Head of Automation – Digital Engineering

Roche

Head of Automation and Digital Engineering providing leadership for global engineering strategies at Roche. Overseeing automation solutions and leading technical workforce within health and life sciences.

Posted 6/26/2026full-timeBasel • 🇨🇭 SwitzerlandLeadWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide leadership and oversight to the Automation and Digital Engineering function, including creating a vision and multi-year strategies for a globally aligned function.
Oversee and develop a technical workforce of 10+ employees globally, alongside strategic service providers delivering a multi-billion CHF CAPEX portfolio.
Develop capabilities and expertise in automation and digital engineering while ensuring engineering processes are efficient and effective.
Partner with key stakeholders to evolve global engineering standards and technology advances in automation engineering strategies.
Leverage innovative technologies to prepare the organization for future automation engineering challenges in manufacturing and process development.
Ensure innovative, sustainable, and cost-effective design and implementation strategies by keeping pace with global industry trends.
Develop excellent partnerships with external automation engineering firms in alignment with Global Procurement to optimally deliver capital projects.
Foster and drive network collaboration by establishing and leading global communities of practice for automation engineers.
Partner with Pharma Digital and IT/OT to develop a comprehensive strategy for aligning information and operational technologies.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or a related discipline; an MS or MBA is desirable.
At least 12 to 15 years of experience in engineering, automation, and digital technologies, preferably in the biopharmaceutical or life sciences industry.
Minimum of 10 years of professional experience leading and coaching multi-disciplinary teams within a corporate business environment.
Proven success in leading regional or global engineering organizations and managing large-scale CAPEX portfolios.
Deep expertise in automation engineering, including knowledge of governance, sustainability, and energy efficiency.
Experience in navigating and influencing global cultures and a track record of driving change while balancing risks.
Willingness to travel (40 - 50%).

Benefits

Comp & perks

Relocation benefits not offered for this position.

ATS Keywords

✓ Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools

automation engineeringdigital engineeringengineering processesCAPEX portfolio managementsustainabilityenergy efficiencychange managementstrategic planningteam leadershipcoaching

Soft Skills

leadershipcollaborationcommunicationinfluencingpartnership developmentnetworkingstrategic thinkingproblem-solvingcultural navigationrisk management

Certifications

Bachelor’s Degree in EngineeringMaster’s Degree in EngineeringMBA