Associate Director - Automation

About the role

AstraZeneca is building its first biologics manufacturing campus in Singapore, a USD 1.5 billion investment delivering end-to-end Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC) capabilities, including small-molecule chemical API production, monoclonal antibody manufacturing, conjugation, sterile filling and lyophilization, and secondary packaging. The campus uses digital and automation infrastructure, including autonomous manufacturing powered by artificial intelligence. As Associate Director of Automation, you will set the direction for Operational Technology (OT) and automation, guide high-impact projects from concept to qualification and build a culture where engineers thrive.

Key responsibilities

• Guide OT strategy and architecture so that engineering approaches and systems align with AstraZeneca's global automation strategy and the Engineering framework.
• Manage planning, budgeting, solution development, supplier liaison and contract management to deliver projects that achieve operational readiness and sustained performance.
• Collaborate with Global Engineering and Site Engineering, and with Global IT to align data standards and infrastructure for smart factory technologies.
• Act as technical advisor to senior management and escalation point for complex issues, and control cost, capacity planning and utilization within budget.
• Develop standards that meet technical excellence, right-first-time outcomes and regulatory compliance, and take part in FDA audits and other inspections.
• Lead and execute FAT/SAT/IQ/OQ/PQ activities end-to-end, including planning, documentation review, test execution, deviation resolution and closure.
• Support in-house expansion projects, use approved AI tools and digital capabilities to improve efficiency, and develop or support automation dashboards and reporting.
• Manage supplier performance and contracts, coach automation engineers, and drive continuous improvement and sustainability.
• Maintain technical documentation in line with internal procedures and regulatory requirements.

Required profile

• Degree in Engineering.
• Leadership experience in manufacturing, engineering and project management, and experience managing teams.
• Ability to develop and implement business strategy, and project and change-management skills.
• Lean operations experience and comfort with ambiguity.
• Full knowledge of relevant Safety, Health and Environment legislation.
• Desirable: post-graduate qualification, implementation of a digital/autonomous roadmap, facility startup and operations preparation, and knowledge of cGMP and regulatory expectations.

Required skills

• SCADA/PLC and DCS
• IT/OT architecture and OT cybersecurity

The role involves an average of at least three days per week in the office, with flexibility. AstraZeneca welcomes applications from all qualified candidates and is committed to diversity and equal opportunity.