Director for Data & Workflow Automation

Company Description

Location: Remote within Europe with regular international travel

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.

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 & Environment, Quality & Professionalism, Respect, Sustainability, and Leadership.

Job Description

At SGS, we are committed to delivering operational excellence and innovation across our global network. We are now seeking a Director, Data & Workflow Automation to lead our digital transformation agenda through the application of automation, data intelligence, and AI technologies.

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.

Key Responsibilities

1. Lead Data Automation and Innovation

• Identify and evaluate opportunities for process and data automation across global workflows, including the integration of AI-driven solutions.
• Lead cross-functional teams to assess, develop, and implement efficiency initiatives with measurable business impact.
• Conduct analyses of existing processes to pinpoint opportunities for improvement and innovation.
• Map and redesign workflows to optimize performance, cost-effectiveness, and customer satisfaction.
• Stay ahead of industry trends and emerging technologies to guide automation strategy and ensure SGS remains at the forefront of digital innovation.

2. Drive Global Adoption and Best Practices

• Lead the rollout and adoption of new automation tools and process improvements across global operations.
• Build business cases for innovation, demonstrating tangible benefits in performance, efficiency, and scalability.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to embed automation and data-driven thinking into operational strategies.
• Partner with operational, compliance, and technical teams to ensure regulatory alignment while maximizing automation opportunities.

3. Build Capability and Track Performance

• Champion a culture of continuous improvement and digital enablement.
• Coach and mentor teams to adopt new technologies and ways of working.
• Facilitate workshops and training programs that support automation and data analytics capability.
• Define and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the impact of automation and process optimization initiatives.
• Conduct ongoing performance reviews and root cause analyses to refine and sustain improvements.

4. Reporting and Leadership Engagement

• Develop and maintain documentation and dashboards tracking the progress of automation initiatives.
• Prepare and deliver regular reports and presentations to senior leadership on efficiency gains, ROI, and performance outcomes.

Qualifications

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Data Science, Business, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in process optimization, digital transformation, or automation leadership roles within a global organization, especially in a laboratory environment.
• Proven expertise in leveraging data analytics, automation, and AI tools to improve operational performance.
• Strong strategic and analytical skills, with the ability to influence at executive level.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and project leadership capabilities

Additional Information

Why SGS?

• Join a globally recognized and stable company, a leader in the Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) industry.
• Enjoy a flexible schedule and work model.
• Access SGS University and Campus for continuous learning options.
• Thrive in a multinational environment, collaborating with colleagues from multiple continents.
• Benefit from our comprehensive benefits platform.

Join Us: At SGS, we are dedicated to fostering an open, friendly, and supportive culture that thrives on teamwork. We value diversity and provide endless opportunities to learn, grow your expertise, and fulfill your potential.

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