Associate Director, Manufacturing Technology Lead

Job Description
* 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.
* For our Animal Health location in Boxmeer, we are looking for an:
** Associate Director, Manufacturing Technology Lead
**** Welcome to our team
** 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. The team combines deep technical expertise with strong collaboration, aiming to deliver impactful and sustainable solutions across our sites.
** 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%…