Automation Project Manager

S4 Analytics LLC; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

S4 Analytics LLC in Raleigh, NC is seeking an experienced Automation Project Manager to lead a critical lifecycle management initiative involving global automation systems. You will drive project execution, coordinate cross-functional stakeholders, manage schedules and deliverables, and ensure successful completion within scope and timeline expectations.

The ideal candidate will combine technical automation knowledge with strong project leadership, enabling clear communication with engineering

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Automation, Computer Science, Project Management, or related field.
• 8+ years of project management experience within pharmaceutical, biotech, life sciences, manufacturing, or highly regulated environments.
• Proven experience leading automation-focused projects.
• Strong understanding of automation systems and related infrastructure.
• Demonstrated success managing complex, cross-functional projects from initiation through completion.
• Experience with project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and stakeholder management.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Must have PM experience within Automation teams
• Previous Life Cycle Management or Software Implementation experience
• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of automation lifecycle management projects.
• Develop and maintain detailed project schedules, timelines, and resource plans.
• Facilitate project meetings, status updates, and steering committee reviews.
• Coordinate activities among engineering teams, system owners, vendors, and contractors.
• Monitor project milestones, risks, and dependencies to ensure successful execution.
• Drive stakeholder communication and provide regular progress reporting to leadership.
• Support lifecycle replacement, upgrade, and modernization efforts for automation platforms.
• Ensure project documentation, change management, and governance requirements are maintained.
• Collaborate with technical teams to evaluate system impacts, implementation strategies, and project risks.
• Manage contractor activities and hold vendors accountable to project deliverables and timelines.

Skills

Automation project management

Cross-functional leadership

Stakeholder communication

Project planning

Scheduling

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Automation/CS/PM

Tools

Emerson platforms

MES

SCADA/HMI

PMP certification

Job description

S4 Analytics is a growing consulting and workforce solutions firm headquartered in Texas and New Jersey, specializing in connecting highly skilled professionals with leading organizations across the Life Sciences, Semiconductor, Automotive, Defense, Data Center, and IT industries. We are committed to building long-term partnerships by delivering top talent and customized staffing solutions that support our clients’ evolving business and project needs.

Summary:

Our client is seeking an experienced Automation Project Manager to lead a critical lifecycle management initiative involving global automation systems. This individual will be responsible for driving project execution, coordinating cross-functional stakeholders, managing schedules and deliverables, and ensuring successful project completion within scope and timeline expectations.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong combination of technical automation knowledge and project management expertise, enabling them to effectively communicate with engineering teams, contractors, and business stakeholders while maintaining overall project accountability.

Key Responsibilities

• Must have PM experience within Automation teams
• Previous Life Cycle Management or Software Implementation experience
• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of automation lifecycle management projects.
• Develop and maintain detailed project schedules, timelines, and resource plans.
• Facilitate project meetings, status updates, and steering committee reviews.
• Coordinate activities among engineering teams, system owners, vendors, and contractors.
• Monitor project milestones, risks, and dependencies to ensure successful execution.
• Drive stakeholder communication and provide regular progress reporting to leadership.
• Support lifecycle replacement, upgrade, and modernization efforts for automation platforms.
• Ensure project documentation, change management, and governance requirements are maintained.
• Collaborate with technical teams to evaluate system impacts, implementation strategies, and project risks.
• Manage contractor activities and hold vendors accountable to project deliverables and timelines.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Automation, Computer Science, Project Management, or related field.
• 8+ years of project management experience within pharmaceutical, biotech, life sciences, manufacturing, or highly regulated environments.
• Proven experience leading automation-focused projects.
• Strong understanding of automation systems and related infrastructure.
• Demonstrated success managing complex, cross-functional projects from initiation through completion.
• Experience with project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and stakeholder management.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with global automation platforms and multinational project teams.
• Familiarity with systems such as:
• Emerson platforms
• Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
• SCADA/HMI technologies
• PMP certification or equivalent project management credentials.