What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Director Automation Engineering position at Meet Life Sciences?
Associate Director – Automation Engineering (Biologics)
We are seeking an experienced Associate Director – Automation Engineering to lead and develop a high-performing process control organisation supporting a large-scale biologics manufacturing facility. This is a senior leadership role with significant influence across operations, project delivery, compliance, and site start-up.
During an exciting greenfield build and multi-year start-up phase (2025–2028), this role will be instrumental in shaping the automation strategy, building a new team, and implementing robust GMP-compliant control systems to support reliable and efficient biologics manufacturing.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of process control engineers and consultants
- Own performance management, development planning, succession planning, and resourcing
- Build a strong, collaborative automation culture aligned with GMP expectations
Automation & Process Control Oversight
- Ensure reliable, compliant automation systems supporting daily biologics manufacturing operations
- Set and reinforce standards for automation engineering deliverables and technical rigor
- Coordinate and prioritise process control activities across operations and projects
Project Delivery & Site Start-Up
- Provide automation leadership during design, delivery, commissioning, qualification, and start-up of a greenfield facility
- Partner cross-functionally to implement systems, business processes, and site standards required for GMP manufacturing
- Adapt leadership approach in a dynamic, fast-growing start-up environment
Operational Excellence & Compliance
- Ensure automation systems operate in a continuous state of compliance
- Track, monitor, and report key functional performance indicators
- Demonstrate strong commitment to environmental, health, and safety standards
Business & Financial Management
- Develop and deliver the Automation Engineering business plan
- Review and manage budgets and financial performance against targets
Requirements
- 10 years’ experience in biopharma engineering, automation, IT, operations, or manufacturing
- Proven experience in automation engineering within a biologics or GMP manufacturing environment
- Strong people leadership experience, including coaching, performance management, and team building
- Experience delivering highly automated greenfield manufacturing sites
- Hands-on knowledge of SCADA, DCS, and MES platforms (e.g. DeltaV, Rockwell, Syncade)
- Experience as part of a site or plant leadership team
- Demonstrated success in recruiting, retaining, and developing high-performing technical teams