OT Innovation and Capital Delivery Lead

CSL•Kankakee, IL

About The Position

The Global OT Innovation and Capital Delivery Lead is accountable for defining and scaling the future-state Operational Technology (OT) architecture, design and partner ecosystem across the manufacturing network. This role owns global decisions on future-state OT technologies (PCS, MES, Cloud OT Systems, Edge, IOT, etc.), governs Tier 1 and SSI partner delivery models across capital and operational work, and ensures OT platforms are selected, deployed, and supported in a standardized, scalable, and compliant manner. Through strong enterprise governance of MOUs, MSAs, quality plans, and service agreements, this role enables high-performing OT delivery via external partners while developing Above- and At-Site capabilities. The Role: OT Innovation, Future-State Architecture, and Technology Strategy- Identify, evaluate, and curate innovative OT technologies (PCS, MES, Cloud OT Systems, Edge, IOT, etc.) that align with business, compliance, and cybersecurity requirements. Own the definition and continuous refinement of the future-state OT architecture, ensuring standardization, scalability, and interoperability across sites. Lead the “Identify–Develop–Deliver–Scale” lifecycle for new OT solutions, from proof-of-concept through global deployment and sustainment via partners. Direct the OT Architect and OT Design Lead to ensure solution designs align with the target architecture, enterprise standards, and long-term roadmap. Global Platform Strategy, Selection, and Decision Rights- Own global decision rights for future-state OT platform selection (e.g., MES, PCS, modular MES components). Establish and enforce platform governance standards that drive consolidation, reduce technical debt, and enable reuse across capital projects and operations. Chair or co-chair relevant architectural and platform governance forums, ensuring alignment with I&T (Infra/Sec/Cloud/Enterprise Apps), Data, Tech Ops, and Global/Local E&M. Provide clear, documented decisions and design principles that guide OT investment choices and partner solutioning. Capital Delivery (Pre-BD) and Capex Support (T1)- Provide OT design leadership to site teams and partners in the early phases of capital projects, ensuring alignment to target architecture, platform, and recipe standards. Define standard OT scope, roles, and partner responsibilities for Tier 1 (T1) delivery, ensuring integration with EPCs, Global E&M, and Tech Ops project leaders. Support Capex delivery through governance on OT solution choices, cost estimates, and risk/impact assessments, ensuring alignment with long-term digital and platform strategy. Ensure smooth handover from capital projects into stable operations via partner-led support models and clear lifecycle ownership. Above & At Site Technology Awareness and Capability Development- Drive Above-Site and At-Site awareness of current and emerging OT technologies, platforms, and partner capabilities through communication, communities of practice, and formal learning. Develop capability-building programs (training, playbooks, standards) to uplift OT, Tech Ops, VS, Data, and local engineering teams on new solutions and ways-of-working with partners. Sponsor and communicate lighthouse projects and reference architectures that demonstrate value and provide reusable blueprints for other sites. Cross-Functional Interfaces and Enterprise Alignment- Serve as the primary OT innovation and partner enablement interface to I&T (Infra/Sec/Cloud/Enterprise Apps), Data & Analytics, DQ, Global and Local E&M, Tech Ops, VS, and Procurement. Run or participate in cross-functional governance forums to align on priorities, resolve conflicts, and integrate OT plans into broader digital, data, and Capex roadmaps. Ensure that OT innovation and partner strategies support enterprise objectives for safety, quality, supply reliability, cost, and sustainability. Provide transparent reporting on OT innovation pipeline, partner performance, and architecture adoption to senior leadership and key stakeholders.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in an Engineering, Automation, Computer Science or local equivalent.
15+ years’ work experience, with at least 5 years’ experience in execution systems, operational technology, IT and operations
Specific experience in process automation, MES and batch manufacturing industry standards (ISA S88 &S95)
Direct experience designing, building, deploying and supporting automation and execution systems (SCADA, DCS, MES, PAT, LIMS, Digital Methods, OSI Pi Data historian, etc.) in a regulated large-scale process-based manufacturing environment.
Experience building, managing, and deploying high performing, innovative and transformational process automation / execution systems across a global organization.
Demonstrated ability to influence at all organizational levels through clear, concise and impactful verbal and written communication skills
Ability to build, mentor and grow a high performing and cohesive team
Strong project management skills and experience in engineering projects within biopharma manufacturing.
Functional knowledge of cGMPs and manufacturing operations in FDA-regulated facilities.
Automation & Execution Systems Expertise
Project Management
Regulatory Compliance
Team Leadership & Development
Strategic Planning
Continuous Improvement & Innovation
Stakeholder Engagement
Strategic innovation
Delivering Enterprise Results and Value Orientation

Nice To Haves

Experience in running site-based shop floor and laboratory systems in a globally distributed footprint is highly desirable
A proven track record of influencing the industry on operational technology via publications and presentations is strongly preferred.
Experience in Process Excellence methodology is desirable but not required.

Responsibilities

Identify, evaluate, and curate innovative OT technologies (PCS, MES, Cloud OT Systems, Edge, IOT, etc.) that align with business, compliance, and cybersecurity requirements.
Own the definition and continuous refinement of the future-state OT architecture, ensuring standardization, scalability, and interoperability across sites.
Lead the “Identify–Develop–Deliver–Scale” lifecycle for new OT solutions, from proof-of-concept through global deployment and sustainment via partners.
Direct the OT Architect and OT Design Lead to ensure solution designs align with the target architecture, enterprise standards, and long-term roadmap.
Own global decision rights for future-state OT platform selection (e.g., MES, PCS, modular MES components).
Establish and enforce platform governance standards that drive consolidation, reduce technical debt, and enable reuse across capital projects and operations.
Chair or co-chair relevant architectural and platform governance forums, ensuring alignment with I&T (Infra/Sec/Cloud/Enterprise Apps), Data, Tech Ops, and Global/Local E&M.
Provide clear, documented decisions and design principles that guide OT investment choices and partner solutioning.
Provide OT design leadership to site teams and partners in the early phases of capital projects, ensuring alignment to target architecture, platform, and recipe standards.
Define standard OT scope, roles, and partner responsibilities for Tier 1 (T1) delivery, ensuring integration with EPCs, Global E&M, and Tech Ops project leaders.
Support Capex delivery through governance on OT solution choices, cost estimates, and risk/impact assessments, ensuring alignment with long-term digital and platform strategy.
Ensure smooth handover from capital projects into stable operations via partner-led support models and clear lifecycle ownership.
Drive Above-Site and At-Site awareness of current and emerging OT technologies, platforms, and partner capabilities through communication, communities of practice, and formal learning.
Develop capability-building programs (training, playbooks, standards) to uplift OT, Tech Ops, VS, Data, and local engineering teams on new solutions and ways-of-working with partners.
Sponsor and communicate lighthouse projects and reference architectures that demonstrate value and provide reusable blueprints for other sites.
Serve as the primary OT innovation and partner enablement interface to I&T (Infra/Sec/Cloud/Enterprise Apps), Data & Analytics, DQ, Global and Local E&M, Tech Ops, VS, and Procurement.
Run or participate in cross-functional governance forums to align on priorities, resolve conflicts, and integrate OT plans into broader digital, data, and Capex roadmaps.
Ensure that OT innovation and partner strategies support enterprise objectives for safety, quality, supply reliability, cost, and sustainability.
Provide transparent reporting on OT innovation pipeline, partner performance, and architecture adoption to senior leadership and key stakeholders.