Senior Manager Digital Manufacturing & Shopfloor Innovation, CVRM

Genentech•Cary, NC

9h•$133,400 - $247,800•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Manager of Digital Manufacturing & Shopfloor Innovation is the site's operational and technical leader responsible for transforming factory operations into a connected digital shopfloor. This hands-on people leadership role combines technical execution, program management, adoption leadership, and team development. The role drives implementation of digital technologies—including Digital Twin, paperless manufacturing, immersive AR/VR technologies, and connected worker systems—to empower operators, improve batch execution, and maximize plant performance. The position bridges digital platforms and daily shopfloor operations, giving operators real-time data visibility, plant-system connectivity, and insights to support decision-making. The role owns the site's Digital Twin roadmap and architects the broader digital shopfloor experience, requiring technical depth in simulation validation, AR/VR testing, and workflow design, as well as leadership to drive adoption across operational functions. The stated time allocation is 30% technical execution, 40% program management, 10% adoption and change leadership, and 20% people leadership. The Holly Springs facility is a planned high-volume drug-product manufacturing site with a planned launch in 2028.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering, Electrical/Automation Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or an equivalent technical field.
At least 8 years of experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing, smart factory initiatives, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), or shopfloor digitization within pharmaceutical or biotech manufacturing.
Hands-on experience with Digital Twin architectures, including understanding simulation requirements, validating model accuracy, and deriving operational insights.
Practical experience with enterprise AR/VR platforms, such as PTC Vuforia or HoloLens, or equivalent implementations.
Hands-on experience with electronic batch record (eBR) systems, electronic batch record workflows, and paperless manufacturing execution.
Familiarity with Industry 4.0 shopfloor connectivity protocols, including OPC UA and MQTT, and IoT edge-device integration.
Deep understanding of pharmaceutical plant operations, including GMP, batch process control, and PAT, and manufacturing systems integration, including SCADA, MES, LIMS, and eBR.
Proven track record managing digital transformation programs, product roadmaps, and technology implementation initiatives.
Ability to translate operational requirements into prioritized use cases and technical specifications.
Experience identifying ROI opportunities and demonstrating value realization through operational metrics.
Demonstrated success driving technology adoption among diverse stakeholder groups, particularly operators and frontline personnel.
Experience with user-centered design and incorporating end-user feedback into solutions; ability to build grassroots support and overcome resistance to change.
Demonstrated cross-functional stakeholder management, bridging technical teams, Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Learning & Development.
Ability to lead, mentor, and develop high-performing technical teams, with strong communication skills from shopfloor to executive levels.
Practical experience with Digital Twin platforms and simulation software such as AspenTech, Ansys, Siemens, or equivalent.
Experience with MES, eBR systems, SCADA, and shopfloor data-collection systems; proficiency in documenting technical requirements and workflows; basic data literacy and ability to interpret operational metrics.

Nice To Haves

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
Agile/Scrum Product Owner (CSPO/PSPO) certification.
Industry 4.0 or Smart Manufacturing certification.

Responsibilities

Own the site's Digital Twin roadmap, demand, and backlog, translating business needs into requirements, KPIs, data requirements, owners, and acceptance criteria.
Lead Digital Twin use cases from intake and prioritization through simulation development, validation, implementation, and benefit realization.
Coordinate process data, layouts, equipment information, automation logic, and 3D/BIM inputs from internal teams and external partners.
Work with third-party simulation experts to identify simulation requirements, develop and enhance models, validate simulation fidelity and accuracy, and keep the Digital Twin aligned with actual plant conditions.
Coordinate user acceptance testing, model validation, and business acceptance with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Warehouse, and IT/Data subject-matter experts.
Define and manage the site budget for Digital Twin software enhancements, licenses, infrastructure upgrades, and vendor support.
Promote Digital Twin adoption across business functions; support onboarding and training, build a community of super-users, and communicate progress, risks, and ROI across organizational levels.
Act as the site's main interface to the Global Digital Twin Product Owner and align site solutions with common standards, governance, and reusable solutions.
Lead the design, validation, and rollout of paperless shopfloor technologies integrated with manufacturing execution and enterprise resource planning systems.
Validate paperless workflows for accuracy, usability, and GMP compliance; oversee electronic logbooks, mobile operator applications, and digital task management systems.
Define and execute the Connected Worker Strategy, including deployment of edge devices, wearables, and interactive shopfloor stations.
Ensure paperless solutions maintain data integrity, traceability, and GMP compliance in alignment with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and ALCOA+ principles.
Lead evaluation and deployment of AR/VR systems; identify and validate use cases, test implementations on the shopfloor, and assess user value, training effectiveness, and operator onboarding or qualification cycle time.
Partner with Learning & Development to integrate AR/VR applications into operator qualification and continuous training programs.
Drive technology adoption through user-centered design, operator feedback loops, change-enablement programs, stakeholder relationships, adoption roadmaps, and feedback mechanisms such as super-user forums and shopfloor huddles.
Design the integrated digital shopfloor ecosystem connecting operators, plant systems, and real-time data; collaborate with IT/OT and Manufacturing Systems on connectivity, edge-device integration, and data flows.
Define data requirements and ensure operators can access real-time visibility into plant status, batch progress, equipment health, and Digital Twin recommendations.
Integrate Digital Twin insights, AR/VR guidance, and electronic batch record workflows into a cohesive operator experience.
Establish KPIs to quantify business and operator value, report metrics and ROI to site leadership and Operations stakeholders, and identify further manufacturing use cases and continuous-improvement opportunities.
Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of Industrial Engineers, operational excellence specialists, data specialists, and digital shopfloor technicians.
Foster innovation, technical excellence, and operator-centric thinking; mentor the team in requirements documentation, AR/VR testing, workflow validation, and adoption strategy; develop team members and maintain strong shopfloor relationships.