Director for Data & Workflow Automation

<h3>Company Description</h3><p><em>Location: Remote within Europe with regular international travel</em></p><p>We are SGS – the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.</p><p>At SGS, we have an open corporate and international culture. We offer a dynamic work environment in a leading global company. Our high professional standards and our sustainability approach guarantee you a future-oriented work environment. We invest in our employees for the long term and are committed to supporting your development within the company. Our business principles include: Integrity, Health, Safety &amp; Environment, Quality &amp; Professionalism, Respect, Sustainability, and Leadership.</p><h3>Job Description</h3><p>At <strong>SGS</strong>, we are committed to delivering operational excellence and innovation across our global network. We are now seeking a <strong>Director, Data &amp; Workflow Automation</strong> to lead our digital transformation agenda through the application of automation, data intelligence, and AI technologies.</p><p>This is a strategic global leadership role, responsible for identifying, developing, and scaling automation initiatives that optimize workflows, enhance performance, and drive productivity across our laboratory and commercial operations worldwide.</p><p><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong></p><p><strong>1. Lead Data Automation and Innovation</strong></p><ul><li><p>Identify and evaluate opportunities for process and data automation across global workflows, including the integration of AI-driven solutions.</p></li><li><p>Lead cross-functional teams to assess, develop, and implement efficiency initiatives with measurable business impact.</p></li><li><p>Conduct analyses of existing processes to pinpoint opportunities for improvement and innovation.</p></li><li><p>Map and redesign workflows to optimize performance, cost-effectiveness, and customer satisfaction.</p></li><li><p>Stay ahead of industry trends and emerging technologies to guide automation strategy and ensure SGS remains at the forefront of digital innovation.</p></li></ul><p><strong>2. Drive Global Adoption and Best Practices</strong></p><ul><li><p>Lead the rollout and adoption of new automation tools and process improvements across global operations.</p></li><li><p>Build business cases for innovation, demonstrating tangible benefits in performance, efficiency, and scalability.</p></li><li><p>Collaborate with senior leadership to embed automation and data-driven thinking into operational strategies.</p></li><li><p>Partner with operational, compliance, and technical teams to ensure regulatory alignment while maximizing automation opportunities.</p></li></ul><p><strong>3. Build Capability and Track Performance</strong></p><ul><li><p>Champion a culture of continuous improvement and digital enablement.</p></li><li><p>Coach and mentor teams to adopt new technologies and ways of working.</p></li><li><p>Facilitate workshops and training programs that support automation and data analytics capability.</p></li><li><p>Define and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the impact of automation and process optimization initiatives.</p></li><li><p>Conduct ongoing performance reviews and root cause analyses to refine and sustain improvements.</p></li></ul><p><strong>4. Reporting and Leadership Engagement</strong></p><ul><li><p>Develop and maintain documentation and dashboards tracking the progress of automation initiatives.</p></li><li><p>Prepare and deliver regular reports and presentations to senior leadership on efficiency gains, ROI, and performance outcomes.</p></li></ul><h3>Qualifications</h3><ul><li><p>Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Data Science, Business, or related field.</p></li><li><p>10+ years of experience in process optimization, digital transformation, or automation leadership roles within a global organization, especially in a laboratory environment.</p></li><li><p>Proven expertise in leveraging data analytics, automation, and AI tools to improve operational performance.</p></li><li><p>Strong strategic and analytical skills, with the ability to influence at executive level.</p></li><li><p>Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and project leadership capabilities</p></li></ul><h3>Additional Information</h3><p><strong>Why SGS?</strong></p><ul><li>Join a globally recognized and stable company, a leader in the Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) industry.</li><li>Enjoy a flexible schedule and work model.</li><li>Access SGS University and Campus for continuous learning options.</li><li>Thrive in a multinational environment, collaborating with colleagues from multiple continents.</li><li>Benefit from our comprehensive benefits platform.</li><