About the Role
A leading multinational manufacturing organisation is seeking a Lead MES Specialist to drive the implementation, integration, support and continuous improvement of its Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) across multiple manufacturing environments.
This role will act as a key bridge between manufacturing operations and technology teams, working closely with Production, Engineering, Quality, IT and external technology partners to deliver reliable and scalable digital manufacturing solutions.
The successful candidate will have strong hands-on experience in MES implementation and project delivery, together with a solid understanding of manufacturing processes and ERP-MES integration.
Key Responsibilities
MES Implementation
- Lead end-to-end MES implementation, enhancement and upgrade projects.
- Manage project scope, timelines, resources, risks and deliverables.
- Coordinate with internal stakeholders, external vendors and system integrators.
- Support system design, configuration, testing, deployment and post-go-live activities.
- Lead cutover, user training, change management and stabilisation activities.
- Ensure project issues and incidents are properly tracked and resolved within agreed timelines.
Business & Stakeholder Management
- Work closely with Production, Engineering, Quality, IT and other operational teams to understand business requirements.
- Lead requirement-gathering sessions and stakeholder workshops.
- Translate manufacturing and operational requirements into practical MES solutions.
- Coordinate between business users, technical teams and external implementation partners.
- Ensure solutions balance operational requirements with standardisation and scalability.
MES & Systems Integration
- Oversee integration between MES and ERP and other manufacturing/operational systems.
- Support integration with systems such as SCADA, LIMS, historians, automation platforms and other shop-floor technologies.
- Review functional and technical specifications, integration requirements and test plans.
- Support SIT, UAT and production deployment activities.
- Troubleshoot and coordinate resolution of MES and integration issues.
Continuous Improvement
- Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing processes through MES and digital technologies.
- Manage and prioritise MES enhancements and system backlog.
- Define requirements, user stories and acceptance criteria.
- Monitor system performance, user adoption and business impact.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives based on operational feedback.
- Ensure proper system documentation and knowledge transfer.
Requirements
- 10+ years of relevant experience in manufacturing systems, IT, digital manufacturing or technology project delivery.
- Minimum 3–5 years of experience in MES implementation.
- Proven experience managing MES across multiple manufacturing sites.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and production operations.
- Experience with one or more major MES platforms, such as:
- Siemens Opcenter
- Rockwell FactoryTalk
- DELMIA Apriso
- AVEVA / Wonderware
- Critical Manufacturing
- Or equivalent MES platforms
- Strong experience with MES-ERP integration.
- Exposure to ERP platforms such as SAP, Oracle, Infor or equivalent.
- Good understanding of SQL/database fundamentals, APIs, REST services and middleware integration.
- Basic knowledge of SCADA, PLC, Industrial IoT or OT environments.
- Experience with SIT/UAT, application support, incident management and change management.
- Strong project management and stakeholder management skills.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Comfortable working across both technical and manufacturing/business teams.
Education
Diploma or Degree in:
- Information Technology
- Computer Engineering
- Mechatronics
- Automation Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Or other relevant disciplines
Preferred Qualifications
- ITIL Foundation
- Cloud exposure (Azure / AWS / GCP)
- API / system integration experience
- Knowledge of manufacturing standards such as ISA-95 or GAMP5
What We're Looking For
The ideal candidate is a hands-on MES professional with strong project delivery experience, rather than a purely technical IT or software development profile.
Candidates with backgrounds such as MES Specialist, MES Lead, MES Consultant, Manufacturing Systems Lead, Digital Manufacturing Lead or Manufacturing Systems Project Manager are encouraged to apply.
