Manufacturing IT Site Leader

The Associate Director will lead the Manufacturing IT organization at a pharmaceutical manufacturing site in Kobe, Japan, ensuring that compliant, reliable, and effective technology solutions support safe and efficient manufacturing operations.

This role is responsible for aligning global digital technology strategies with local manufacturing needs, leading major system implementations, and driving digital transformation across manufacturing and quality operations. Key areas include Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), paperless manufacturing, warehouse management, ERP integration, laboratory systems, automation, IT/OT convergence, and data analytics.

As a member of the site leadership team, the successful candidate will contribute to site strategy while collaborating with regional and global technology leaders. The role also involves managing and developing a team of approximately 7–10 IT professionals.

Key Responsibilities

• Manufacturing IT Leadership: Lead the site Manufacturing IT organization, establish strategic priorities, and develop a high-performing team through coaching, talent development, and succession planning.
  

• Digital Transformation: Drive the implementation and ongoing support of manufacturing digital solutions, including MES, paperless manufacturing, warehouse management systems, ERP integration, laboratory systems, and automation technologies.
  

• IT Strategy & Project Delivery: Align global technology strategies with site operations, lead major implementation projects, and develop short- and long-term IT roadmaps.
  

• GMP Compliance & Quality: Ensure IT systems comply with GMP, data integrity, computer system validation, cybersecurity, and applicable regulatory requirements. Maintain inspection readiness and effective lifecycle management.
  

• Operational Excellence: Leverage manufacturing data, analytics, and emerging technologies to improve operational efficiency, enable data-driven decision-making, and support continuous improvement.
  

• Financial & Vendor Management: Manage IT budgets, resources, vendors, and contracts while ensuring effective delivery and maintenance of technology services.
  

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Partner with site leadership and regional/global stakeholders to standardize solutions, share best practices, and balance global standards with local business requirements.
  

• Change Management: Lead the introduction of new systems and technologies, ensuring appropriate training, stakeholder engagement, and adoption across the site.
  

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
  

• Experience in IT, automation, or engineering within a manufacturing environment, with hands-on exposure to MES and/or SAP.
  

• Experience working in a GMP-regulated pharmaceutical or other relevant manufacturing environment.
  

• At least 3 years of people management experience, including team development and performance management.
  

• Proven experience leading major technology implementations and manufacturing digital transformation projects.
  

• Experience in vendor management, budgeting, and resource planning.
  

• Strong understanding of GMP, data integrity, and computer system validation.
  

• Business-level Japanese and English proficiency, or willingness to develop the required proficiency.
  

Nice to Have:

• Knowledge of ISA-95 architecture and IT/OT convergence.
  

• Experience with advanced analytics, machine learning, or other emerging technologies.
  

• Familiarity with Lean Six Sigma and continuous improvement methodologies.
  

• An advanced degree in a relevant technical discipline.
  

Benefits

• Strategic leadership: Play a key role in site leadership and influence the manufacturing site's digital strategy.
  

• Meaningful impact: Help enable the safe, reliable, and efficient production of medicines for patients.
  

• Advanced technology: Drive digital transformation across integrated manufacturing, quality, laboratory, and automation systems.
  

• Global collaboration: Work with regional and global technology teams in an international environment.
  

• People leadership: Build and develop a dedicated team while shaping the site's long-term digital capabilities.
  

Additional Information

• Location: Kobe, Japan (Full Relocation Support)
  

• Work arrangement: On-site
  

• Travel: Occasional regional and global travel may be required.
  

• Working hours: Some after-hours support may be necessary to support 24-hour manufacturing operations.