About this role
The Position
Welcome to Holly Springs, North Carolina— home to Roche/Genentech's largest-ever investment: a $2B greenfield start-up where next-generation technology, high-performing teams and Operational Excellence converge to create the global standard for high-volume, highly-efficient Drug Product manufacturing.
The facility's core is defined by Innovation - leveraging advanced automation, robotics, digital tools, real-time data analytics, and simple, streamlined processes to produce the highest quality medicines. This plant meets today’s demand for CVRM (Cardiovascular, Renal, and Metabolism) medicines and is scalable to grow with the portfolio, which focuses on next-generation metabolic medicines specifically targeting the global obesity epidemic and Type 2 diabetes. This is a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with a high-level of accountability, with planned launch in 2028.
Are you a problem-solver and change-agent who thrives in a Team environment, eager to tackle the most complex manufacturing challenges? If so, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to launch a state-of-the-art facility from the ground-up and shape the culture of our organization for the next generation.
Join us in Holly Springs, where you won't just build a plant—you will build the future of medicine.
The Opportunity
The Senior Manager of Digital Manufacturing & Shopfloor Innovation is the site's operational and technical leader responsible for transforming physical factory operations into a seamlessly connected, digital shopfloor. This is a hands-on people leadership role combining technical execution, program management, adoption leadership, and team development. You drive the implementation of enabling digital technologies—including the Digital Twin framework, paperless manufacturing solutions, immersive technologies (AR/VR), and connected worker systems—to empower plant operators, improve batch execution, and maximize plant performance.
Your mission is to bridge the gap between complex digital platforms and daily shopfloor operations, ensuring operators have real-time data visibility, seamless connectivity to plant systems, and the insights they need to make better decisions. You own the site Digital Twin roadmap as a key enabler of operator empowerment and operational excellence, while simultaneously architecting the complete digital shopfloor experience. This role demands both technical depth (simulation validation, AR/VR testing, workflow design) and strong people leadership to drive adoption across all operational functions.
What You’ll Do
Time Allocation: Technical Execution (30%) | Program Management (40%) | Adoption & Change Leadership (10%) | People Leadership (20%)
1. Digital Twin & Plant Modeling as Key Enabler (Major Pillar)
Product Ownership & Lifecycle Management:
● Own the site Digital Twin roadmap, ensuring seamless integration between physical assets, real-time operational data, and predictive simulation models that drive shopfloor decision-making
● Own the site Digital Twin demand and backlog, translating business needs (especially operator-facing use cases) into clearly defined requirements with owners, identifying relevant KPIs, data requirements, and acceptance criteria
● Lead use cases from intake and prioritization through simulation development, validation, implementation, and benefit realization—with a focus on shopfloor operator value
● Coordinate required inputs from internal teams and external partners (process data, layouts, equipment information, automation logic, 3D/BIM data)
● Hands-on technical work: Identify simulation requirements and collaboratively work with 3rd-party simulation expert teams to develop and enhance models; validate new simulations for fidelity and accuracy; ensure the digital twin accurately reflects real-world plant conditions as they evolve
● Coordinate UAT, model validation, and business acceptance with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Warehouse, and IT/Data SMEs
● Define and manage the site budget for digital twin software enhancements, licenses, infrastructure upgrades, and vendor support
Digital Twin Adoption & Operator Enablement:
● Serve as the primary advocate for digital twin technology, driving user adoption across all business functions (especially Operations, Warehouse, Training, Quality, and Engineering)
● Support user onboarding, training, and adoption—with particular focus on enabling operators and supervisors to leverage digital twin insights in real-time
● Act as the main site interface to the Global Digital Twin Product Owner, ensuring alignment with common standards, governance, and reusable solutions across sites ● Build and lead a community of super-users (shift supervisors, lead operators, engineers), coaching site personnel to incorporate twin-driven insights into daily work routine (e.g., yield optimization, predictive maintenance, bottleneck removal)
● Communicate progress, risks, and ROI transparently across all site levels—upwards to executive leadership, sideways to peer department managers, and downwards to shop-floor teams
2. Paperless Shopfloor & Connected Operator Strategy
● Lead the design, validation, and rollout of paperless shopfloor digital technologies, ensuring seamless integration with core manufacturing execution systems and enterprise resource planning systems
● Hands-on responsibility: Validate paperless workflows for accuracy, usability, and GMP compliance; influence design decisions to ensure operator-centric usability ● Oversee the implementation of electronic logbooks, mobile operator applications, and digital task management systems that eliminate manual data entry and enhance operator user experience (UX)
● Define and execute the Connected Worker Strategy, identifying and deploying edge devices, wearables, and interactive shopfloor stations that enable operators to access real-time plant data, digital twin insights, and guidance
● Ensure all paperless solutions maintain data integrity, traceability, and GMP compliance in alignment with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and ALCOA+ principles
3. Immersive Technologies (AR/VR) for Operator Empowerment
● Lead the strategy, evaluation, and deployment of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) systems to enhance operator capabilities
