Automation and Digital Manager

About Haleon

Haleon is a mission-driven global consumer healthcare company dedicated to improving everyday health worldwide. Since its formation three years ago, the company has expanded rapidly and now embarks on a new phase filled with ambitious goals and substantial opportunities. Their portfolio includes well-known brands such as Sensodyne®, Panadol®, Advil®, Voltaren®, Theraflu®, Otrivin®, and Centrum®, dominating resilient and expanding categories. Haleon's distinction lies in combining deep human insight with trusted scientific research.

Role Overview

The company is looking for a seasoned Automation and Digital Manager to lead the automation strategy and digital transformation at its manufacturing site in Dungarvan, Ireland. This pivotal role involves overseeing the automation engineering team and managing the automation and digital systems supporting manufacturing, packaging, and utility functions to ensure reliability, enhance performance, and guide future developments.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and own the site’s automation and digital transformation strategy in line with corporate goals.
• Drive the "Factory of the Future" roadmap by identifying digital technologies that boost productivity, reliability, quality, and operational efficiency.
• Establish and enforce standards, governance, and lifecycle processes for automation hardware, software, and networks.
• Manage obsolescence strategies for automation technologies to mitigate risks proactively.
• Assess and implement emerging technologies such as Industry 4.0, Industrial IoT, AI solutions, advanced analytics, and connected manufacturing platforms.
• Maintain an up-to-date automation systems register and technology roadmap.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts to enhance the performance and reliability of automation systems supporting all site operations.
• Collaborate with engineering and operations to optimize equipment effectiveness, reduce downtime, and prevent recurring automation failures.
• Provide technical leadership through complex troubleshooting and root cause analysis for critical issues.
• Promote standardization and adopt best practices across control systems and automation platforms.
• Partner with global automation teams to share expertise and accelerate innovation.
• Lead, coach, and develop the automation engineering team, fostering talent growth and succession planning.
• Design and implement skills development initiatives within the automation and digital engineering functions.
• Ensure strict compliance with GMP, quality, safety, and cybersecurity standards related to automation systems.
• Support internal and regulatory audits by providing technical expertise.
• Oversee industrial control systems to align with cybersecurity requirements and promote machinery safety compliance across site assets.
• Identify opportunities for performance enhancement through automation, analytics, and digital solutions; develop business cases for investments accordingly.
• Manage relationships with vendors, system integrators, and technology partners to secure efficient and compliant delivery of automation projects.

Qualifications and Experience

• A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of 8 years’ experience working in automation, controls, or industrial systems within manufacturing environments.
• Proven leadership experience managing teams in automation, controls, or digital manufacturing.
• Expertise with industrial automation technologies including PLCs, SCADA, HMI interfaces, industrial networking, instrumentation, motion control, and machine safety systems.
• Experience developing automation standards, technology roadmaps, and lifecycle management.
• Understanding of OT cybersecurity principles and industrial network architectures.
• Familiar with Industry 4.0, Industrial IoT, advanced analytics, AI, and digital manufacturing tools.
• Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional teams and deliver measurable operational improvements.

Preferred Experience

• Background in FMCG, consumer healthcare, pharmaceutical, medical devices, food and beverage, or regulated manufacturing sectors.
• Track record in delivering business value via digital transformation and automation projects.
• Experience handling automation obsolescence and technology upgrades.
• Proven results in boosting manufacturing performance through automation and data-centric decision-making.
• Familiarity with GMP manufacturing processes and compliance.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in root cause analysis for complex operational issues.
• Capability to present technical strategies and investment plans to senior management.
• Knowledge of engineering standards, machinery safety, and regulatory compliance in manufacturing contexts.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Haleon is dedicated to fostering an inclusive culture that values diverse backgrounds and perspectives, ensuring everyone feels they belong and are supported throughout the recruitment and employment process. The company offers reasonable adjustments to applicants who require accommodations during hiring.