Senior Director - Manufacturing Automation

🌎 Global, Highly Regulated Manufacturing Organization

Lead Enterprise Automation at Scale

A global, multi-billion-dollar manufacturing organization operating in highly regulated industries is seeking a Senior Director Manufacturing Automation to lead enterprise-wide smart factory transformation.

This is a strategic leadership role responsible for architecting and scaling automation initiatives across multiple global sites. The successful candidate will drive Industry 4.0 deployment, digital manufacturing innovation, and measurable operational performance improvement across complex manufacturing environments.

Key Responsibilities

🌍 Enterprise Automation Strategy

Develop and execute a multi-year automation roadmap aligned with operational excellence and long-term business growth objectives. Build scalable deployment models across global sites and divisions.

🤖 Industry 4.0 Technology Enablement

Evaluate and deploy advanced automation technologies including:

Robotics & AMRs/AGVs
IIoT and connected factory platforms
AI/ML-driven predictive maintenance
Machine vision & advanced inspection systems
Digital twins
MES and enterprise manufacturing platforms

Deliver measurable improvements in OEE, throughput, safety, quality, and cost productivity.

🤝 Cross-Functional & Executive Leadership

Partner with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, IT, and Site Leadership to ensure automation initiatives are harmonized and scalable. Influence senior stakeholders and align transformation efforts across a matrixed global organization.

📊 Governance, ROI & Capital Deployment

Establish dashboards, KPIs, and governance frameworks to track program impact and value realization. Own multi-year capital planning, budgets, and resource allocation for automation programs.

🔄 Change Management & Capability Building

Drive adoption across all organizational levels. Build and mentor high-performing teams of engineers, architects, and program leaders. Standardize playbooks and execution models to accelerate deployment.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Experience

10+ years in manufacturing, engineering, or industrial operations
5+ years leading enterprise-scale automation or digital transformation initiatives
Proven success implementing advanced automation in regulated or complex industries (Life Sciences, Medical Device, Pharma, Electronics, Automotive, etc.)
Experience leading global or multi-site rollouts
Demonstrated ownership of significant CAPEX programs

Technical Expertise

Industry 4.0 architecture & integration
Robotics, MES, IIoT, AI/ML applications
Lean manufacturing & Six Sigma
Performance improvement in regulated environments

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt preferred.

Leadership Profile

Strategic thinker with strong execution discipline
Executive presence and stakeholder influencing ability
Experience operating in matrixed, global organizations
Strong program governance and change leadership capability

Why This Opportunity?

Enterprise-level impact across global operations
Executive visibility and influence
Opportunity to shape the future of digital manufacturing
Competitive compensation and long-term incentives

If you are a transformation-oriented manufacturing leader ready to drive scalable automation at global scale, we welcome a confidential conversation.

Kerry Search Partners

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