Andrew Knott

SME - | Digital Transformation | Industry 4.0 | Automation | MES | CSV |

United Kingdom

About

I am a senior leader in Digital Transformation and Industrial Automation with over 30 years of experience delivering multi-million-pound capital projects for global life science organisations, including Novo Nordisk, GE Healthcare, and Takeda. My career is defined by bridging the gap between "boots-on-the-ground" Industry 4.0 engineering (OT) and board-level business strategy. Uniquely, I combine a deep technical background (Dipl Eng, Fellow of the IET, Chartered Engineer) with recent, top-tier business qualifications (MBA with Distinction, Dean’s Prize for Top MBA Performance, 2025). Core Value Proposition: * Chartered Leadership: A Fellow of the IET, InstMC, CMI, and APM, offering a rare combination of certified expertise across Engineering, Strategic Management, and Project/Programme Delivery. * Digital Transformation: Transitioning manufacturing sites from legacy paper-based systems to fully connected, data-driven Smart Factories. * Industry 4.0 Strategy: Expert in implementing MES, IIoT, and Edge Computing while ensuring robust GAMP 5 compliance. * Commercial Governance: Successfully secured "Approved Supplier" status with major multinationals (JnJ, Takeda, PALL), demonstrating high standards of corporate governance. Having operated as a Principal Programme Director for the last decade, I am now seeking a permanent leadership role (Head of Digital Engineering / Programme Director) where I can build a legacy, mentor teams, and drive sustainable digital growth.

Experience

  • Principal Consultant at KNOTT AUTOMATION PROJECTS LTD
    Jan 2012 - Present · 14 yrs 6 mos

    Directing large-scale automation, MES, and digital compliance programmes. Responsible for strategy definition, budget oversight, and the technical leadership of cross-functional teams across the UK and Europe. Successfully secured Approved Supplier Status with Johnson & Johnson (Janssen), Takeda, and PALL Life Sciences, validating high standards of corporate governance and delivery. Key Project/Programme Delivery: * GE Healthcare (2024): Led Basic Design for major MES/eBR (PAS-X) & Historian multi-site deployment. * SolutionsPT (2023): Acting SME for Product Validation & Octoplant configuration management. * Novo Nordisk (Jacobs) (2022): Defined Global CSV Strategy for new-build capital projects. * Cognizant (2021): Project Director for Life Sciences MES projects. * Takeda, Germany (2020): Managed complex L2/L3 Automation Upgrade (150 systems, S7-1500). * Janssen (JnJ), Belgium (2016–2019): Led Automation & CSV workstreams for DeltaV SM API facility. Interim Leadership Projects (2012–2016): * Dr. Reddy’s: Principal SME (Siemens PCS 7 remediation). * Bio Products Laboratory: Site Automation SME (Aseptic Filling). * Dynavax, Germany: Interim Automation Manager. * Fluor Ltd: Project Manager (E, I & A) for Carbon Fibre facility. * MSD: Principal Consultant (Site Strategy).

  • PM Group (Global)
    • Global Principal Specialist - Automation MES & CSV - Life Sciences
      Nov 2010 - Dec 2011 · 1 yr 2 mos

      Principal Automation Specialist - Global Technology Group & Business Manager Automation & Information Systems (AIS) Business Key Responsibilities; • Multi-disciplined Projects – Technical Consultancy - Project Execution • Multi-disciplined Projects – Technical Consultancy - Business Development • Systems Integration Projects - Project Management and Technical Leadership • Systems Integration Projects - Business Development • Development of PM Group Automation Strategic Direction • Global responsibility for Automation and MES System Services.

    • Business Unit Director - Automation, Instruments, MES & CSV
      Nov 2008 - Oct 2010 · 2 yrs

      • Formed and managed the Business with full P&L responsibility • Project, Resource & Overhead Management • Technical Consultancy & Leadership • Achieved ISO 9001:2008, TickIT 5 Guide Certification within 5 months • Achieved Certified Solution Partner Accreditation with Siemens, Wonderware, ABB & Rockwell * Achieved approved preferred supplier to GSK, Sanofi, and Weyerhaeuser.

