IT Automation Project Manager

Piper Companies is seeking an IT Automation Project Manager for a leading pharmaceutical manufacturing organization driving modernization and optimization of GMP-regulated automation and IT/OT systems. The IT Automation Project Manager will lead full‑lifecycle execution of automation and digital manufacturing projects related IT/OT platforms. This role is a long‑term contract for a onsite position located in Clayton, NC.

Responsibilities for the IT Automation Project Manager include:

·      Lead end‑to‑end delivery of IT Automation projects within a GMP pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.

·      Manage project scope, budget, timelines, and risk across multiple concurrent initiatives.

·      Direct cross‑functional project teams including engineering, manufacturing, QA/validation, IT/OT, and vendor partners.

·      Oversee installation, troubleshooting, commissioning, qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ), and validation of automation systems.

·      Coordinate extensively with work package owners to communicate requirements, track progress, and resolve issues.

·      Serve as the primary escalation point for project blockers, technical challenges, or resource conflicts.

·      Maintain complete project documentation including protocols, reports, change controls, and traceability matrices.

Qualifications for the IT Automation Project Manager include:

·      5+ years of experience in IT Automation within a manufacturing or industrial environment.

·      5+ years of pharmaceutical manufacturing experience with strong understanding of GMP requirements.

·      5+ years of formal project management experience, including cross‑functional leadership.

·      Hands-on knowledge of DCS, PLC, SCADA, MES, and IT/OT automation solutions.

·      Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.

·      Demonstrated experience with installation, commissioning, qualification, and validation activities.

·      Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, including MS Project, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.

·      Experience leading project planning activities, resource alignment, and work‑plan reviews.

Compensation for the IT Automation Project Manager includes:

·      Salary Range: $160,000 - $180,000

·      Comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k, PTO, holidays, and sick leave as required by law.

Keywords: IT automation, Pharmaceutical manufacturing, GMP environment, project management, automation systems, validation, qualification, troubleshooting, process improvement, change management, DCS, distributed control systems, PLC, programmable Logic controllers, SCADA, MES, manufacturing execution systems, IT/OT integration, automation solutions, installations, commissioning, IQ/OQ/PQ, process analysis, root cause analysis, system validation, project planning, work plan development, issue resolution, end-to-end project execution, task management, deliverable tracking, Microsoft office, MS project, excel, PowerPoint

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This job is open for applications on 2/13/2026 and will remain open for at least 30 days from the posting date.