Title:  Principle Project Engineer, Automation

At West, we’re a dedicated team that is connected by a purpose to improve patient lives that has been at the center of our Company for more than a century. Our story began when Herman O. West solved the problem of supplying penicillin in mass quantities to the US Government during World War 2. Through our work to deliver thousands of life-saving and life-enhancing injectable medicines to millions of patients daily, West’s indelible mark on the healthcare industry has just begun. A name started our story. How will yours help write our future?  

There’s no better place to join an inclusive community of professionals with opportunities for lifelong learning, growth and development. Supported by benefit programs, we empower the physical, mental, emotional and financial health of our team members and their families.  

We believe in giving back to help those in need in the communities where we live and work. And are equally committed to creating a healthier environment and planet through our sustainability efforts.  

Job Summary:

In this role, you will be responsible for leading global, complex automation projects with external automation specialists in our production facilities. The owner needs to provide directional leadership in establishing the framework for successful executing on these projects, starting with defining the scope, leading the automation technology selection process up to managing the entire project lifecycle up to successful commercialization of an automation technology. Close cooperation with global engineering specialists, the manufacturing sites as well other involved departments is a must.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Drive complex automation projects up to production readiness.
• Being familiar with state-of-the-art automation technologies for material handling, transportation, factory integration as well as technology selection processes for the selection of the most economical (ROI calculation) automation technology.
• Leads global project teams and outside automation firms in developing material handling - & transportation solutions from feasibility study up to industrialization.
• Establish the project framework to ensure a successful delivery of the projects according to best-in-class project management standards.
• Managing and communicating complex concepts while anticipates potential objections and persuading senior executives, to adopt a different point of view.
• Managing solutions for unique and complex problems with broad impact on the business
• Anticipates internal and or external business challenges, vendor and/or regulatory issues; recommends process, product or service improvement
• Close cooperation with West’s global procurement function to ensure that Master Procurement Agreement (MPAs) are in place with all 3rd party suppliers and that the capital costs of the equipment are negotiated to ensure that West receives the most cost effective solutions.
• Must have a high degree of self-awareness and emotional intelligence in order to effectively influence stakeholders without authority and effectively manage external partners.
• Close cooperation within global subject matter experts for equipment & processes as well as supporting functions in the network.
• Ensure the systems established meet quality criteria and are cGMP / 21CFR Part 11 compliant in alignment with the quality and validation group.
• Act in accordance with the company’s Guiding Principles and adherence to the corporate Code of Conduct.
• Compliance to all site Environmental, Health and Safety requirements, training and regulations.
• Compliance to all local site company policies, procedures and corporate policies.
• Perform additional duties at the request of the direct supervisor.

Basic Qualifications: 

• BS or BE in Engineering subject (Preferably in Electrical/Mechanical/Chemical Engineering) and at least 10+ years’ experience.
• Must have a strong knowledge of automation technologies and implementing complex automation projects.
• Strong background and proven track record in project management.
• Must have experience in a customer facing environment.
• Must have strong communication and presentation skills and have the ability to present effectively at Executive level within the organization.
• Must have ability to access proposed automation solutions and determine the most effective solution for each application.
• Financial acumen to assess the return on investment for each project and negotiate costs with suppliers.
• Business acumen to lead and manage automation partners to completion of programs/ projects.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced and global environment.
• Must be able to travel as required by the position.
• Must be able to organize and prioritize tasks; must be detail orientated and self-motivated.
• Must be able to lead projects while working concurrently with all departments and levels of employees.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Automation industry / service provider

• Able to be aware of all relevant SOPs as per Company policy as they are related to the position covered by this Job Description
• Support and contribute in Lean Sigma programs and activities towards delivery of the set target
• Able to comply with the company’s safety policy at all times
• Able to comply with the company’s quality policy at all times.

Travel Requirements:

• Must be able to travel up to 20% of the time

West embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We foster an environment where all individuals are safe, treated fairly, valued and respected. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or other applicable legally protected characteristics. Where permitted by law, employment with West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. or any of its subsidiary or affiliate companies, is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of post-offer background screening and/or drug screening.  

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