Automation Director, LATAM

About the role

The Automation Director will define and lead the automation strategy across a network of manufacturing sites, driving deployment, standardisation and optimisation of automation, controls and digital manufacturing solutions. Reporting to the Sr. Director, CPS Automation, the role partners with engineering, operations, digital, IT/OT, quality, EHS and capital project teams to align automation capabilities with business priorities.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute a regional automation and controls strategy aligned with business and digital transformation priorities.
• Build a multi‑year automation roadmap, modernising legacy control systems and enabling smart manufacturing.
• Govern regional standards, architecture and best practices across PLC, SCADA, HMI, MES, historians and OT infrastructure.
• Lead automation workstreams for capital projects, ensuring scope, schedule, budget and safety compliance.
• Establish governance and escalation processes to resolve critical automation issues quickly.
• Drive root‑cause analysis and continuous improvement of controls failures, leveraging data and digital tools.
• Set regional automation maintenance strategy and reduce maintenance costs.
• Hire, mentor and develop plant automation engineers and build technical communities across the region.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Automation, Electrical or related discipline; advanced degree preferred.
• 7‑10+ years progressive experience in automation, controls or digital manufacturing in high‑volume environments (FMCG, food & beverage, pharma, etc.).
• Proven track record leading large‑scale automation modernisation, Industry 4.0 or manufacturing transformation initiatives.
• Experience managing cross‑functional programs and influencing senior leaders in a matrixed organisation.
• Demonstrated success building technical capability and communities of practice across multiple locations.

Required skills

• Deep knowledge of PLC platforms (Siemens, Rockwell, Schneider).
• Experience with SCADA/HMI, DCS/batch control and MES systems.
• Understanding of industrial networks, OT infrastructure and data historians.
• Hardware expertise in machine electrical safety, control panel design, robotics, drives and vision systems.
• Strong knowledge of OT cybersecurity requirements and network segmentation.