At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead MES projects, ensuring smooth implementation and ongoing support across manufacturing sites.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company driving digital transformation in manufacturing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and a chance to shape the future of manufacturing.
- Other info: Dynamic role with extensive travel and excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of digital manufacturing and make a real impact on operational efficiency.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in MES or manufacturing IT, with strong project coordination skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 72000 £ per year.
Smartedge’s Client is looking for an individual to help with their Project Manager / IT Project Coordinator (Manufacturing Execution System (MES) @ Swindon, UK.
The Site MES IT Coordinator serves as the primary site-level IT and MES liaison responsible for coordinating Manufacturing Execution System (MES) implementation, deployment, and ongoing operational support across manufacturing facilities. This role acts as the critical interface between site operations, Quality, MSAT, Validation, IT/OT teams, Global MES organizations, vendors, system integrators, and offshore development teams. The successful candidate will possess strong expertise in MES platforms, manufacturing operations, and digital manufacturing technologies, ensuring seamless execution of MES programs from project initiation through go-live, hypercare, and steady-state support. The role will also drive automation and digital transformation initiatives that improve operational efficiency, data visibility, compliance, and plant connectivity.
Key Responsibilities
- MES Project Coordination & Site Governance
- Serve as the primary site-level IT coordinator and governance contact for MES implementation and support activities.
- Act as the central point of communication between site stakeholders, Global MES teams, vendors, system integrators, and offshore delivery teams.
- Coordinate all phases of the MES lifecycle, including:
- Requirements gathering
- Configuration and build
- Testing and validation support
- Training and user readiness
- Go-live and hypercare
- Support transition and steady-state operations
- Track and manage site-level actions, risks, issues, dependencies, decisions, and readiness activities.
- Facilitate technical and functional workshops between business users and MES delivery teams.
- Drive alignment between local manufacturing processes and enterprise MES standards/templates.
- Business Process & Requirements Management
- Support business process reengineering initiatives to improve manufacturing execution and operational efficiency.
- Capture and document business requirements, process gaps, user needs, and local operational constraints.
- Design and implement secure, scalable, and reliable shop-floor data collection architectures.
- Support Connected Plant and Industry 4.0 initiatives to improve plant maturity, operational visibility, and data-driven decision-making.
- Compliance, Validation & Documentation
- Coordinate MES-related documentation readiness including SOPs, Work Instructions, User Guides, and Training Materials.
- Partner with Quality and Validation teams to support CSV activities and compliance requirements.
- Ensure MES solutions align with applicable regulatory and industry standards, including GMP, GAMP 5, 21 CFR Part 11, Data Integrity requirements, and Cybersecurity best practices.
- Maintain documentation for decisions, issue resolutions, knowledge transfer activities, and support handovers.
- Operational Support & Continuous Improvement
- Manage site-level MES governance, including demand management, change requests, incident and problem management, prioritization, and escalation.
- Coordinate L2/L3 MES support activities following implementation.
- Ensure MES systems do not negatively impact manufacturing operations.
- Identify recurring issues, training gaps, process inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities.
- Coordinate impact assessments, testing, documentation updates, training, and deployment activities for MES enhancements and changes.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with:
- Operations
- Manufacturing Science & Technology (MSAT)
- Quality Assurance
- Validation
- Site IT/OT Teams
- Global MES Teams
- Infrastructure Teams
- Vendors and System Integrators
- Manage third-party vendors and delivery partners to ensure compliance with technical, quality, cost, and schedule expectations.
- Champion change management initiatives and drive successful adoption of digital manufacturing solutions.
Experience
- 8+ years of experience supporting MES implementations or manufacturing IT projects within regulated manufacturing environments.
- 5+ years of experience coordinating cross-functional teams during system deployments, upgrades, and operational support.
- 5+ years of demonstrated experience supporting manufacturing operations and shop-floor systems.
- 5+ years of experience working with global teams, vendors, system integrators, and offshore delivery organizations.
Required Skills & Competencies
- Technical Skills
- 5+ years of strong understanding of Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and manufacturing operations.
- 5+ years of hands-on or functional knowledge of MES platforms such as Rockwell MES (preferred), PharmaSuite, MasterControl.
- 5+ years of understanding of MES integrations with ERP systems, LIMS, Automation systems, Barcode and labeling systems, Reporting and analytics platforms.
- Knowledge of SCADA, DCS, OPC, historian, and industrial connectivity technologies.
- Understanding of infrastructure, user access management, and manufacturing system support processes.
- Functional Skills
- Requirements gathering and business process analysis.
- Business process reengineering and process harmonization.
- Project coordination and stakeholder management.
- Risk, issue, and change management.
- Training coordination and user adoption support.
- Soft Skills
- Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
- Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building capabilities.
- Ability to influence and align cross-functional teams.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset.
- Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced manufacturing environments.
- Self-motivated with strong organizational and follow-up skills.
- Experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, life sciences, or regulated manufacturing industries.
- Familiarity with Computer System Validation (CSV) practices.
- Knowledge of GMP, GAMP 5, Annex 11, Annex 22, and 21 CFR Part 11 requirements.
- Exposure to Industry 4.0, Connected Plant, Digital Manufacturing, and Smart Factory initiatives.
- Experience supporting multi-site MES deployments and global manufacturing programs.
- Willingness and ability to travel extensively (>50%) to manufacturing sites globally for project delivery, system deployment, training, commissioning, and operational support activities.
Project Manager / IT Project Coordinator (Manufacturing Execution System (MES) in Swindon employer: Smartedge Solutions
Smartedge Solutions is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Worthing where innovation meets collaboration. With a commitment to employee growth, the company provides opportunities to engage in high-impact projects while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development. Employees benefit from a supportive atmosphere that values their contributions and encourages them to excel in their roles, making it a rewarding place to build a career in the IT sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager / IT Project Coordinator (Manufacturing Execution System (MES) in Swindon
✨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 Smartedge Solutions, 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 Project Manager / IT Project Coordinator (Manufacturing Execution System (MES) in Swindon
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 Smartedge Solutions 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 Smartedge Solutions
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Smartedge Solutions, 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 Smartedge Solutions 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.
