Site Security Automation Cluster Lead

Site Security Automation Cluster Lead
Richmond, Virginia
Full Time

Client is seeking a Site Security Automation Cluster Lead to serve as the local expert in automation, controls, cybersecurity, and digital transformation.

This role will lead the automation and digitalization agenda across a cluster of manufacturing sites, ensuring reliable, secure, and compliant automation systems while supporting capital projects, technology upgrades, cybersecurity initiatives, and Digital Manufacturing Transformation.

The ideal candidate combines a strong technical foundation in automation and controls with project management, cybersecurity, IoT/Industry 4.0, stakeholder management, and digital transformation experience.

Key Responsibilities
Automation & Digital Transformation
• Develop, align, and execute site roadmaps for automation upgrades and Digital Manufacturing Transformation.
• Lead multifunctional teams to design, implement, and fully utilize new automation and digital solutions.
• Develop and execute the Process, Control & Information Systems (PC&IS) and digitalization roadmap.
• Drive improvements in Digital Maturity across:
o Computerization
o Connectivity
o Visibility
o Transparency
o Predictive capability
o Adaptability
• Participate in regional and global automation and systems development initiatives.
• Contribute expertise to the digital community of practice.
Automation Systems & Reliability
• Provide day-to-day management of site automation across the assigned cluster.
• Maintain a consistently high level of reliability for manufacturing automation and control systems.
• Support both existing systems and newly deployed systems associated with capital projects.
• Ensure automation systems remain in a safe and supported state.
• Develop lifecycle strategies for obsolete hardware and software.
• Support integration of new lines and equipment into existing automation infrastructure.
Cybersecurity & Infrastructure
• Lead cybersecurity technology activities across the plant cluster in accordance with MINT standards.
• Ensure sites follow company standards for automation infrastructure and cybersecurity.
• Develop and execute roadmaps for automation and CCN infrastructure.
• Serve as an escalation point for automation, CCN infrastructure, and cybersecurity issues.
• Develop cluster cybersecurity and automation capabilities.
• Participate in global/regional security communications and initiatives.
Capital Project Management
• Execute project-management responsibilities for capital projects supporting automation and Digital Manufacturing Transformation.
• Plan and organize cross-functional project teams.
• Monitor project progress during development and implementation.
• Help ensure projects remain aligned with budget, priorities, and business requirements.
• Track project benefits and savings throughout project execution.
• Support optimization efforts and incorporate project learnings into future deployments.
Financial & Lifecycle Management
• Develop site and cluster automation budgets.
• Manage spending related to support, maintenance, and lifecycle management.
• Plan migration of obsolete systems to current supported hardware and software.
• Coordinate business involvement during technology lifecycle changes, upgrades, and replacements.
Business Continuity
• Own the Business Continuity Plan for CCN systems.
• Support disaster recovery planning for automation systems.
• Ensure alignment between local business continuity plans and enterprise recovery procedures.
Stakeholder Management
• Collaborate with Cluster MDS Leads, Plant Champions, Engineering, Operations, IT, and other stakeholders.
• Serve as a key technical escalation point.
• Promote user compliance, process performance, and customer satisfaction.
• Escalate exceptions and improvement opportunities to the Regional Automation Lead.
• Influence stakeholders through strong communication and presentation skills.
What You Bring
• Bachelor's degree in Mechatronic Engineering or closely related technical field.
• 7+ years of relevant experience in automation, controls, engineering, manufacturing technology, or digital transformation.
• Strong experience with industrial automation and controls.
• Experience with automation operating areas and project engineering.
• Experience with IoT / Industry 4.0 technologies.
• Experience with industrial cybersecurity.
• Strong project-management and cross-functional leadership skills.
• Experience leading automation or digital transformation projects.
• Strong influencing, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to develop technology roadmaps and execute strategic initiatives.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing automation systems and infrastructure.
Preferred / Additional Skills
• Manufacturing / CPG / FMCG industry experience.
• Experience with CCN-based automation/control systems.
• Knowledge of MINT standards.
• Digital Manufacturing Transformation experience.
• Automation cybersecurity experience.
• Capital project experience.
• Experience managing automation technology budgets.
• Business continuity and disaster recovery experience.
• Industrial IoT / Industry 4.0.
• Automation lifecycle management.
• Technology and equipment integration.
• Experience working across multiple manufacturing sites