Senior Recruitment Consultant at Panda International | Placing top talent at leading Life Sciences companies
Project Manager – Automation & Control Systems | Leading GMP Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
About the Role
Join a major GMP pharmaceutical manufacturing site as a Project Manager (Automation) responsible for leading multiple automation and control system upgrade projects. The primary focus is on Siemens PLC/HMI lifecycle upgrades and OT/IT integration. You will report directly to the Site Automation Manager and work cross-functionally with Production, Engineering, Quality, Validation, Operations, and IT/OT teams.
Key Responsibilities
Lead a programme of Siemens PLC and HMI lifecycle upgrade projects in a GMP-regulated environment.
Deliver end-to-end project management across scope, schedule, budget, quality, risk, and compliance.
Manage replacement and lifecycle upgrades of legacy control systems, including obsolescence planning.
Upgrade Siemens PLCs from S7-200/S7-300 to S7-1200/S7-1500 platforms.
Upgrade Siemens HMIs from TP Comfort panels to Unified Siemens panels.
Plan and execute cutovers, shutdowns, commissioning, and start-up activities with minimal operational impact.
Lead planning, design, FAT/SAT, commissioning, qualification, and change control activities.
Coordinate internal stakeholders and external automation/IT/OT vendors; manage performance and scope.
Drive integration of plant control systems with OT/IT systems, ensuring data integrity and system reliability.
Develop and maintain project documentation: URS, FDS/Design Specs, test plans, validation docs, business cases, and capex submissions.
Lead risk management, stakeholder engagement, and regular project reporting to the Automation Manager.
Ensure full compliance with GMP, data integrity standards, 21 CFR Part 11, Annex 11, and corporate policies.
Required Skills & Experience
Strong background in automation project management within pharmaceutical or GMP manufacturing environments.
Proven experience with Siemens PLC and HMI platforms (S7-200, S7-300, S7-1200, S7-1500; TP Comfort and Unified Panels).
Solid understanding of FAT/SAT, commissioning, qualification, lifecycle management, and control system replacement.
Experience working with OT/IT teams and integrating automation systems with site-level IT/OT infrastructure.
Ability to manage vendors, budget, scope, and risk across complex technical projects.
Strong documentation control skills for URS, design specifications, testing, validation, and capex processes.
Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and cross-functional leadership abilities.
Desirable Skills & Certifications
Experience with digital/OT project delivery in GMP environments.
Knowledge of data integrity requirements and regulatory frameworks (21 CFR Part 11, Annex 11).
Familiarity with continuous improvement, asset performance, and manufacturing system optimisation.
Additional Info
Department: Site Automation
Location: Kildare, Ireland
Start Date: ASAP
Interested? Apply or send your CV to Miguel Gomes at m.gomes@panda-int.com or contact +31 20 20 44 502.
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Contract
Job function
Project Management
Industries
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Panda International by 2x
#J-18808-Ljbffr