ABOUT THE COMPANY

If a career at Dechra has piqued your interest, find out more at Dechra Careers.
Dechra is a growing, global specialist in veterinary pharmaceuticals. Our expertise is in the development, manufacture, marketing and sales of high quality products exclusively for veterinarians worldwide.
All applications received are reviewed by our internal talent acquisition team and we will get in touch if your skills and experience match what we’re looking for. Should you not hear back from us within 28 days please don’t be too disappointed - we may keep your CV on our database for any future vacancies which could be suitable, and we encourage you to keep an eye on our career site. We value diversity within our global workforce and encourage an inclusive culture. Any questions or queries, please contact us.

So, what will you be doing? This role has a broad and varied remit and the successful candidate will have responsibility for duties including:

• Lead the implementation and maintenance of automation and control systems in manufacturing environments.
• Oversee the integration of new automation systems and upgrades to existing systems, ensuring minimum downtime during transitions.
• Manage and mentor a team of controls engineers, automation technicians, and other relevant staff.Collaborate with other departments (production, quality, engineering, IT, etc.) to resolve automation-related challenges and drive process optimization.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, encouraging staff development and knowledge sharing.
• Create and manage project timelines, resources, and budgets, ensuring adherence to internal and external timelines.
• Develop risk assessments and mitigate potential issues associated with new automation initiatives.
• Design, develop, and optimize control systems (PLC, SCADA, DCS, etc.) for various pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.
• Evaluate and implement new technologies to improve system performance, energy efficiency, and safety.
• Conduct troubleshooting and root cause analysis for automation-related issues, ensuring minimal impact on production.
• Participate in regulatory inspections and audits, providing technical support and ensuring adherence to compliance standards
• .Prepare and review documentation related to automation systems, including SOPs, protocols, and reports.
• Promote a culture of safety by ensuring that all automation systems are designed and maintained to meet safety standards and risk management guidelines.
• Develop and enforce safe working practices related to automation equipment and control systems.THE CANDIDATEHere at Dechra we pride ourselves on being an inclusive employer. We know that individuals’ unique background and experience can bring a wealth of variety and expertise to our global workforce. For this role, we’re particularly keen to hear from those who have/are:
• Minimum of 5 years in automation/controls management within a regulated manufacturing environment, ideally within the pharmaceutical, biotech, or life sciences industries.
• Strong knowledge of PLC, SCADA, DCS, HMI, and other control systems.
• Experience with automated systems in pharmaceutical manufacturing, including process control, packaging, and laboratory automation.
• Familiarity with pharmaceutical regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, cGMP).Proven experience leading cross-functional teams and managing complex projects from concept to implementation.
• Proficient in automation software (e.g., Siemens, Allen Bradley, Rockwell), and strong understanding of industrial networking protocols.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills for diagnosing and resolving complex technical issues in control and automation systems.