Smart Factory Transformation Leader - Digital Technology

Smart Factory Transformation Leader - Digital Technology

Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
GE Vernova

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the global strategy for Manufacturing Digital Technology and implement IIoT solutions across 30+ plants.
  • Company: GE Vernova is dedicated to electrifying the world and leading the energy transition with innovative solutions.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive benefits package and flexible work arrangements promoting a healthy work-life balance.
  • Other info: Willingness to travel worldwide at least once a month is essential.
  • Why this job: Join a global team focused on building a cleaner, sustainable energy future through digital transformation.
  • Qualifications: Master’s degree in Engineering or related field and extensive experience in industrial digital technology roles required.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.

We are seeking an innovative and results-driven Digital Technology Smart Factory Leader to accelerate the digitalization of our global manufacturing operations. This role is crucial in defining the multi-year strategy and deploying cutting-edge digital solutions to enhance efficiency, productivity, and sustainability across our 30+ Electrification plants worldwide. If you thrive on asking "Why?" and using trial and error to fault-find, you will fit right in.

At GE Vernova, we are committed to electrifying the world and leading the energy transition with innovative solutions. Joining our GSCM (Global Supply Chain) DT (Digital Technology) team, you will drive the digital transformation of our manufacturing capabilities. This role involves close partnership with Plant Business Leaders, Digital Product Teams, and CIOs, to implement robotics, automation, and visual management for improved quality and speed. You will lead the strategy, roadmap, and deployment of Manufacturing Digital Technology solutions, focusing on IIoT, Smart Factory concepts, and integrating IT/OT within a dynamic, growing business.

Key Responsibilities

  • Define and lead the multi-year Manufacturing DT / Smart Factory strategy globally, aligning with business and operations goals.
  • Drive the development and implementation of IIoT, MES, data, analytics, and AI-enabled capabilities across the shopfloor.
  • Prioritize initiatives based on business impact, delivering solutions from concept through industrialization and scale.
  • Oversee configuration and deployment of technologies, including UDC for IIoT platforms, edge connectivity, and machine/robot integration.
  • Enable real-time performance visibility from shopfloor to leadership through KPIs and visual management dashboards.
  • Ensure critical site infrastructure meets technology and cyber standards, promoting platform reuse.
  • Manage external partner relationships and technology vendors, evaluating solutions based on strategic fit and ROI.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams and mentor talent in IIoT, analytics, and smart manufacturing.
  • Plan and execute the integration of robotics with different systems, setting standards for new vendors.

Essential Requirements

  • Master’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Manufacturing, Industrial Automation, or a related field, or comparable relevant experience.
  • Extensive experience in manufacturing, operations, or industrial digital technology roles.
  • Demonstrated experience deploying and operating IIoT systems in manufacturing, energy, utilities, or similar industries.
  • Proven track record of delivering digital projects with measurable operational and financial impact.
  • Strong understanding of shopfloor processes (e.g., machining, assembly, testing, maintenance, quality).
  • Exceptional stakeholder management, communication, and influencing skills at all organizational levels.
  • Significant experience leading cross-functional teams and managing complex portfolios or programs in multi-plant / global manufacturing organizations.
  • Background in Lean / Six Sigma and continuous improvement methodologies.
  • Demonstrated experience with IT/OT convergence, industrial connectivity, and data integration (e.g., PLCs, SCADA, historians, OPC UA, MQTT).
  • Ability to think strategically, ask probing "Why?" questions, and apply trial-and-error problem-solving.
  • Willingness and ability to travel worldwide, typically at least once a month for several days, to visit factories.

Nice-to-have Qualifications

  • Expertise in strategic thinking and roadmap development.
  • Strong business acumen and financial awareness (business case, ROI development).
  • Demonstrated ability to translate shopfloor needs into effective digital solutions.
  • Exceptional facilitation and change leadership skills.
  • Proficiency in systems thinking and architectural awareness of IT/OT landscapes.
  • Results-oriented approach with a focus on execution and value realization.
  • Collaborative style with proven ability to influence without direct authority.

What We Offer

Working at GE Vernova means being part of a global team that's building a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. Our culture thrives on collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning, providing you with ample opportunities for career growth and professional development. We believe in empowering our employees with purpose-driven work and a supportive, inclusive atmosphere. We offer a competitive benefits package and are committed to supporting flexible work arrangements wherever possible, promoting a healthy work-life balance for all our employees. Join us and help power the world forward.

Smart Factory Transformation Leader - Digital Technology employer: GE Vernova

At GE Vernova, you will be part of a global team committed to sustainability and innovation. The company offers a competitive benefits package and promotes flexible work arrangements. Join a culture that values collaboration and continuous learning in a mission-driven environment.

GE Vernova

Contact Details:

GE Vernova Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Smart Factory Transformation Leader - Digital Technology

Join Local Manufacturing Groups

Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!

Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces

Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!

Leverage the Power of Internships

While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.

Apply Directly Through Company Websites

When you find a role at a company you love, like GE Vernova, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!

We think you need these skills to ace Smart Factory Transformation Leader - Digital Technology

Digital Transformation
IIoT Implementation
Manufacturing Digital Technology
Data Analytics
Robotics Integration
Stakeholder Management
Cross-Functional Team Leadership

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!

Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to GE Vernova specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!

Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!

How to prepare for a job interview at GE Vernova

Know Your Manufacturing Processes

Before you walk into the interview with GE Vernova, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.

Technical Questions Are Key

Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.

Align Your Values with Quality and Safety

In a full-time role, companies like GE Vernova value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.