Head of Automation and Digital Engineering

At Roche you can show up as yourself, embraced for the unique qualities you bring. Our culture encourages personal expression, open dialogue, and genuine connections,  where you are valued, accepted and respected for who you are, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally. This is how we aim to prevent, stop and cure diseases and ensure everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Join Roche, where every voice matters.

The Position

The Head of Automation and Digital Engineering reports to the Head of Global Engineering and is a member of the Engineering Leadership Team. This leadership position leads a global team of specialists responsible for providing technical expertise, managing automation parts of capital projects (CAPEX), and ensuring integrated automation solutions throughout the asset lifecycle. The function closely partners with Technology Strategy, Standards, and ALCM, as well as gMSAT functions, to support the standardization of equipment and the implementation of smart manufacturing across the network.

The Opportunity

• Provide leadership and oversight to the Automation and Digital Engineering function, including creating a vision and multi-year strategies for a globally aligned function.

• Oversee and develop a technical workforce of 10+ employees globally, alongside strategic service providers delivering a multi-billion CHF CAPEX portfolio.

• Develop capabilities and expertise in automation and digital engineering while ensuring engineering processes are efficient and effective.

• Partner with key stakeholders to evolve global engineering standards and technology advances in automation engineering strategies.

• Leverage innovative technologies to prepare the organization for future automation engineering challenges in manufacturing and process development.

• Ensure innovative, sustainable, and cost-effective design and implementation strategies by keeping pace with global industry trends.

• Develop excellent partnerships with external automation engineering firms in alignment with Global Procurement to optimally deliver capital projects.

• Foster and drive network collaboration by establishing and leading global communities of practice for automation engineers.

• Partner with Pharma Digital and IT/OT to develop a comprehensive strategy for aligning information and operational technologies.

Who you are

You are a visionary leader with strong organizational skills, executive presence, and exceptional business acumen. You possess the ability to lead transformation in a global, networked organization and are passionate about developing talent and a culture of innovation. You are a strategic thinker who navigates complex organizational dynamics with agility and resilience, effectively influencing senior-level partners and stakeholders across a highly regulated GMP environment.

Further, you possess the following qualifications and experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or a related discipline; an MS or MBA is desirable.

• At least 12 to 15 years of experience in engineering, automation, and digital technologies, preferably in the biopharmaceutical or life sciences industry.

• Minimum of 10 years of professional experience leading and coaching multi-disciplinary teams within a corporate business environment.

• Proven success in leading regional or global engineering organizations and managing large-scale CAPEX portfolios.

• Deep expertise in automation engineering, including knowledge of governance, sustainability, and energy efficiency.

• Experience in navigating and influencing global cultures and a track record of driving change while balancing risks.

• Willingness to travel (40 - 50%) 

Relocation benefits are not offered for this position.

Are you ready to make a difference for our patients? We are looking forward to your application – join us now and become part of our journey!

Who we are

A healthier future drives us to innovate. Together, more than 100’000 employees across the globe are dedicated to advance science, ensuring everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Our efforts result in more than 26 million people treated with our medicines and over 30 billion tests conducted using our Diagnostics products. We empower each other to explore new possibilities, foster creativity, and keep our ambitions high, so we can deliver life-changing healthcare solutions that make a global impact.

Let’s build a healthier future, together.