Digital Factory Senior Manager

Job Description:

At Ferring Pharmaceuticals, we help people around the world build families and live better lives. We are entrepreneurial and innovative, with a global team focused on scientific advances in the areas of reproductive and women’s health, gastroenterology and urology. Ferring + You is all about working together and sharing ideas, so that we can bring science to life for patients around the world.

Every person at Ferring works together to change lives and help people build families. Our corporate teams offer empowering, innovative, challenging and rewarding careers – we are motivated to make a difference. To reach our full potential we collaborate, and respect and value diverse contributions so that we can grow as an organization and as professionals. Together we can influence the world around us to make life and work better.

Ferring+You

Background:

IT and OT resources are currently reporting to different departments at FSMP.

To further enhance operational efficiency, data security, and innovation; the Information System department will become a Digital Factory (IT/OT) department, bridging the gap between IT and OT, ensuring seamless integration and collaboration. The Digital Factory Senior Manager will have the challenge to lead this transformation at FSMP.

Role:

The Digital Factory Manager leads our Information Technology and Operational Technology department for the Swiss Manufacturing Plant. He will be responsible for the strategic direction and management of all IT and OT functions within the manufacturing plant. This position will develop and execute the department strategy in alignment with the Ferring Saint-Prex Production Site (FSMP), Global IT, TechOps organizations strategies and standards. He is accountable for ensuring that an appropriate and optimal mix of resources are available to maintain the IT/OT systems and deliver client/end user services. This role will bridge the gap between IT and OT, ensuring seamless integration and collaboration to enhance operational efficiency, data security, and innovation.

Your day at Ferring

Main Responsibilities:

• Lead IT/OT operations, covering shop-floor automation systems (SCADA/PLC level), Process Historian, BMS/EMS, QC equipment, LES/LIMS, MES, serialization, and ERP.

• Build and manage a high-performing IT/OT team (15-20 members), driving cultural transformation and continuous development.

• Head of the Digital Factory (IT/OT) department, and member of the Site Leadership team, act as a business partner for key plant functions (Production, QC, FM and others) on their respective IT/OT demands

• Develop and implement IT/OT roadmap (including Systems/Applications lifecycle management) aligned with business goals; oversee budget planning and resource allocation.

• In alignment with Global IT Infrastructure and Security team, ensure robust IT infrastructure and cybersecurity operations at the Site.

• Serve as the primary IT/OT contact from the Site for Global TechOps and manage SLAs, KPIs, and escalations.

• Communicate key risks, opportunities, and issues to senior leaders, acting on behalf of the supervisor as needed.

• Oversee system validation, CAPA coordination, and IT audits (GxP, Security, GDPR compliance).

• Ensure adherence to IS process frameworks, SOPs, and regulatory standards, and support the Site during inspections.

Stakeholders Management:

• Functional line to the FSMP site head and dotted line to Head of Manufacturing IT &  Head of Operational Technology.

• Working in a global cross functional setting with all global applications related to Ferring’s Technical Operations: Examples: ERP, MES/EBR, Laboratory Execution System, Quality Assurance Systems and SOP document management system.

• Working with the global OT function for all local process control system, data historian and other automation systems.

• Work with key business and IT/OT stakeholders to manage the IT /OT Manufacturing project portfolio and budget. Manage IT and OT projects and improvements and align priorities and timelines with key business partners locally and globally.

• Strong focus on process orientation and harmonization in a global/corporate setting.

Behind our innovation…There’s you

Required Experience:

• BSc or Engineering Master or equivalent in Information Technology, Engineering, or related field.

• 10+ years of related management experience.

• 5+ years of experience in IT and/or OT management, preferably in a manufacturing environment.

• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and technologies.

• Experience with IT quality and industry regulations (GxP, 21 CFR Part 11)

• Strong People Management experience

• Proven experience in project management and leading cross-functional teams.

• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.

• Excellent communication skills in writings as well as verbal in French and English

Key competencies:

• Leadership: Inspire and motivate teams, fostering a sense of ownership and accountability.

• Communication: Clearly convey complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, ensuring alignment across departments.

• Collaboration: Cultivate a culture of teamwork and partnership between IT and OT teams, facilitating open dialogue and shared objectives.

• Problem-Solving: Approach challenges with a solutions-oriented mindset, leveraging creativity and critical thinking to navigate complex issues.

• Adaptability: Thrive in a fast-paced environment and effectively manage change, demonstrating resilience and flexibility.

• Emotional Intelligence: Build strong relationships with team members and stakeholders, understanding their needs and concerns while promoting a positive work environment.

• Strategic Thinking: Analyse data and trends to inform decision-making and long-term planning, aligning technology initiatives with business objectives.

People come first at Ferring

• Get inspired from our commitment to advocate for everyone’s right to build a family, no matter who you are, where you live or who you love

• Our inclusive support package – “Building Families at Ferring” provides equal and accessible policies for all employees who wish to start their family journey, ensuring a global standard, irrespective of location and role

• Parental leave for both birthing and non-birthing parents

• Extended support on family building journey

Making a difference in the life of millions of people means we succeed by working together. Our diverse backgrounds, experiences, expertise, and perspectives enable us to find solutions to even the most challenging problems, and our success is tied to each team member’s contributions. Imagine the power of your career when it’s Ferring + You.

Behind our purpose… There’s you

If our mission and your vision are aligned, please apply!

We strive to build and maintain an inclusive and diverse workplace with equal opportunities and mutual respect for all employees regardless of their backgrounds and socioeconomic status.

Note to agencies: this search is being managed by Ferring’s Talent Acquisition team. Kindly do not send us spontaneous profiles.

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