Automation Lead

To strengthen our Belgium Technical Services department, we are looking for a talented colleague to fill the position of: Automation Lead, Braine L’Alleud.

About the role:

As the BBOC (Belgium Biological Operation Center) Automation Lead, part of the Automation Belgium Technical Services team, you will report to the Head of Automation Belgium and be involved in Belgium Biological Operation Center activities.

You will ensure automation aligns with good engineering practices and meets Belgium Biological Operation Center expectations.

Your responsibilities include diagnosing, troubleshooting, and improving automation software, ensuring timely and quality delivery of the automation team, assisting production during batches, managing issues and improvements, overseeing punch items and change control, ensuring efficient handover and training for operations teams, aligning process strategies with automation systems, and providing support for manufacturing and plant operations (24/24 guard).

What you will do:

• Challenge process design to ensure alignment between equipment and automation systems
• Collaborate with Process Engineering to evaluate software implementation strategies from initiation to operations
• Follow-up on Automation Integrator and Vendor Packages during interventions and troubleshooting
• Coordinate and motivate the Belgium Biological Operation Center automation team, ensuring they are well-trained and knowledgeable
• Verify automation deliverables and anticipate cost increases
• Attend FAT, SAT, commissioning, and validation activities
• Troubleshoot, modify software, and propose improvements for automation systems
• Review verification protocols
• Organize operator training
• Manage punch lists/CAPA and change control processes
• Translate process improvements and modifications into automation requirements
• Support and troubleshoot installations to ensure efficient Drug Substance manufacturing

Interested? For this position you’ll need the following education, experience and skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in scientific or technical field
• Minimum 7 years’ experience in Automation and/or Bio-Processes within a GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) environment
• Proven track record in major engineering projects, including risk and mitigation management
• Leadership skills, a previous experience in managing or coordinating technical teams are a significant asset
• Strong knowledge in design, execution, commissioning, and validation
• Strong knowledge in PCS7
• Ability to translate and present expert concerns to facilitate decision-making
• Adaptability to dynamic environments and handling challenging situations
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to challenge and argue constructively
• Proficiency in French and English
• Strong problem-solving, conflict management, proactivity