Project Leader, Automated Systems

Job Summary

Reporting to the Manager, Production Technical, you are responsible for leading project activities relating to automated systems within the Site Engineering Department.  This role consists of owning automated system and controls standards, and all matters relating to compliance, reliability, integration and project execution in this area of expertise.  Acting as a leading member of a team, you work with other members in an attempt to reduce or eliminate non-value added activities or costs, while maintaining or improving quality, productivity, and timeliness throughout the project(s) being managed.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead or assist with capital and non-capital projects involving replacement or improvement of new or existing systems. Identify and lead the implementation of equipment improvement and optimization opportunities.
• Develop project design concepts, justification, scope, specifications and cost estimates.
• Liaise with all levels across the organization to lead the activities and communicate project status and impacts.
• Work closely with Production Technical leadership to attain resources and at times perform site supervision of mechanics/electricians/contractors.
• Manage resources to complete projects on schedule and create contingency plans to ensure minimal production impact.
• Possess an in-depth understanding of equipment enabling you to be a subject matter expert for the purpose of investigations, audits, training, or otherwise as required for automated and control systems.
• Resolve advanced level or complex technical service issues with internal customers, such as Operations, Quality, Engineering, etc., and formulate recommendations to resolve matters which are beyond existing SOPs.
• Develop clear and simple justifications and project summaries to clearly define the problem, root cause and proposed solution. Must be comfortable presenting to upper management.
• Work closely with our Global Information Services group to understand the impact/requirements of any global system/software/infrastructure related changes or upgrades to production equipment and their related control systems.
• Develop and maintain a currency database to ensure production control systems are kept up to date in both hardware and software areas.
• Recommend changes to designs, drawings and modifications of equipment or parts as required in conjunction with engineering and maintenance.
• Responsible for Developing and Maintaining Project Timelines and implementation schedules for all assigned initiatives. Work with all members to develop project time lines and implementation schedules.
• Use automation systems expertise to work with individual stakeholders, to ensure the appropriate change controls, commissioning, qualification and training plans with accompanying resources are in place to deliver efficient system start-up.
• Leverage automation expertise to participate in the evaluation of existing systems for business risk. Develop plans to mitigate risk and improve compliance and reliability.
• Keep abreast of all changes and advances in company policies and new technology. Liases with peers and others in the industry to research best practices and technologies and recommends application to Apotex and Affiliates.
• Support as required the trouble-shooting and problem resolution of existing automated systems, including a working knowledge of PC, MES, FOI/Smart Factory, SAP and PLC systems.
• Work closely with the Quality Department to ensure all maintenance activities are properly executed and approved;
• Works in a safe manner collaborating as a team member to achieve all outcomes.
• Demonstrate Behaviours that exhibit our organizational Values: Collaboration, Courage, Perseverance, and Passion.
• Ensure personal adherence with all compliance programs including the Global Business Ethics and Compliance Program, Global Quality policies and procedures, Safety and Environment policies, and HR policies.
• All other relevant duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

Include the following for all Individual Contributors (those who are not People Leaders)

• Works in a safe manner collaborating as a team member to achieve all outcomes.
• Demonstrate Behaviours that exhibit our organizational Values: Collaboration, Courage, Perseverance, and Passion.
• Ensure personal adherence with all compliance programs including the Global Business Ethics and Compliance Program, Global Quality policies and procedures, Safety and Environment policies, and HR policies.
• Participate and lead performance conversations with employees, including monthly one on ones, to connect on performance; check in on employee’s progress toward achieving Objectives, offer support and remove barriers; and, communicate and revisit performance expectations to reinforce and encourage high performance culture and a safe working environment for all employees.
• Utilize open, honest, two way communication to build trust-based relationships with employees, business partners and direct leader while continuously improving leadership capabilities by personally seeking feedback and development.
• Create a culture which values trust and provides the opportunity for Employee development and growth in pursuit of our purpose and demonstrating our core Values – Collaboration, Courage, Perseverance and Passion.
• Utilize your networks to attract and hire talent in a comprehensive, differentiated and consistent manner essential to our continued growth; then, onboard new employees by providing a consistent experience that reflects the values and commitments made to candidates during the hiring process.
• Ensure adherence of team members (direct reports) with all compliance programs and company policies and procedures.
• All other duties as assigned.
  
  

Job Requirements:

• Education
  • Post secondary education in the area of automation and/or mechatronics or equivalent experience.

• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Strong interpersonal, oral & written communications skills
  • Strong working knowledge of PC, PLC’s, MES, FOI/Smart Factory, SAP (or equivalent ERP system)
  • Knowledge of current automation best practices and industry trends.
  • Expert level knowledge of controls and control strategy associated with process systems.
  • “Hands on” experience with automated systems in industry, including associated knowledge of the regulatory requirements.
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Fluent in Microsoft Project, Word, Excel, SAP, PLC (ladder and statement), scripted language (VB or equivalent)

• Experience
  • A minimum of 5 years experience in with automated systems and 3 to 5 years project management experience.
  • A proven track record in managing projects in a team environment “on time, on budget”