● Hands-on technical work: Identify and validate which AR/VR use cases are most appropriate for investment (e.g., operator training, line changeovers, remote expert assistance, equipment troubleshooting)
● Test and validate AR/VR implementations on the shopfloor to ensure they deliver user value, improve training effectiveness, and reduce operator onboarding/qualification cycle time
● Partner with Learning & Development to integrate AR/VR applications into formal operator qualification and continuous training programs
● Oversee the deployment of immersive technologies that streamline critical shopfloor processes (e.g., complex changeovers, first-time-right batch execution, predictive maintenance workflows)
4. Change Management & Adoption Leadership
● Drive shopfloor technology adoption through user-centered design principles, structured operator feedback loops, and evidence-based change enablement programs ● Build strong relationships with Plant Operations leadership, shift supervisors, and operators to understand requirements, address concerns, and drive grassroots adoption ● Create and execute adoption roadmaps that sequence technology rollouts, integrate operator input, and align with site operational priorities
● Establish feedback mechanisms (e.g., super-user forums, shopfloor huddles, suggestion systems) to continuously capture operator insights and iterate on digital solutions ● Work with Learning & Development to design operator training programs that build confidence and competence in using digital shopfloor tools
5. Digital Shopfloor Integration & Architecture
● Design the integrated digital shopfloor ecosystem that seamlessly connects operators, plant systems (SCADA, MES, LIMS, Digital Twin, eBR), and real-time data ● Collaborate with IT/OT and Manufacturing Systems teams to ensure shopfloor connectivity, edge device integration, and data flow from plant systems to operator interfaces
● Define data requirements and ensure operators have access to real-time visibility into plant status, batch progress, equipment health, and digital twin recommendations
● Oversee the integration of digital twin insights, AR/VR guidance, and eBR workflows into a cohesive operator experience
6. Value Tracking & Continuous Improvement
● Establish clear KPIs to quantify business and operator value across all digital shopfloor initiatives (e.g., paperless transition rate, digital twin utilization, AR/VR training time reduction, batch execution improvement, adoption rates, error reduction)
● Regularly report metrics and ROI to site leadership and Operations stakeholders ● Proactively identify new manufacturing use cases, operator empowerment opportunities, and continuous improvement projects to expand the digital shopfloor footprint
7. Team Leadership & Development
● Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of Industrial Engineers, operational excellence specialists, data specialists, and digital shopfloor technicians ● Foster a culture of innovation, technical excellence, and operator-centric thinking ● Provide hands-on technical mentoring and guidance on simulation requirements documentation, AR/VR testing, workflow validation, and adoption strategy ● Develop team members' technical and leadership capabilities through coaching, challenging projects, and growth opportunities
● Ensure the team maintains strong relationships with shopfloor personnel and understands operator pain points and needs
Who You Are
● B.S. in Industrial Engineering, Electrical/Automation Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent technical field
● 8+ years in pharmaceutical manufacturing, smart factory initiatives, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), or shopfloor digitization within pharmaceutical or biotech manufacturing
● Proven hands-on experience with Digital Twin architectures, demonstrating ability to understand simulation requirements, validate models for accuracy, and drive operational insights
● Practical experience with AR/VR enterprise platforms (e.g., PTC Vuforia, HoloLens, or equivalent implementations)
● Hands-on experience with eBR systems, electronic batch record workflows, and paperless manufacturing execution
● Familiarity with Industry 4.0 shopfloor connectivity protocols (OPC UA, MQTT) and IoT edge device integration
● Deep understanding of pharma plant operations (GMP, batch process control, PAT) and manufacturing systems integration (SCADA, MES, LIMS, eBR)
Product & Program Management:
● Proven track record in managing digital transformation programs, product roadmaps, and technology implementation initiatives
● Demonstrated ability to translate complex operational requirements into prioritized, actionable use cases and technical specifications
● Strong background in identifying ROI opportunities and demonstrating value realization through operational metrics
Change & Adoption Leadership:
● Demonstrated success in driving technology adoption across diverse stakeholder groups, particularly operators and frontline personnel
● Experience with user-centered design principles and gathering/incorporating end-user feedback into solutions
● Proven ability to build grassroots support and overcome resistance to operational change
Leadership & Stakeholder Management:
● Demonstrated success in cross-functional stakeholder management, effectively bridging communication between technical teams, operations, engineering, quality, and learning/development
● Ability to lead, mentor, and develop high-performing technical teams ● Strong communication skills across all organizational levels—from shop-floor operators to executive leadership
Technical Skills:
● Practical experience with Digital Twin platforms and simulation software (AspenTech, Ansys, Siemens, or equivalent)
● Hands-on familiarity with AR/VR enterprise platforms and immersive technology testing ● 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
Certifications (Preferred):
● Lean Six Sigma (Green or Black Belt)
● Project Management Professional (PMP)
● Agile/Scrum Product Owner (CSPO/PSPO)
● Industry 4.0 or Smart Manufacturing certification
Relocation assistance is available for this role.
The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location for this position of Holly Springs, North Carolina is $133,400 - $247,800. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, level, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance.
Link to Benefits
Genentech is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws.
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