMP in FDA‑regulated environments, including validation practices (FAT, SAT, IO/PQ) and GAMP principles.
• Solid understanding of engineering documentation and compliance requirements for execution systems.
• Deep technical expertise in ISA‑95 Level 1–3 systems (e.g., DeltaV, PLCs, MES PAS‑X, OSIPI, infrastructure).
• Good understanding of Level 4 systems (ERP, Quality, Data platforms) and their integration.
• Strong grounding in ISA‑95 and ISA‑88 standards and their application in a global supply chain context.
• Demonstrated strategic thinking with experience in project and financial management.
• Ability to translate business needs into technical solutions and drive value realization.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence across a matrix organization and lead change.
• Fluent in English; Dutch is a plus.