IT System Lead - Production Systems (Manufacturing)

Our client, a global healthcare company, is looking for a highly skilled IT System Lead to oversee production systems across our client’s global manufacturing facilities. This role will act as the System Owner for critical production applications, including MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems), serialization platforms, Historian systems, and SAP interfaces. The ideal candidate will possess deep technical and functional expertise in manufacturing processes within regulated environments.

This is a contractual position, through the end of 2025. With the likelihood of an extension into 2026. Occasional travel will be required to the client's plant facilities located in St. Wendel, Germany & L'Arbresle, France.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary owner for production systems (MES, serialization, Historian, SAP interfaces), ensuring reliability, compliance, and optimization.
  
• Lead troubleshooting, upgrades, and integration efforts to align with manufacturing and regulatory requirements.
  
• Provide technical guidance for discrete, batch, and manual production processes in regulated industries (e.g., pharmaceuticals, medical devices).
  
• Ensure systems adhere to industry standards (e.g., GxP, FDA, EU regulations).
  
• Partner with cross-functional teams (IT, operations, QA) to translate business needs into technical solutions.
  
• Train end-users and support teams on system functionalities and best practices.
  
• Maintain system validation, audit trails, and documentation to meet regulatory expectations.
  
• Implement risk mitigation strategies for system-related issues.
  

Requirements

• 5+ years of hands-on experience with MES, serialization systems (e.g., Track & Trace), Historian (e.g., OSIsoft PI), and SAP interfaces in manufacturing.
  
• Proficiency in production processes (discrete, batch, manual) within regulated environments.
  
• Familiarity with compliance frameworks (GxP, FDA 21 CFR Part 11, EU Annex 11).
  
• English fluency (mandatory); German or French proficiency is a strong advantage.
  
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field. Relevant certifications (e.g., MES Professional, SAP) are a plus.
  
• Willingness to travel occasionally to EU plant locations.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in pharmaceutical, medical device, or similarly regulated manufacturing sectors.
  
• Knowledge of IoT/Industry 4.0 technologies and digital transformation initiatives.