Automation Project Manager – Advanced Operations (AO)
Location: Deeside (Hybrid working) – European Travel sometimes required
Rate: £500 per day – Umbrella
Contract Length: 7 months
Position Overview
As part of the Advanced Operations (AO) function within Advanced Wound Care, this role is responsible for overseeing the planning, execution, and delivery of complex automation and engineering projects supporting new products and new technologies.
The Automation Project Manager will bring strong technical expertise, structured project management capability, and the ability to lead cross‐functional global teams. The role partners closely with internal technical leads, R&D, manufacturing, and external suppliers to deliver projects on time, on budget, and to specification.
This position requires excellent communication skills, the ability to navigate complex internal processes, and strong prioritisation across multiple machinery and automation introductions at varying levels of complexity.
Key Responsibilities
Project Leadership
* Act as Engineering / Automation Project Lead on all assigned projects
* Serve as the single point of contact for stakeholders, end users, and equipment/service vendors
* Lead cross‐functional teams to ensure alignment on scope, milestones, and deliverables
Documentation & Compliance
Author, coordinate, and manage all required project documentation, including:
* User Requirement Specifications (URS)
* Capital Acquisition Requests (CAR) and budget forecasting spreadsheets
* Change Control Records, including business and product impact assessments
* Master Validation Plans (MVPs) aligned to SOP 000096
* Detailed project timelines
* FAT / SAT / IQ protocols and reports for equipment, systems, and processes
Stakeholder & Vendor Management
* Provide regular, structured project updates to stakeholders and end users
* Manage POP trials and execution as required
* Deliver technical and commercial evaluation of vendor proposals
* Control vendor stage payments and ensure evidence is obtained prior to authorisation
* Work in full compliance with Global Sourcing Policy
Budget & Delivery Control
* Manage and accurately report on project budgets
* Track costs, risks, and delivery timelines
* Prioritise projects based on evolving business needs
Engineering & Manufacturing Support
* Provide Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Automation (DFA) input to R&D throughout the product lifecycle
* Support site facilities and end users in generating plant maintenance documentation
* Assist in achieving Maintenance Excellence goals
Continuous Improvement
- Capture lessons learned and feed into continuous improvement activities- Maintain and refine documentation and templates within the Global Automation & Engineering SharePoint environment
Skills & Experience
Essential
* Demonstrated experience as a Project Manager in a highly automated manufacturing environment
* Proven delivery of automated manufacturing equipment for new products in collaboration with R&D
* Strong experience delivering Industry 4.0–compatible automation solutions
* Experience across:
* Conversion, lamination, joining, assembly
* Inspection, packaging, and labelling processes
* Automated material handling systems, AGVs, and packaging equipment
* Full understanding of the project lifecycle, from concept justification through URS, RFP, POP, FAT, SAT, IQ, and handover
* Excellent attention to detail and documentation discipline
* Strong communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills
* Ability to work effectively across culturally and technically diverse global teams
* Proficient in English (spoken and written)
Technical
* Proficiency with CAD / SolidWorks or similar tools
* Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills
* Ability to work independently with sound judgement and decision‐making
Qualifications / Education
* Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Engineering or a scientific discipline
* Project Management certification from a recognised body, such as:
* PRINCE2 Practitioner
* PMP
* APM / APMP / APM PQ
* APM RPP
* CMI Diploma in Project Management
* Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (or higher) desirable
* Master's or advanced degree preferred
* Experience within medical devices or similarly regulated industries strongly preferred