Associate Director, Automation Engineering

Job Description

Did you always want to work in a company where your work can have a real impact? Do you thrive in a high‑tech manufacturing environment where automation and process control are critical to delivering life‑saving products?

We have an exciting opportunity at the Boxmeer facility for an Associate Director, Automation Engineering.

Welcome in our team

The Boxmeer manufacturing site is a key contributor within our global Manufacturing Network, producing high‑quality biological products in a highly regulated GMP environment. As part of the Site Digital Manufacturing Office (DMO), the Automation Engineering team plays a vital role in ensuring safe, reliable, and compliant manufacturing operations through robust automation and process control systems.

Working closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, IT, and Global Engineering teams, we focus on operational excellence, continuous improvement, and the deployment of innovative automation solutions that support both current operations and future growth.

Purpose of the role

The Associate Director, Automation Engineering is accountable for leading the automation function across the Boxmeer manufacturing facilities. As a member of the DMO leadership team, this role reports to the Department Director and serves as the primary automation leader and point of contact for manufacturing operations in a highly regulated GMP environment.

You will lead and develop a high‑performing team of Automation Engineers, ensuring reliable 24/7 automation support while delivering capital projects, lifecycle upgrades, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role requires strong leadership capabilities, with a demonstrated track record of coaching, mentoring, and building technically strong, engaged teams.

The position combines strategic thinking with hands‑on operational execution. You will define and drive the site automation and process control strategy, ensuring alignment with Process Development and Manufacturing Network objectives, while maintaining direct accountability for day‑to‑day operational performance. Strong analytical and structured problem‑solving skills are essential to identify root causes, prioritize initiatives, and deliver sustainable solutions in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

You will manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously, balancing operational stability, project delivery, and future‑focused innovation. Deep knowledge of regulatory and compliance expectations is required, including automation validation, data integrity, cybersecurity, and audit readiness.

As a trusted advisor to senior leadership, you will translate complex technical automation topics into clear business impacts and risk‑based decision inputs. Success in this role depends on excellent collaboration and stakeholder management skills, working effectively across Manufacturing, Quality, IT, Process Development, Engineering, and global network teams to deliver right‑first‑time, compliant automation solutions.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and engage a team of Automation Engineers, serving as the primary point of contact for all manufacturing automation activities.
• Define and execute the site automation and process control strategy across all Boxmeer manufacturing facilities, aligned with Process Development and Manufacturing Network objectives.
• Provide strategic and hands‑on leadership for 24x7 operational support and capital project execution, including mentoring, coaching, and workforce development.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior management, translating business needs into robust, compliant automation solutions.
• Establish and maintain strong cross‑functional and external partnerships to support capital projects, plant operations, and network‑level initiatives.
• Own automation system reliability, lifecycle management, preventive maintenance, and failure‑recurrence prevention, in close collaboration with IT and plant leadership.
• Ensure GMP compliance, audit readiness, personnel safety, and full adherence to cybersecurity and cyber‑resilience requirements.
• Deliver right‑first‑time automation solutions with complete validation, documentation, reporting, audit trails, and version control.
• Manage automation operational and capital budgets, service contracts, spares strategy, and inventory controls with full financial accountability.
• Foster a culture of engagement, continuous improvement, and sustainable work‑life balance through visible leadership and structured training programs.

Your profile

• High school diploma / GED with 12 years of engineering experience; or
• Associate degree with 10 years of engineering experience; or
• Bachelor’s degree with 8 years of engineering experience; or
• Master’s degree with 6 years of engineering experience; or
• Doctorate degree with 2 years of engineering experience.
• A minimum of 2 years of people management and/or leadership experience leading teams, programs, projects, or resource allocation (may run concurrently with technical experience).
• 10+ years of relevant experience in Life Sciences, with a strong focus on process control and automation systems.
• Broad experience supporting manufacturing automation in regulated GMP environments.

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.
• A high‑quality company restaurant offering fresh and healthy options daily.
• Excellent accessibility: the train station is located directly at the main entrance, and ample parking is available.
• A beautiful private park on site, ideal for walking, taking a break, or relaxing.
• 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.
• A workplace within an organization that continues to grow and evolve.

Animal Health Division

Our Animal Health division is a trusted global leader in veterinary medicine, dedicated to the health and well-being of animals.

Required Skills:

Accountability, Audit Management, Business Process Improvements, Data Management, Leadership, Manufacturing, Problem Management, Quality Management, Real-Time Programming, Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)