OPEN: Smart Plants Architect/Program Manager – Industry 4.0 & Autonomous Operations

Job Overview

As a Smart Plants Architect / Program Manager for our client, you will play a pivotal leadership role in shaping and delivering the vision for Smart Plants, leveraging Industry 4.0, digital twins, IoT, advanced analytics, and autonomous operations. You will lead end-to-end digital transformation programs—architecting, planning, and executing initiatives that enable predictive, adaptive, and autonomous plant operations. Working closely with executive leadership, plant engineers, IT, and operations teams, you will drive innovation, operational excellence, and measurable business value as part of our client’s Strategic Transformation Roadmap (STR).

Key Responsibilities:

Digital Architecture & Program Leadership:

• Develop and maintain the enterprise architecture for Smart Plants, integrating Industry 4.0 technologies, digital twins, IoT platforms, and AI/ML-driven autonomous operations.
• Lead the planning, execution, and governance of digital transformation programs for smart plant initiatives, ensuring alignment with our client’s business strategy and operational objectives.
• Architect scalable, secure, and resilient solutions that connect physical assets, operational technology (OT), and information technology (IT) systems.
• Define and govern data models, data flows, and integration strategies for real-time asset monitoring, predictive maintenance, and autonomous decision-making.
• Oversee the adoption and integration of advanced technologies such as robotics, edge computing, AR/VR, and autonomous systems into plant operations.

Innovation, Industry 4.0 & Autonomous Operations:

• Champion the implementation of Industry 4.0 principles, enabling smart manufacturing, self-optimizing processes, and closed-loop automation.
• Lead the design and deployment of digital twins for critical assets and processes, enabling simulation, optimization, and remote operation.
• Drive the integration of IoT sensors, industrial networks, and advanced analytics for real-time visibility, diagnostics, and autonomous response.
• Foster a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and cross-functional collaboration across engineering, operations, and IT teams.

Stakeholder Engagement, Change Management & Value Realization:

• Engage with executive sponsors, plant leaders, and business stakeholders to define digital transformation goals, KPIs, and value realization strategies.
• Lead change management efforts to drive adoption of new technologies, processes, and operating models.
• Facilitate workshops, training, and knowledge transfer sessions to build digital capabilities across the organization.
• Track and report on program progress, risks, and business outcomes, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Continuous Learning, Thought Leadership & Industry Engagement:

• Stay at the forefront of Industry 4.0, smart plant, and autonomous operations trends, technologies, and regulatory requirements.
• Represent our client at industry forums, conferences, and consortiums, sharing insights and best practices.
• Mentor and develop internal talent, fostering a high-performing, innovative, and future-ready digital workforce.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Industrial Automation, Information Technology, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in digital transformation, smart plant/Industry 4.0 program delivery, or industrial automation, with at least 5 years in a leadership or architecture role.
• Proven experience architecting and delivering large-scale Industry 4.0, IoT, digital twin, or autonomous operations programs in asset-intensive industries (energy, utilities, manufacturing, etc.).
• Deep understanding of plant operations, operational technology (OT), IT/OT convergence, and cybersecurity.
• Hands-on experience with IoT platforms, cloud/edge architectures, advanced analytics, robotics, and AI/ML-driven automation.
• Strong knowledge of digital twin technologies, predictive maintenance, and real-time data integration.
• Experience with agile program management, change management, and stakeholder engagement at all organizational levels.
• Excellent analytical, strategic planning, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Recognized certifications in project/program management (PMP, Agile, SAFe), architecture (TOGAF), or Industry 4.0 technologies are highly desirable.

Key Competencies:

• Visionary leadership in smart plant and Industry 4.0 transformation
• Expertise in digital architecture, IoT, digital twins, and autonomous operations
• Strategic planning and large-scale program management
• Strong stakeholder engagement and change leadership
• Innovation and continuous improvement mindset
• OT/IT integration, cybersecurity, and data governance awareness
• Ability to deliver measurable business value and operational excellence
• Commitment to continuous learning and industry thought leadership