Digitalization & Automation Lead, SSA

How You Will Contribute

• Working with cross-functional partners regionally and globally, you will champion the deployment of the local digitalization agenda and initiatives.
• In this role, you will support engineering teams in single or multiple locations on Digitalization, Automation, Vision Systems, Process Control, and Capability Training.
• You will work closely with plant teams in troubleshooting and deploying pilot solutions.
• You will have the opportunity to present best-practice implementations based on your projects to the engineering community globally.
• Work cross-functionally to develop and implement a strategic digitalization & automation roadmap.
• Partner with internal & external stakeholders and service providers to define and meet Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, Sustainability, and Engagement goals.
• Establish strong governance to review & control performance and a continuous Improvement plan to deliver against best-in-class both internally and externally.
• Interface with key stakeholders internally and externally to develop and maintain effective relationships, and align priorities in order to deliver the company objectives and goals.

What You Will Bring
A desire to drive your future and accelerate your career. You will bring experience and knowledge in:

• Project management including knowledge of Agile
• Technical expertise and a passion for innovation
• Technical and business acumen to evaluate opportunities with internal and external partners
• Understanding a variety of disruptive technology products and services
• Machine learning/artificial intelligence programming languages
• The start-up landscape
• Familiarity with the fast-moving consumer goods or related sector
• Driving for results and Analytical skills

Key Responsibilities
Digital Transformation:

• Drive Digital Manufacturing Transformation through the development and execution of site digital roadmaps.
• Lead Industry 4.0 initiatives from concept through implementation, adoption, and value realization.
• Support manufacturing sites in shaping their digital strategies and transformation journeys.
• Advance data-driven decision-making and digital performance management capabilities across the region.
• Act as a digital advisor, identifying continuous improvement and performance enhancement opportunities using digital tools.
• Engage with regional and global leaders on Industry 4.0 strategy.
• Ensure new projects align with global standards.
• Promote multidisciplinary collaboration to improve real-time visibility across departments.
• Lead the Industry 4.0 capability strategy, coordinating and creating a roadmap for capability development, documentation, and training.

Automation & Smart Manufacturing:

• Lead automation and smart manufacturing initiatives across the BU, including process control, robotics, vision systems, digital integration, and advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Identify and scale productivity initiatives through cross-functional collaboration with Plant leadership, engineering, IL6S, and operations teams.
• Support Plants' automation roadmaps focused on productivity, efficiency, reliability, and manufacturing optimization.

Cybersecurity & Compliance:

• Oversee manufacturing cybersecurity initiatives across the region in line with MINT standards.
• Ensure compliance with company standards related to automation, digital infrastructure, and cybersecurity governance.
• Ensure safe installations and operations through proper design, protection systems, procedures, and training.

What You Need to Know About This Position:

• Located in our PE, South Africa plant (preferred) or Johannesburg Business Unit office, South Africa.
• This role involves BU/regional responsibility with a global perspective.
• Requires a blend of technical expertise, project management skills, and the ability to influence stakeholders at various levels.
• Strong understanding of Industry 4.0 concepts and their practical application in a manufacturing environment.

Requirements
Education / Certifications / Qualifications:

• Minimum University Degree in Engineering (Electrical & Electronics, Computer Science, Mechatronics, Systems Engineering, or related field) or equivalent relevant experience.
• Fluent in English.

Experience & Skills Required:

• Minimum of 7+ years of experience in a technical function within a manufacturing environment.
• Technical Expertise: Manufacturing automation technologies, machine vision, automation systems, testing & qualification experience, process & packaging equipment knowledge.
• Project Management: Strong project management methodology knowledge, experience in leading large-scale projects.
• Digital Skills: Automation (PLC) knowledge is required. Proficiency in OT technologies including OPC UA, industrial networking, IDC, IoT platforms, and Edge/Cloud computing is required. Experience with Microsoft Power Platform (Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI) is required. Basic programming knowledge is a plus. Skills in Python and industrial control systems (Rockwell, Siemens, Beckhoff) are a plus.
• IL6S/TPM: Proven expertise in IL6S/TPM methodologies through hands-on operational experience. Demonstrated experience in applying Lean principles across the end-to-end supply chain.
• Passion for Engineering, Industry 4.0, and digitalization for manufacturing.
• Strong track record of leading and directing others, with experience in previous leadership roles.
• Exceptional influencing and leadership skills, with the ability to build strong, collaborative, long-term relationships at all levels of the organization.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with senior leaders.
• Experience leading cross-regional and cross-functional teams.

Soft Skills:

• Influencing and collaborating effectively with stakeholders.
• Working within multicultural teams.
• Interest in driving digital adoption and capability.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Key Skills & Competencies:

• Strategic Thinking
• Project Management
• Technical Expertise (Automation, Digitalization, Cybersecurity)
• Communication & Influencing
• Leadership & Team Management
• Problem Solving
• IL6S/TPM Principles

Travel Requirements:

• This role requires regional travel to support plants across the SSA BU, including travel to Nigeria and Eswatini.

Application Closing Date
30th August, 2026.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

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