Global Automation Manager
The Global Automation Manager is responsible for driving the strategy, design, implementation, and continuous improvement of process control, automation, and manufacturing data systems across global operations. This role oversees the full automation architecture, including instrumentation, control platforms, safety systems, industrial networking, and data infrastructure to support both new and existing manufacturing processes. The ideal candidate will possess a strong combination of automation and controls expertise, chemical process knowledge, and practical manufacturing experience, with an understanding of process scale-up, equipment design, reaction systems, fluid handling, and process safety.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and implementation of process control, automation, and manufacturing data systems for both new and existing production processes.
- Establish and maintain standards for PLCs, DCS platforms, SCADA systems, HMIs, instrumentation, control panels, batch systems, alarm management, and data historians.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth integration of automation technologies into manufacturing operations.
- Partner with process engineering, operations, and R&D teams to translate process requirements into practical and scalable automation solutions.
- Contribute to equipment and utility design, including automated valves, pumps, flow measurement devices, reactors, mixers, instrumentation, and safety systems.
- Support the transition of processes from laboratory and pilot-scale development to full-scale manufacturing.
- Lead the design, specification, and deployment of process automation systems, including PLCs, DCS platforms, SCADA applications, HMIs, instrumentation, data collection systems, and control panels.
- Develop and oversee control system programming, batch logic, alarm management strategies, and process historian integrations.
- Lead factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), commissioning activities, and production startup support.
- Support process hazard analyses and functional safety assessments.
- Design and implement safety-related control functions and interlock systems.
- Support integration between control systems and enterprise applications such as MES, ERP, LIMS, and reporting platforms.
- Manage automation-related activities for capital projects, including scope development, budgeting, scheduling, and vendor coordination.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- 15+ years of experience in process automation, control systems engineering, or industrial automation, or 10+ years with an advanced degree.
- Minimum of 3 years of leadership, team management, or supervisory experience.
- Demonstrated experience designing and implementing automation systems in a manufacturing or process production environment.
FAQs
Congratulations, we understand that taking the time to apply is a big step. When you apply, your details go directly to the consultant who is sourcing talent. Due to demand, we may not get back to all applicants that have applied. However, we always keep your resume and details on file so when we see similar roles or see skillsets that drive growth in organizations, we will always reach out to discuss opportunities.
Yes. Even if this role isn’t a perfect match, applying allows us to understand your expertise and ambitions, ensuring you're on our radar for the right opportunity when it arises.
We also work in several ways, firstly we advertise our roles available on our site, however, often due to confidentiality we may not post all. We also work with clients who are more focused on skills and understanding what is required to future-proof their business.
That's why we recommend registering your resume so you can be considered for roles that have yet to be created.
Yes, we help with CV and interview preparation. From customized support on how to optimize your CV to interview preparation and compensation negotiations, we advocate for you throughout your next career move.