Director, Automation and Digital Technology Marketing

Merck KGaA Darmstadt Germany - Bedford, MA

Full-time - Senior

Bedford, MA

Chemical Manufacturing

About the position

The role involves developing and managing the automation and software product strategy at MilliporeSigma, ensuring alignment with business goals and effective integration of emerging technologies. The position requires overseeing partnerships with technology providers, identifying new product development opportunities, managing the product lifecycle, and collaborating with sales and marketing teams to execute go-to-market plans. The individual will also engage with customers, define KPIs, and support long-term portfolio planning while leading a diverse and inclusive team.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage the automation and software product strategy, ensuring alignment with business goals and effective integration of emerging technologies.
• Oversee partnerships with leading software and automation technology providers, steering collaboration projects for mutual success.
• Identify opportunities for new product development in automation and digital solutions, conducting market and competitor research to translate insights into actionable product requirements.
• Manage the entire product lifecycle, championing initiatives to enhance profitability and align with strategic goals.
• Analyze internal and external data to inform strategic decisions based on market trends and segmentation analysis.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to execute go-to-market plans, including pricing strategies and promotional campaigns.
• Oversee P&L responsibilities, working within budgets and supporting product managers in financial planning.
• Create and maintain product roadmaps for automation and digital solutions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality products.
• Engage with customers to gather insights on market needs and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders.
• Define KPIs to monitor product performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Prepare and educate the market on product purpose and value.
• Support long-term portfolio planning, ensuring innovation through new product concepts and business development activities.
• Lead and build a diverse, inclusive team, connecting individual contributions to the organization's mission and inspiring collaboration.

Requirements

• Proficient in common shop floor production software, including PLC and DLC systems (e.g., Emerson, Siemens, Rockwell, Aveva).
• Minimum B.S. or equivalent engineering/science/business/software engineering (15+ years), or MS/MBA (10+ years) or PhD (7+ years) of experience in product management, strategic marketing.
• A minimum of 4-5 years of experience in production automation engineering, preferably within a large pharmaceutical company, Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), or relevant suppliers.

Nice-to-haves

• Familiar with trends in integrating these systems into higher-level shop floor and enterprise systems in pharmaceutical production.
• Experienced in automation engineering and sensor technologies, with a focus on pharmaceutical applications.
• Proven track record in building and developing successful teams, with direct management experience and expertise in indirect management roles.
• Skilled in defining and executing product strategy, managing product lifecycles, and maintaining product roadmaps.
• Knowledgeable in the PDP framework and agile methodology.
• Experienced in managing a software/automation portfolio from conception to commercialization and phase-out.
• Strong understanding of digital technology trends in the biopharmaceutical industry.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to identify opportunities and provide customer solutions.
• In-depth knowledge of cGMP processes and monoclonal antibody manufacturing.
• Provides vision and guidance for individual career development and team alignment with business goals.
• Business-savvy, with an understanding of key economic drivers and their impact on success.
• Capable of project ownership and management, ensuring outcomes and monitoring milestones.

Benefits

• Diversity and inclusion initiatives
• Opportunities for professional development and growth
• Supportive work culture that values different perspectives and backgrounds