DevOps Lead

Job Title: DevOps Lead (Contract) Location: Limerick Work Model: Fully Onsite Role Overview We are seeking an experienced and proactive DevOps Lead to define, implement, and continuously enhance DevOps practices, delivery processes, and automation strategies across enterprise software platforms. This role will play a key part in driving CI/CD adoption, infrastructure automation, environment management, and release excellence within a highly regulated manufacturing environment. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with software engineering, testing, quality, infrastructure, and business teams to ensure efficient, secure, and scalable software delivery. A strong software engineering background is essential, with experience across the full Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), including design, development, testing, deployment, and support. Experience supporting Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) or other enterprise manufacturing applications would be advantageous. Key Responsibilities Define and lead the DevOps strategy, standards, tools, and best practices across enterprise applications.Design, develop, and maintain robust CI/CD pipelines to support automated build, testing, deployment, and release processes.Manage and optimize DevOps toolchains, including source control, build automation, release management, monitoring, and environment provisioning.Establish and enforce branching strategies, code review processes, deployment standards, and release governance.Collaborate with software development, quality, infrastructure, and third-party vendors to streamline software delivery and operational processes.Lead environment management activities, ensuring consistency, traceability, and configuration control across development, test, validation, and production environments.Implement monitoring, alerting, logging, and observability solutions to improve platform performance and operational visibility.Drive quality-focused DevOps practices by integrating automated testing and quality gates into deployment pipelines.Support validation, change management, audit readiness, and compliance activities within a regulated environment.Manage infrastructure provisioning and automation to ensure secure, scalable, and resilient solutions.Continuously identify opportunities to improve deployment frequency, release quality, system reliability, and operational efficiency.Act as the technical escalation point for complex infrastructure, deployment, and automation challenges.Provide technical leadership and mentorship to DevOps and engineering teams. Required Experience & Qualifications Strong background in Software Engineering, Application Development, or Software Delivery.Proven experience in a DevOps Lead, Senior DevOps Engineer, or similar technical leadership role.Hands-on experience designing and implementing CI/CD pipelines within enterprise environments.Strong experience with Azure DevOps, Jenkins, GitHub Actions, GitLab CI/CD, or similar DevOps platforms.Experience with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools such as Terraform, Ansible, or equivalent.Strong understanding of SDLC, release management, version control, configuration management, and deployment methodologies.Experience managing multiple application environments and deployment lifecycles.Proficiency in scripting and automation using PowerShell, Python, Bash, or similar technologies.Demonstrated experience developing DevOps strategies, roadmaps, and automation frameworks.Experience working within regulated industries such as Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology, Medical Device, Healthcare, or Manufacturing environments.Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. Desirable Experience Experience supporting Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) or enterprise manufacturing applications.Knowledge of Computer System Validation (CSV), GAMP 5, and GxP compliance requirements.Experience with containerization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes.Understanding of enterprise system integrations including ERP, LIMS, Manufacturing Systems, and Data Historians.Familiarity with cybersecurity, vulnerability management, and infrastructure security best practices.Experience supporting cloud-based or hybrid infrastructure environments. Key Skills DevOps Strategy & LeadershipCI/CD Pipeline DevelopmentAzure DevOpsJenkinsGitHub ActionsInfrastructure as Code (Terraform, Ansible)PowerShellPythonBashRelease ManagementEnvironment ManagementAutomation FrameworksSDLCApplication DeploymentCloud TechnologiesDockerKubernetesMonitoring & ObservabilityChange ControlComputer System Validation (CSV)GxP ComplianceMES Systems (Preferred) This is an excellent opportunity for a senior DevOps professional to lead automation, infrastructure, and software delivery initiatives within a complex and highly regulated enterprise environment while driving best-in-class DevOps practices across multiple technology platforms.