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.