  • Business Unit(s) Director - Automation, MES, CSV & CQV - Manufacturing & Life Sciences Europe at Fluor
    Jan 1999 - Oct 2008 · 9 yrs 10 mos

    Business Unit Director - Process Automation Group (PAG) – Manufacturing and Life Sciences Europe (promoted to Technical Director from Engineering Manager in March 2001) Business Unit Director - Fluor’s Regulatory Compliance, Commissioning and Validation Group (RCCV) – Manufacturing and Life Sciences UK Formed and grew the Process Automation Group (PAG) to 25 engineers: * Secured Solution Partner certification with Siemens, Rockwell, Wonderware, and ABB Automation. * Established unit as approved preferred supplier to GSK, Sanofi, Wyeth, and Novo Nordisk. * Project Director (GSK): Biopharma Process Development Control & SCADA System. Key Projects: • Technical Consultant - Greater Gabbard Offshore Wind Farm • Project Director - GlaxoSmithKline, Beckenham - GMP Data Acquisition System • Project Manager - Sanofi-Aventis, Dagenham - Process Control System Replacement • Project Manager - GlaxoSmithKline, Beckenham and Stevenage - Biopharmaceutical Development Data Acquisition System and Control System • Automation Team Manager - Novo Nordisk Engineering, Denmark - Insulin Bulk Plant (Fermentation Process) • Project Manager – GlaxoWellcome, Dartford - Environmental Monitoring System • Automation Consultant - Elan Pharmaceuticals, Athlone Ireland - Secondary Facility • Automation Consultant - GlaxoWellcome, Singapore - Bulk Pharmaceutical Facility • Lead Engineer - Warner Lambert, Cork, Ireland - Bulk Pharmaceutical Facility

  • Technical Consultant (Project Execution) & Operations Manager - Systems Control Group at John Brown Engineers & Constructors
    Jan 1992 - Dec 1998 · 7 yrs

    • Member of the Systems Control Group Management Team • Responsible for all Standalone System Integration Projects & Proposals • Key Projects: - Team Leader EI&C, Kraft Jacobs Suchard Freeze Dried Coffee Plant, Banbury - Lead Engineer, Quorn II, Technical Consultant, Quorn III, Marlow Foods (Zeneca - ICI), Billingham - Lead Engineer, GSK Biology Pilot Plant, Stevenage

  • Siemens (13 yrs 5 mos)
    • Technical Project Manager - Automation Engineering
      Aug 1986 - Dec 1991 · 5 yrs 5 mos

      • Key Projects: - Engineering Project Manager, ICI Melinex 71 (Polyester Film Line), Japan - Lead Engineer, Manchester Airport, T1 & T3 Departures Baggage Sortation Systems - Lead Engineer, Heathrow Airport T4 Arrivals Baggage Sortation Systems - 15 months secondment to Siemens AG, DCS for Power Station

    • Siemens Sponsored Undergraduate Trainee
      Oct 1982 - Jul 1986 · 3 yrs 10 mos

      • Three, six month training periods: - Automation Engineering - Product Design & Development (VSDs, Satellite Amplifiers) - Customer Training Centre (PLC, HMI & DCS)

    • Siemens Technician Apprentice (Electronic and Electrical)
      Aug 1978 - Sep 1982 · 4 yrs 2 mos

      • 4 Year EITB Certified Apprenticeship: - Year 1, South Cheshire College - Mechanical, Fabrication, Welding, Electrical & Electronics - Years 2, 3 & 4, Assigments in various Business Units - LV and MV Switchgear Manufacture & Test; Military Teleprinter Assembly and Test; Service Centre; Automation Engineering and Sales; HR; Customer Training Centre