Associate Director, Manufacturing Technology Lead

Associate Director, Manufacturing Technology Lead
We are looking for a highly experienced and influential automation leader who thrives in complex GMP environments and is passionate about driving digital transformation and smart manufacturing initiatives.

Our Animal Health site in Boxmeer is part of a global network dedicated to the development and production of high-quality animal health products under strict GMP regulations.

Within our engineering and manufacturing organization, we focus on delivering innovative, future‑ready solutions that enable efficient, compliant, and scalable production. Digital transformation and automation play a key role in achieving our vision of Smart Factories and Autonomous Manufacturing.

You will work closely with global and local stakeholders across Engineering, Manufacturing, IT/OT, and Quality.

About the role
As AD Manufacturing Technology Lead, you are responsible for defining, designing, and delivering Operational Technology (OT) solutions within major engineering projects. You act as a technical authority and strategic leader, ensuring alignment with global automation standards and driving the implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies.

You play a pivotal role in shaping the future of manufacturing by integrating advanced automation systems, enabling data‑driven decision‑making, and supporting autonomous operations. This role combines technical leadership, stakeholder management, and project execution in a highly regulated environment.

Key responsibilities

Define and own the Operational Technology (OT) scope within site and global engineering projects

Collaborate with project stakeholders to ensure alignment on scope, strategy, and delivery

Develop OT strategies and secure stakeholder approval

Provide technical leadership and design assurance across all project phases (concept to commissioning)

Ensure systems are designed and delivered in line with global automation standards

Drive digital transformation through implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies

Partner with global IT/OT teams to define standards and technology roadmaps

Collaborate with internal and external engineering partners to deliver complex projects

Manage communication and alignment between vendors, contractors, and internal teams

Ensure integration of systems across IT architecture, MES, process historians, and data platforms

Support manufacturing operations, quality, and supply continuity through robust system design

Ensure that delivered solutions are future‑ready and aligned with operational needs

Your profile

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, IT, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

Extensive experience with GMP Process Control Systems (PCS) in pharmaceutical or biotech environments

Strong expertise in DCS, SCADA, PLC systems, including full lifecycle delivery (design, procurement, commissioning)

Solid understanding of biotech and API manufacturing processes

Experience with drug product automation (e.g., vial filling, packaging lines) is an advantage

Proven track record in technical leadership and project execution

Strong understanding of OT/IT integration, including MES, data historians, and analytics platforms

Experience with secure system integration and automation architectures

Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills

Fluent in English

Knowledge of GMP regulations and regulatory expectations

Experience with OT cybersecurity, electronic batch records (E ), and data analytics

Familiarity with laboratory and warehouse automation systems

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,…