Director, Automation

Role Overview

Core Responsibilities

• Build and lead a virtual Community of Practice comprising site automation leaders and global automation engineers.
• Lead automation engineering experts supporting site automation and operations managers across manufacturing locations.
• Develop and implement technical training programs for automation.
• Support global and regional contracts for DCS, PLC, SCADA, OSI-PI, and related automation systems.
• Provide audit support and ensure consistent global remediation practices.
• Implement cost reduction, reliability improvement, and user-interface standardization initiatives.
• Achieve budget, schedule, milestone, and user-requirement KPIs.
• Manage talent processes, coach employees, provide feedback, and build a high-performing team culture.

Qualifications

• A B.S. in Engineering is required.
• At least 15 years of technical experience and demonstrated automation engineering expertise are required.
• Experience running a large global initiative or large capital project is required.
• At least 5 years leading technical teams regionally or globally is preferred.
• Experience leading virtual teams and regional or global initiative rollouts is required.
• Pharmaceutical or biotechnology operational best practices and regulatory expectations knowledge is required.
• Subject matter expertise in DCS, SCADA, PLC, and instrumentation or controls is required.
• Data integrity and network security knowledge is highly desirable.
• Strong communication skills are required.

Workplace and Travel

• The role works with virtual and remote teams regularly and requires schedule flexibility for early and late conference calls.
• Travel is estimated at 20% of working time and includes some global travel.

Compensation and Benefits

• Eligible employees receive comprehensive benefits including paid time off, medical, dental, and vision insurance, and a 401(k).
• The role is eligible to participate in AbbVie's long-term incentive programs.

About AbbVie