Engineering Automation Lead

Job description

Site Name: UK - County Durham - Barnard Castle

Posted Date: Nov 7 2025

We make and supply medicines and vaccines all around the globe and our teams own every production stage, from creating quality products at our manufacturing sites to designing effective supply forecasting and regulatory inspections; all powered by digital, data and analytics. We operate at impressive scale, producing over 2.3 billion packs of medicines and doses of vaccines in 2023.

We continue to modernise, so we can launch even more new products at speed whilst continuing to deliver across our entire portfolio through our relentless focus on quality, safety, and service. The way we work will change. For some, the shift in technology and products will be revolutionary. Our R&D pipeline demands a new kind of supply chain, and we need the very best minds and capability to help us on our journey to make more complex products, harnessing the power of smart manufacturing technologies including robotics, digital solutions, and artificial intelligence to deliver for patients.

The Engineering Automation Lead will provide strategic input and leadership direction to enable the site to meet its business goals by effectively balancing the management of day-to-day operations with long-term strategic planning. This involves ensuring that advanced instrumentation, automation, and control engineering techniques are implemented across the Barnard Castle Site in a GMP compliant manner to meet both local and global requirements.

By integrating robust management practices with strategic initiatives, the site can optimise operational efficiency, maintain regulatory compliance, and achieve sustainable growth.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive operations automation strategy that aligns with the site's business goals and objectives.

• Team Leadership:
  Manage and mentor a team of automation engineers and build capability and skills with maintenance technicians, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.

• System Design and Implementation:
  Lead the design, development, and implementation of advanced automation systems, including PLCs, SCADA, and DCS.

• GMP Compliance:
  Ensure all automation systems and processes comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and regulatory requirements.

• Training and Development:
  Develop and deliver training programs to ensure staff are proficient in the use of automation technologies and best practices.

• Continuous Improvement:
  Drive continuous improvement initiatives by staying current with emerging automation technologies and industry trends and integrating them into the site's operations where applicable.

• Technical Support:
  Provide technical support and troubleshooting for automation systems to minimize downtime and ensure smooth operations.

• Provide subject matter expertise to regulatory inspections and interact with auditors as necessary.

Why you?

Basic Qualifications:

We are looking for professionals with these required skills to achieve our goals:

• Degree in a Science/ Engineering related discipline such as Automation, Control, Electrical or Mechatronic.

• Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing experience gained from the pharmaceutical industry.;
  Black Belt or Green Belt desirable.

• Technical expertise in several scientific and engineering automation areas including ISA standards (e.g. S88, S95), P&, Automation architecture, instrumentation and electrical wiring diagrams, communication networks, control panels, HMI, MES, SCADA, PLC and Historians.

• Broad and in-depth knowledge with practical experience of computer and application validation (preferably using GAMP methodology), cGMPs, and 21 CFR Part 11 in an FDA regulated environment.

• Proven experience in leading and managing teams effectively, with a strong track record of fostering a high‑performing culture and driving organizational transformation is essential.

• Strong leadership skills, including the ability to inspire, influence, and collaborate with cross‑functional teams and senior leadership to execute strategic initiatives successfully.

• Ability to interface with…