Site Automation Leader

Location: Schaftenau, Austria

Hybrid: 12 days/month in office

The Site Automation Leader is accountable for leading the Automation Engineering organization across Drug Product manufacturing operations, ensuring the reliable, compliant, and efficient operation of automation systems supporting Compounding, Filling, Inspection, Assembly & Packaging. The role combines strategic leadership, operational excellence, digital transformation, and people management to develop a high-performing automation organization aligned with site and business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Senior Automation Engineers, Automation Engineers, and Automation Technicians supporting Drug Product manufacturing operations.
• Drive talent management activities including workforce planning, recruitment, onboarding, performance management, succession planning, and career development.
• Serve as the key leader and escalation point for automation resources across the site and promote cross-functional teamwork between Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Validation, Supply Chain, ITOT, and external partners.
• Define and execute the site automation strategy and technology roadmap, ensuring standardization, lifecycle management, and continuous modernization of automation platforms.
• Drive implementation of industry best practices, digital manufacturing technologies, and smart factory initiatives.
• Ensure high availability and reliability of automation systems supporting manufacturing operations.
• Lead root cause investigations and resolution of critical automation incidents, and drive improvements in OEE, equipment reliability, production throughput, and process robustness.
• Lead automation engineering resources in capital investment projects and strategic business initiatives.
• Oversee implementation of new technologies, automation upgrades, and manufacturing system enhancements, including Robotics, AI, and Vertical Integration initiatives.
• Ensure all automation systems remain inspection-ready and compliant with GMP, Data Integrity, and cybersecurity requirements.
• Lead automation-related deviations, CAPAs, change controls, audits, and validation activities.

Essential Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in OT Automation, Industrial Automation, Manufacturing Systems, or Digital Manufacturing within a regulated industry.
• 5+ years of people leadership experience, managing automation engineers, technicians, project teams, and external partners.
• Strong expertise in PLC, SCADA, HMI, industrial networks, and OT infrastructure.
• Hands-on experience with MES, Electronic Batch Records, Review by Exception, and Vertical Integration across manufacturing systems.
• Proven experience delivering automation and digital transformation programs, including capital projects and Smart Factory initiatives.
• Strong understanding of AI, advanced analytics, and data-driven manufacturing, including Power BI, manufacturing data platforms, and AI-enabled use cases.
• Deep knowledge of GMP/GxP, Computer System Validation, Data Integrity, and Quality Risk Management in pharmaceutical manufacturing environments.
• Fluency in German and English.

Desirable Requirements

• Knowledge of Robotics, AGVs/AMRs, machine vision, and advanced manufacturing technologies to support autonomous operations.

Rewards

In addition to a market-competitive base salary, Novartis offers an attractive incentive program, a modern company pension scheme, childcare facilities, learning and development opportunities as well as worldwide career possibilities within the Novartis group.

Primary location salary range: €81,600.00 - €151,500.00 per year. Further benefits and rewards are described in the Novartis Life Handbook.