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.-
or contact
.