The Director, Automation is responsible for setting the direction and managing a central workstream in a $2 billion global project. This includes developing and executing plans to enhance operational efficiency, streamline processes, and leverage technology for improved performance. As the Director, this role bridges the gap between technical expertise and business objectives to drive innovation, efficiency, and execution. Additionally, this role ensures that the right people are assigned to the right tasks and projects providing challenge and enhancement to their skills.
Company OverviewFUJIFILM Biotechnologies is building the future of bioproduction in Holly Springs, North Carolina. By end of 2025, we’ll open North America’s largest end-to-end CDMO biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility, offering drug substance production, fill-finish, and packaging under one roof.
We’re looking for passionate, mission-driven people to help us realize this exciting vision and deliver the next vaccine, cure, or therapy. We offer a dynamic work environment and we’re proud to cultivate a culture that will fuel your purpose, energy, and drive—what we call Genki. Ready to shape the future of medicine? Let’s transform healthcare together!
Holly Springs, North Carolina, combines small-town warmth with proximity to Raleigh’s thriving tech scene, making it the perfect blend of community and opportunity.
Fujifilm is globally headquartered in Tokyo with over 70,000 employees across four key business segments of healthcare, electronics, business innovation, and imaging. We are guided and united by our Group Purpose of “giving our world more smiles.” Visit: https://www.fujifilm.com/us/en/about/region/careers
What You’ll Do
Develops and executes automation strategies that align with site goals, including Commissioning, Qualification, and Validation (CQV) phase support, automation hyper care during ramp-up to operations, production optimization, and streamlining processesEnsures that automation systems and processes comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP) and other relevant regulationsOversees the selection, implementation, and management of automation technologies (e.g., Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Manufacturing Execution System (MES)) and leads initiatives where partners have been pre-selectedLeads automation engineers and other team members by fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvementEncourages a culture of continuous learning and development, including real-time feedback and coaching to ensure the team is positioned for growthPartners closely with various departments (e.g., Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality Assurance, IT) to ensure successful integration and implementation of automation solutionsManages the planning, execution, and delivery of automation projects, including technology transfer within established timelines and budgetsDrives continuous improvement initiatives to enhance process efficiency and production quality with a cost-conscious mindsetCompletes required administrative tasks (e.g., timecard approvals, time off approvals, expense reports etc.)Evaluates team performance and partners with HR to proactively address and resolve gaps, and implements measures to improve productivity and engagement to develop high-potential employeesParticipates in the recruitment process and partners with stakeholders to implement recruitment and retentions strategies to securePerforms other duties, as assignedKnowledge and Skills
Ability to collaborate across the site and globally due to the significant interface within the organizationExcellent communication, both written and oralStrong technical expertise in relevant automation platforms, specifically DeltaVAbility to lead and coach a 20+ personnel engineering team within a matrixed organizationDemonstrated ability to hire and develop technical talent to lead a high performing team and projectsAbility to drive core team culture priorities (e.g., safety, GEMBA, leadership principals, cost-consciousness) into the ways of workingAbility to effectively present information to othersMust be flexible to support 24/7 manufacturing facilityBasic Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related scientific field with 10+ years of related experience; orMaster’s degree in engineering or related scientific field with 8+ years of related experience6+ years’ experience managing, leading, and developing others2+ years’ experience leading and developing other leadersExperience working in a changing, project driven organizationExperience working in a CGMP facility and with FDA regulationsPreferred Requirements
Master’s degree in engineering or related scientific field6-10 years’ experience in a pharmaceutical / biological manufacturing operationPrevious experience leading an automation team at a greenfield siteWORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Will work in environment which may necessitate respiratory protection X No Yes
May work in Mechanical/Production spaces that may require hearing protection and enrollment in a hearing conservation program. X No Yes
Will work in environment operating a motor vehicle or Powered Industrial Truck. X No Yes
Ability to discern audible cues. No X Yes
Ability to inspect or perform a task with 20/20 corrected vision, visual acuity, including distinguishing color. X No Yes
Ability to ascend or descend ladders, scaffolding, ramps, etc. X No Yes
Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time. No X Yes 30 minutes
Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time. No X Yes 240 minutes
Ability to conduct activities using repetitive motions that include writs, hands and/or fingers. No X Yes
Ability to operate machinery and/or power tools. X No Yes
Ability to conduct work that includes moving objects up to X pounds. No X Yes If yes, X 10 lbs. 33 lbs.
Ability to bend, push or pull, reach to retrieve materials from 18” to 60” in height, and use twisting motions. X No Yes
To all agencies: Please, no phone calls or emails to any employee of FUJIFILM about this requisition. All resumes submitted by search firms/employment agencies to any employee at FUJIFILM via-email, the internet or in any form and/or method will be deemed the sole property of FUJIFILM, unless such search firms/employment agencies were engaged by FUJIFILM for this requisition and a valid agreement with FUJIFILM is in place. In the event a candidate who was submitted outside of the FUJIFILM agency engagement process is hired, no fee or payment of any kind will be paid.
EEO InformationFujifilm is committed to providing equal opportunities in hiring, promotion and advancement, compensation, benefits, and training regardless of nationality, age, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion, political creed, ideology, national, or social origin, disability, veteran status, etc.
ADA InformationIf you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to our HR Department (FDBN_PNC@fujifilm.com).
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