Head of Automation – Digital Engineering

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight to the Automation and Digital Engineering function, including creating a vision and multi-year strategies for a globally aligned function.
• Oversee and develop a technical workforce of 10+ employees globally, alongside strategic service providers delivering a multi-billion CHF CAPEX portfolio.
• Develop capabilities and expertise in automation and digital engineering while ensuring engineering processes are efficient and effective.
• Partner with key stakeholders to evolve global engineering standards and technology advances in automation engineering strategies.
• Leverage innovative technologies to prepare the organization for future automation engineering challenges in manufacturing and process development.
• Ensure innovative, sustainable, and cost-effective design and implementation strategies by keeping pace with global industry trends.
• Develop excellent partnerships with external automation engineering firms in alignment with Global Procurement to optimally deliver capital projects.
• Foster and drive network collaboration by establishing and leading global communities of practice for automation engineers.
• Partner with Pharma Digital and IT/OT to develop a comprehensive strategy for aligning information and operational technologies.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or a related discipline; an MS or MBA is desirable.
• At least 12 to 15 years of experience in engineering, automation, and digital technologies, preferably in the biopharmaceutical or life sciences industry.
• Minimum of 10 years of professional experience leading and coaching multi-disciplinary teams within a corporate business environment.
• Proven success in leading regional or global engineering organizations and managing large-scale CAPEX portfolios.
• Deep expertise in automation engineering, including knowledge of governance, sustainability, and energy efficiency.
• Experience in navigating and influencing global cultures and a track record of driving change while balancing risks.
• Willingness to travel (40 - 50%).

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering
• Master’s Degree in Engineering
• MBA