The Vice President – Automation and Control Systems leads the enterprise-wide strategy, execution, and continuous improvement of automation and control platforms across manufacturing, utilities, and infrastructure operations. This executive role is accountable for delivering world-class control system performance, reliability, and innovation to support digital transformation and operational excellence.
Define and lead the global automation and control systems roadmap in alignment with business, digital, and sustainability objectives.
Oversee implementation and lifecycle management of control platforms such as PLCs, DCS, SCADA, HMI, and robotics.
Drive enterprise-wide standardization and scalability of automation architecture and protocols.
Collaborate with IT/OT teams to ensure secure and efficient integration with MES, ERP, IIoT, and cloud systems.
Ensure compliance with industry standards for safety (IEC 61511/61508), cybersecurity (IEC 62443), and operational integrity.
Lead automation support for capital projects, technology upgrades, and plant commissioning efforts.
Manage global teams of automation engineers, project leaders, and system architects.
Evaluate and adopt emerging technologies such as AI/ML in control systems, edge computing, and intelligent field devices.
Establish KPIs to measure system uptime, OEE contribution, automation ROI, and risk reduction.
Build and maintain partnerships with control system vendors, integrators, and industry consortiums.
Global Automation Strategy:
Develop a unified, forward-looking strategy for automation infrastructure across production and operational environments.
Control Systems Architecture:
Design, govern, and optimize control system topologies and platforms to support scalability, interoperability, and uptime.
Standardization & Best Practices:
Drive harmonization of engineering standards, templates, and libraries for PLC/DCS/SCADA systems globally.
Cybersecurity & Safety Compliance:
Ensure all automation systems adhere to regulatory and security standards including functional safety and cybersecurity.
Smart Manufacturing Integration:
Support initiatives that embed automation into broader digital transformation efforts, including smart sensors, analytics, and closed-loop optimization.
Performance & Reliability Optimization:
Use real-time data and predictive insights to improve control performance, asset reliability, and energy efficiency.
Project & Vendor Oversight:
Lead global project execution strategies, including vendor selection, contract management, and project governance.
Team Leadership & Capability Building:
Develop a strong automation workforce through training, succession planning, and technical leadership programs.
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical, Automation, Control Systems Engineering, or related field.
15+ years of experience in industrial automation, with at least 5 years in senior leadership roles.
Deep knowledge of major automation platforms (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell, Emerson, ABB) and associated engineering tools.
Proven experience in large-scale control system design, deployment, and support across multiple global sites.
Strong background in control system cybersecurity, safety systems, and digital integration.
Demonstrated ability to lead high-performance, cross-functional technical teams.