Associate Director, Manufacturing Automation

Job Title: Associate Director, Manufacturing Automation

Location: Swiftwater, PA

About the Job

We deliver 4.3 billion healthcare solutions to people every year, thanks to the flawless planning and meticulous eye for detail of our Manufacturing & Supply teams. With your talent and ambition, we can do even more to protect people from infectious diseases and bring hope to patients and their families.

Sanofi is an innovative global healthcare company with one purpose: to pursue scientific miracles to improve lives. Our team strives to transform the practice of medicine, connecting our science to communities in meaningful ways. Within our Sanofi Manufacturing & Supply Ambition, we’re redefining our strategy, culture, and processes to make a tangible impact worldwide.

In this role, you'll join the Manufacturing Systems & Automation department at our Swiftwater site, leading a team responsible for the operation, optimization, and advancement of automation systems across production areas for DS, DP and Utilities. You will provide leadership and direction for the automation team, ensuring smooth and efficient operations while driving continuous improvements in manufacturing systems. Your role will focus on maintaining high performance, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency in our automated manufacturing environment.

We are an innovative global healthcare company with one purpose: to chase the miracles of science to improve people’s lives. We’re also a company where you can flourish and grow your career, with countless opportunities to explore, make connections with people, and stretch the limits of what you thought was possible. Ready to get started?

Main Responsibilities:

As the Manufacturing Automation Lead, you will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of automation systems and managing a team of automation specialists and engineers. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Leadership & Team Management: Lead and mentor a team of automation engineers and technicians, providing guidance and support to ensure the effective operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of automation systems.

• Strategic Planning & Execution: Develop and implement strategies for the ongoing optimization, integration, and modernization of automation systems in manufacturing. Ensure that automation systems are designed, updated, and operated to meet both current and future production needs.

• Operational Oversight: Oversee the daily monitoring, troubleshooting, and support of automation systems (PLCs, SCADA, DCS, and other control systems) to ensure continuous production with minimal downtime and maximum efficiency.

• Continuous Improvement: Identify, propose, and implement process and system improvements to enhance automation performance, reduce costs, and improve flexibility in manufacturing operations.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with engineering, production, quality, IT, and other cross-functional teams to ensure alignment of automation systems with production goals and regulatory requirements.

• Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure that all automation activities comply with GMP, safety standards, and other relevant regulations. Lead efforts to manage risks associated with automation systems and address any compliance issues proactively.

• Project Oversight & Implementation: Oversee automation-related projects, from system upgrades and process improvements to the implementation of new technologies. Ensure team involvement in the projects for ease handover.

• Training & Development: Develop and implement training programs for staff on the proper operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of automation systems. Foster a culture of continuous learning and knowledge sharing within the automation team.

• Vendor and Stakeholder Management: Lead the coordination of external vendors and contractors in the implementation, maintenance, and support of automation systems. Ensure vendor solutions align with business needs and regulatory standards.

• Performance Metrics & Reporting: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to track and improve the performance of automation systems. Provide regular reporting on automation system performance, maintenance activities, and continuous improvement initiatives to senior leadership.

About You

Experience:

• Leadership Experience: 7 to 10 years of experience in managing automation systems and teams in biopharma or related industries. Proven experience in leading cross-functional teams and driving operational improvements.

• Automation Expertise: Strong background in automation systems, including DCS (DeltaV), SCADA (AVEVA & Rockwell), PLCs, and other control systems in a manufacturing environment.

• Compliance & Regulatory Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of GMP, safety regulations, and other relevant compliance requirements in the pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.

Soft and Technical Skills:

• Leadership & Team Development: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop teams in high-performance environments. Strong leadership skills with the ability to influence and drive results across multiple departments.

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to think strategically about automation systems and processes, balancing short-term operational needs with long-term business goals and technological advancements.

• Problem-Solving & Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and troubleshooting abilities, with a focus on identifying and resolving operational issues quickly and efficiently.

• Communication: Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively engage with internal teams, vendors, and senior leadership.

• Change Management: Strong skills in driving change within teams and organizations, especially in environments where continuous improvement and adaptability are key to success.

Education:

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Automation, Computer Science, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field.

Languages:

• English: Proficiency in both written and spoken English.

Why Choose Us?

• Bring the miracles of science to life alongside a supportive, future-focused team.​​

• Discover endless opportunities to grow your talent and drive your career, whether it’s through a promotion or lateral move, at home or internationally.​​

• Enjoy a thoughtful, well-crafted rewards package that recognizes your contribution and amplifies your impact.​​

• Take good care of yourself and your family, with a wide range of health and wellbeing benefits including high-quality healthcare, prevention and wellness programs and at least 14 weeks’ gender-neutral parental leave.​

Sanofi Inc. and its U.S. affiliates are Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employers committed to a culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; creed; religion; national origin; age; ancestry; nationality; marital, domestic partnership or civil union status; sex, gender, gender identity or expression; affectional or sexual orientation; disability; veteran or military status or liability for military status; domestic violence victim status; atypical cellular or blood trait; genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing) or any other characteristic protected by law.

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