Site Automation Lead

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Job Function
Supply Chain Engineering

Job Sub Function
Automation Engineering

Job Category
People Leader

All Job Posting Locations
Leiden, South Holland, Netherlands

Job Description
Site Automation Lead

Position Summary
You lead the site’s automation organization, owning the lifecycle of ISA‑95 Level 1–2 and selected Level 3 systems, ensuring compliance, reliability, and performance in a regulated environment. As part of the GET Leiden Leadership Team, you define and execute the automation strategy, translating business priorities into scalable, value‑driven solutions.

You drive automation delivery and system reliability while leading a high‑performing team and partnering across Operations, Quality, MSAT, Engineering, and IT/Digital to advance innovation, compliance, and operational excellence.

This role requires a strong people leader and change agent who can influence across a matrix and lead digital transformation.

What You Will Do

Lead & develop the organization, driving engagement, capability growth, succession planning and strong performance management.

Define & execute automation strategy; own and deploy site automation and execution systems strategy, ensuring standardization, architectural alignment, and consistency across the platform.

Drive digital & operational excellence; advance the digital manufacturing roadmap and continuously improve automation systems by identifying upgrades, optimizing performance, and aligning with site and enterprise priorities.

Deliver automation portfolio; lead automation and data‑driven projects, ensuring compliant, safe, on‑time, and within‑budget delivery, including proper documentation and change control of all system modifications.

Ensure compliance & reliability; maintain GMP and EHS compliance, including SOP adherence, deviation/NCR investigation, CAPA management, and continuous audit readiness.

Own execution systems & lifecycle management; oversee full lifecycle management of execution systems, including design (FS/DS), validation (FAT, SAT, IOPQ), system integration, interfaces, master data/recipes, and lifecycle documentation.

Provide technical & operational leadership; direct system performance, reliability, upgrades, and continuous improvement; ensure effective 24/7 system support, manage infrastructure (incl. network in partnership with IT) and data system performance.

Stakeholder & vendor management; partner cross‑functionally (Operations, MSAT, Engineering, IT, DOTS) and manage vendors/contracts; provide input to capital projects, platform standards, and recipe/library development.

Governance & continuous improvement; define policies and procedures, monitor KPIs, and drive continuous improvement using best practices, ensuring systems are fit for use and aligned with regulatory and business requirements.

Who You Are

BSc degree in Engineering, Science or related technical field, or a related field with 10+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment, biopharmaceutical, OR an advanced degree MSc/MBA/Ph.D. or equivalent with 8+ years.

4+ years of leadership and delivery experience AND 4+ years of proven experience within a pharmaceutical or GMP regulated manufacturing environment in automation or IT role.

Role Requirements

Proven ability to lead technical teams, manage competing priorities, and consistently deliver results in a complex, multi‑stakeholder…