Project Manager - Automation & Control Systems

---

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.gomes@panda-int.com or contact +31 20 20 44 502.