Automation Project Manager

Horizon Controls Group are recruiting for an Automation Project Manager for a leading Pharma giant in Leinster, Ireland. Key responsibilities

• Lead automation projects end to end, from scoping and estimating through design, build, testing, commissioning and handover to operations.
  
• Build and manage project plans, schedules, budgets and resource forecasts, and report progress, risks and issues to site stakeholders.
  
• Coordinate internal automation engineers, system integrators and equipment vendors, keeping deliverables on scope, time and budget.
  
• Work alongside process engineering, manufacturing, IT/OT, quality and validation teams so automation changes support production and compliance goals.
  
• Make sure projects follow GMP, GAMP 5 and data integrity requirements, including change control, documentation and computer system validation.
  
• Oversee the lifecycle documents for automation projects, such as user requirements, functional and design specifications, test protocols and handover packs.
  
• Manage the interface between automation and wider site systems, such as MES, historians and building management systems.
  
• Run project meetings, design reviews and lessons-learned sessions, and keep clear records of decisions and actions.
  
• Identify technical and schedule risks early and put mitigation plans in place
  
• Degree in engineering (electrical, electronic, chemical, mechanical or automation) or a related technical discipline, or equivalent experience.
  
• Proven experience managing automation or engineering projects, ideally in pharmaceutical, bio-pharmaceutical, medical device or another regulated manufacturing setting.
  

Good understanding of common industrial automation platforms, having worked with or alongside teams using them, such as:

• Distributed control systems (DCS), for example Emerson DeltaV or similar
  
• PLCs, for example Rockwell Allen-Bradley or Siemens
  
• SCADA and HMI systems
  
• MES and data historians, for example OSIsoft PI
  
• Familiarity with GMP, GAMP 5, ISA-88 batch control and data integrity principles.
  
• Strong planning, budgeting and stakeholder management skills, with confidence reporting to senior site leaders.
  
• Clear communicator who can bridge technical teams and business stakeholders.
  
• Hands-on automation experience, such as configuring, programming or troubleshooting DCS, PLC or SCADA systems.
  
• Experience with commissioning, qualification and validation (CQV) of automated equipment.
  
• Knowledge of OT networking and industrial cybersecurity.
  
• Formal project management training, such as PMP, PRINCE2 or Agile.
  
• Experience managing system integrators and third-party vendors.