Associate Director, Digital Manufacturing Systems & Operations IT

Job Description

Did you always want to work in a company where your work can have a real impact? Do you enjoy working in an international, highly regulated manufacturing environment where digital innovation directly supports life‑saving biotechnology therapies?

We have an exciting opportunity at the Boxmeer facility for an Associate Director, Digital Manufacturing Systems & Operations IT.

Welcome in our team

At the Boxmeer site, Digital, Technology & Innovation (DTI) plays a critical role in enabling the reliable, compliant, and efficient manufacture of biotechnology therapies. Working closely with Operations, Quality, and global IT teams, we deliver and support mission‑critical manufacturing, laboratory, and business systems in a highly regulated GMP environment.

Our Site Digital Manufacturing Office (DMO) partners with key business stakeholders to drive digital transformation, system lifecycle management, and continuous improvement. We focus on robust system operations, innovation through data and analytics, and the successful delivery of digital and capital projects that support site performance and long‑term strategy.

Purpose of the role

The Associate Director, Digital Manufacturing Systems & Operations IT leads a team of business and compliance analysts and application specialists responsible for delivering high‑quality, reliable, and compliant operational support for manufacturing systems at the Boxmeer site. Reporting to the Site DMO, this role holds end‑to‑end accountability for the delivery, operation, and lifecycle management of digital, capital, and application systems supporting GMP manufacturing.

You will lead an agile product team to ensure robust system performance across critical GMP systems and act as the primary IT subject‑matter expert during audits and inspections. Partnering closely with site leadership and corporate stakeholders, you will define and execute a 3–5‑year digital transformation roadmap aligned with business objectives and our global strategy, balancing strategic vision with hands‑on execution.

This role requires strong analytical and structured problem‑solving skills, with the ability to make sound, data‑driven decisions in a complex, highly regulated environment. You will manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously, applying strategic thinking while maintaining direct ownership of operational outcomes.

Successful candidates demonstrate a deep understanding of compliance standards within biotechnology or similarly regulated industries and can effectively engage both highly technical teams and senior business stakeholders. Excellent communication, presentation, and facilitation skills are critical, including the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear business impact and value.

You will be accountable for building, leading, and developing a highly skilled technical team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and operational excellence while driving innovation and sustainable digital capability across the site.

Key responsibilities

• Lead an agile team of application specialists to ensure reliable, compliant system operations supporting biotechnology manufacturing.
• Own stable operation of site applications, including maintenance, upgrades, spares, disaster recovery, and contingency planning.
• Define, measure, and continuously improve system and team performance using data‑driven metrics.
• Develop and maintain an effective site systems support model, integrating vendors, third parties, and global IT/DTI teams with clear accountability.
• Manage all planned and unplanned application outages and hold full accountability for GMP‑critical systems (Quality, LIMS/LMES, SAP, MES, historians, analytics).
• Act as IT subject‑matter expert during audits and inspections, supporting regulatory and compliance activities.
• Partner with business and corporate teams to define and deliver a 3–5‑year digital transformation roadmap aligned to site value and our global strategy.
• Plan and execute application lifecycle management, including upgrades, retirement, and measurable training programs to support operational excellence.
• Drive effective use of technology, innovation, data strategy, and advanced analytics to improve efficiency, visibility, capacity, and system robustness.
• Manage application CAPEX/OPEX budgets, delivering scalable, reusable, and financially viable technology solutions.

Your profile

• Doctorate degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or Life Sciences with 2 years of relevant experience; or
• Master’s degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or Life Sciences with 6 years of relevant experience; or
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or Life Sciences with 8 years of relevant experience.
• Proven experience delivering high‑quality support for manufacturing systems in a regulated GMP environment, preferably within biologics or pharmaceutical industries.
• Minimum of 5 years of people management experience, leading and implementing digital innovation at site or network level.
• Demonstrated experience leading or supporting regulatory inspections, audits, or health authority interactions.
• Prior experience or certification in ITIL, Agile, or SCRUM methodologies is required.
• Certified in or experienced with Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) or agile product team environments.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities with a data‑driven mindset.
• In‑depth knowledge of GMP, 21 CFR Part 11 / Annex 11, data integrity, validation processes, and compliance requirements.

Hands‑on knowledge or experience with one or more of the following technologies:

• SAP / S/4HANA
• MES (PAS‑X)
• CDS Empower
• LIMS
• Data Historians
• Automation systems
• Laboratory systems
• Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
• Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence
• Data analytics tools (Tableau, Spotfire)
• IIoT
• AR / VR

What we offer

We offer a truly global, dynamic, and challenging environment where digital excellence directly supports patient and animal health. You can expect strong opportunities for professional growth and a competitive total rewards package, including:

• A competitive salary, depending on your knowledge and experience.
• A 3% year‑end allowance and an annual bonus based on individual and company performance.
• A minimum of 35.5 days of paid leave.
• Travel expense reimbursement and a solid pension plan.
• Mental wellbeing support via Lyra Health for you and your family members.
• Access to a dedicated prayer/meditation room.
• Extensive career development opportunities thanks to the size of the site and the presence of many disciplines and global departments represented in Boxmeer.

Animal Health Division

Our Animal Health division is a trusted global leader in veterinary medicine, dedicated to the health and well-being of animals. We are a global team of professionals working together to make a positive difference in animal care and the world’s food supply and have a deep sense of responsibility towards our customers, consumers, animals, society and our planet.

Required Skills:

Accountability, Benefits Management, Biomanufacturing, Biopharmaceutical Industry, Business Analysis, Business Processes, Business Process Improvements, Computer Science, Data Integrity, Digital Manufacturing, Digital Transformation, GMP Compliance, Governance Management, Leadership, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Manufacturing Operations, Multi-Management, Program Management, SAP SCM (Supply Chain Management), Stakeholder Relationship Management, Strategic Planning, Workforce Planning