Contract Role: IT/OT Network Segmentation Project Manager

Contract: 12-month rolling contract (programme duration ~3 years)
Engagement: Contracting basis
Location: Site-based in Ballina, Mayo

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Project Manager with strong Automation, Software, or IT/OT delivery experience to lead the site-level implementation of an industrial network segmentation programme.

This role focuses on execution and coordination, not cyber security design. You will manage all local projects required to transition the plant from a flat network to a segmented architecture aligned to high-level functional areas (e.g. Dry, Liquids, Warehouse).

You will work at the centre of Automation, IT, OT, vendors, and application owners, ensuring changes are planned, tested, and implemented safely in a live manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Programme & Implementation Leadership

• Own and drive the site-level delivery of network segmentation, coordinating all activities required to execute the approved architecture and security model.

• Act as the single point of control for activities impacting live operations.

• Provide on-site coordination during implementation, testing, and cutover phases.

Planning & Impact Assessment

• Develop and maintain a detailed implementation plan, covering:

  • Manufacturing and business applications

  • PLCs, control systems, and re-IP addressing

  • Infrastructure changes

  • Validation and testing

  • Change windows and rollback strategies

• Identify, track, and coordinate all impacted systems, including:

  • Manufacturing applications

  • PLC logic and communications

  • Data historians, MES, OEE, and reporting systems

  • Interfaces to ERP and external systems

Cross-Functional Delivery

• Work closely with Automation, IT, OT, vendors, and application owners to ensure:

  • Required changes are clearly defined

  • Resources are aligned

  • Activities are scheduled and executed effectively

• Ensure PLC logic updates, application configuration changes, and infrastructure updates required to support segmentation are captured, reviewed, and implemented correctly.

Testing, Cutover & Risk Management

• Coordinate testing, validation, and cutover activities, minimizing production impact.

• Manage dependencies, risks, and constraints across multiple parallel workstreams.

• Escalate issues where required to protect site stability and programme timelines.

Change, Governance & Compliance

• Track and control change management, including approvals, documentation, and execution sequencing.

• Ensure implementation activities align with cybersecurity and compliance requirements, without owning the detailed technical security design or configuration.

Communication & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain clear status reporting, action tracking, and stakeholder communication throughout the programme.

• Capture lessons learned and support the development of repeatable standards and playbooks for future segmentation rollouts.

Required Qualifications

• Level 8 Degree in Engineering or a related field.

Key Skills & Experience

Essential

• Strong Project or Programme Management experience in industrial or manufacturing environments.

• Solid IT/OT knowledge, with hands-on exposure to industrial networks.

• Experience managing automation, software, or OT-focused projects.

• Understanding of PLC-based systems and manufacturing applications.

• Proven ability to coordinate complex change in live production environments.

Highly Desirable

• Background as:

  • A Project Manager with Automation or Software delivery experience, or

  • An Automation Engineer with strong Project Management experience

• Exposure to cybersecurity concepts in industrial environments (beneficial but not essential).

• Experience delivering network segmentation or large-scale OT network changes.