The Global Head – Smart Manufacturing and Controls will be responsible for leading and implementing enterprise-wide smart manufacturing initiatives, encompassing advanced automation, control systems, digital operations, and intelligent factory technologies. This strategic leadership role will focus on modernizing global production systems, enhancing operational agility, and enabling end-to-end digital manufacturing transformation.
Define and drive the global roadmap for smart factory initiatives including IIoT, AI/ML, cloud-edge integration, and robotics.
Align smart manufacturing goals with corporate operational excellence, sustainability, and digital innovation objectives.
Oversee design, deployment, and governance of PLC/DCS/SCADA architectures across global sites.
Establish global standards for industrial control systems (ICS), automation libraries, and platform modularity.
Modernize manufacturing execution through advanced process control (APC), digital twins, predictive maintenance, and real-time monitoring systems.
Optimize machine-to-cloud integration, data visibility, and factory intelligence.
Lead seamless integration of OT systems with IT infrastructure (ERP, MES, QMS, LIMS).
Ensure secure data pipelines, contextualization, and workflow automation.
Implement OT cybersecurity strategies in alignment with NIST, ISA/IEC 62443, and local regulatory frameworks.
Ensure compliance with global standards (e.g., GxP, ISO, FDA 21 CFR Part 11) in regulated environments.
Lead the deployment of digital manufacturing projects across multi-site operations.
Define KPIs (e.g., OEE, TEEP, digital maturity index), ROI models, and performance tracking frameworks.
Build and lead a global team of automation, controls, and smart manufacturing engineers.
Promote a culture of innovation, collaboration, and digital capability development.
Strategically partner with technology vendors (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell, ABB, GE Digital, AVEVA).
Lead co-development and integration of smart platforms, tools, and edge/cloud-based services.
Education:
Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical/Mechanical/Industrial Engineering, Automation, or related field.
MBA or advanced leadership certification preferred.
Experience:
15+ years in manufacturing, automation, or industrial technology leadership roles.
Global multi-site deployment experience in smart manufacturing and advanced controls is essential.
Skills & Competencies:
Deep knowledge of manufacturing systems (MES, SCADA, DCS, PLCs), digital transformation, and OT-IT integration.
Strategic mindset with proven ability to execute complex programs across regions.
Strong leadership, cross-cultural communication, and stakeholder management.