Automation Manager

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas – immunology, oncology, neuroscience, and eye care – and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at  . Follow @abbvie on  X ,  Facebook ,  Instagram ,  YouTube and  LinkedIn . 

Job Description

We are now recruiting an  Automation Manager  to join the team at our site in  Sligo (Manorhamilton Road ). The successful candidate will be responsible for Automation systems and procedures for the site. They will work within the Engineering Team to provide ownership of all automation systems covering the OSD Plant, the small molecule API Plant, and the High-Potent API/ADC Plant. Through them and their team they will provide automation support and automation solutions to manufacturing and support functions. Additionally, they will be required to work with a variety of departments across the site, including Manufacturing, Technical Operations, Validation, IT, Site Services, Maintenance, Project Engineering, and QA to ensure that all manufacturing control systems meet global and local compliance requirements, end user requirements, and Quality / IT policy requirements. The role has 7 - 8 direct reports .

Does this sound interesting to you? Here's a snapshot of what your day to day could look like:

• In close collaboration with the Engineering Director, develop and maintain the site automation strategy including its key site metrics and action plans.
• Develop and maintain site automation systems and procedures to maximise production, minimise cost and meet the quality requirements for the site.
• Develop and maintain a “road map” for automation systems development ensuring integration with plant and process innovations. Develop and maintain SOPs for operation, maintenance, security, back-up and disaster recovery to cover all systems listed in the site inventory.
• Co-ordinate the activities of software and automation engineers, providing prioritisation on projects and tasks, and on production support.
• Work with the team to develop optimum solutions to process automation issues.
• Manage automation vendors and contractors including system support contracts and external access arrangements.
• Develop and maintain relevant site standards (systems, software and wiring) in line with local and corporate requirements.
• Ensure the execution of control system project activities as per site business needs.
• Compile and consolidate long-term plans for control system maintenance and improvements.
• Manage computer system validations and approve associated documentation and specifications.
• Generate and deliver training materials for users of automation systems.
• Direct execution of automation projects by assigning tasks, tracking project schedules, identifying risks, and developing and executing contingency plans.
• Ensure compliance with relevant SOPs.
• Ensure successful amendment, review and implementation of SOPs changes.
• Represent Automation at regulatory and customer inspections and audits.

Qualifications

• Honours Degree in Automation, Control Systems, Computer Science, or alternatively in a relevant Engineering discipline such as Mechatronics.
• Strong knowledge of cGMPs, 21CFR11 / Annex 11 / GAMP 5, and associated regulatory requirements relating to the (bio)pharmaceutical industry is preferred. We will also consider applicants from the Medical Device and Food & Beverage industries.
• An excellent knowledge of manufacturing processes and control systems.
• Team leadership or people management training and experience is desirable.
• 3-5 years’ experience in configuring control systems in a regulated batch manufacturing environment.
• Experience of operating in a team environment with active participation in proactive improvement programs.
• Knowledge of Siemens S7, Emerson Delta V DCS, Trend BMS, Gasmet CEMS, Bohle, Fette, and GEA control systems would be a distinct advantage.

Additional Information

AbbVie is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives, serving our community and embracing diversity and inclusion. It is AbbVie’s policy to employ qualified persons of the greatest ability without discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected group status.

AbbVie is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives, serving our community and embracing diversity and inclusion. It is AbbVie’s policy to employ qualified persons of the greatest ability without discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected group status.