Automation Manager - L3 Recipe Engineering

At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity. Learn more at https://www.jnj.com

Job Function:

Supply Chain Engineering

Job Sub Function:

Automation Engineering

Job Category:

People Leader

All Job Posting Locations:

Leiden, South Holland, Netherlands, Sassenheim, Netherlands

Job Description:

Job Summary Automation Manager - L3 Recipe Engineering

This position manages a team of individual contributors and/or Supervisors, and is accountable for conducting effective performance management. Provides direction and leads a team of highly skilled Recipe Engineers focused on the design, development, and maintenance of automated batch processes within the Manufacturing Execution System (MES) and DeltaV Distributed Control System (DCS). This role ensures that recipes and automation solutions comply with site standards, regulatory requirements, and operational excellence principles. Assists with development of strategy for design, investment, and implementation of automation and data integration capabilities in alignment with corporate vision. Leads Process Automation Engineering team in the design, testing, and implementation of process automation systems. Establishes and maintains effective relationships with key stakeholders, software teams, and equipment vendors.

This position reports directly to the Site Automation Lead and plays a key role in delivering robust automation capabilities that enable safe, efficient, and compliant manufacturing operations.

You have and academic degree (Bachelor’s / Master’s) in a technology related subject area (e.g. Engineering, Industrial Automation, Information Technology, Computer Science etc.) or commensurate hands-on experience. You are Intellectually curious about new technologies and are constantly learning in digital space. People Management experience highly preferraaed.

The responsibilities & the impact You will have:

• Lead and develop a team of Automation / Recipe engineers (direct reports and contractors), fostering technical expertise and continuous improvement.

• Build and lead the execution of the site manufacturing automation scope and strategy in close collaboration with Business & Technical Owners and provide standardization and architectural oversight for processes.

• Oversee recipe lifecycle management, including creation, modification, and validation of batch recipes in MES and DeltaV.

• Project Execution: Lead a portfolio of projects and work closely with business, Engineering and Maintenance, Digitalization & Technologies and IT functions to deliver projects in timely and cost-effective manner. Provide recipe engineering expertise for site projects, including system upgrades, process improvements, and technology enhancements.

• New Product Introduction (NPI): Support seamless integration of new products into automated manufacturing systems.

• Global strategic transformation L3 initiatives like MES NextGEN & SAP TranScend

• 24/7 Support: Ensure reliable automation systems by coordinating on-call support for business partners in manufacturing operations.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Manufacturing, MSAT, DOTS, Quality, Process Development, and IT to ensure seamless integration of automation solutions.

• Drive compliance with GMP, and data integrity standards.

• Monitor performance of automation systems and implement enhancements to improve reliability, efficiency, and scalability.

Who you are:

• 10–12 years’ experience in a biopharmaceutical GxP-regulated environment with strong knowledge of GAMP.

• Proven track record delivering technical and engineering solutions across multiple manufacturing environments.

• Ability to think strategically, manage change, and collaborate effectively across all management levels in a global/matrix organization.

• Solid understanding of Level 3 system landscape and manufacturing processes.

• Familiarity with Process Excellence tools (Lean, Six Sigma); Green/Black Belt certification preferred.

• Experience leading global teams, providing remote support, and delivering digital projects aligned with customer needs.

• Strong skills in stakeholder management and business case development.

• Demonstrated ability to drive ambitious goals.

• Knowledge of validation activities (FAT/SAT/IOPQ), GEP, and documentation practices preferred.

The anticipated base pay range for this position is 66 600 EUR to 116 150 EUR.

Required Skills:

Preferred Skills:

Artificial Intelligence (AI), Business Alignment, Data Integration, Developing Others, Inclusive Leadership, Industry Analysis, Innovation, Leadership, Lean Supply Chain Management, Machine Learning, Management Systems Implementation, Process Improvements, Prototyping, Quality Assurance (QA), Robotic Automation, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Application, Smart Systems, Team Management, Workflow Automation