Construction & Forestry Automation Strategy & Execution Lead

There are over 7 billion people on this planet. And by 2050, there will be 2 billion more... many moving into urban centers at an unprecedented rate. Making sure there is enough food, fiber and infrastructure for our rapidly growing world is what we're all about at John Deere. And it's why we're investing in our people and our technology like never before! Here the world's brightest minds are tackling the world's biggest challenges. If you believe one person can make the world a better place, we'll put you to work. RIGHT NOW. John Deere is an equal opportunity employer, including disabled & veterans. Primary Location: United States (US) - Iowa - Davenport Function: Factory Engineering (CA) Title: Construction & Forestry Automation Strategy & Execution Lead - 123784 Onsite/Remote:Onsite Position Your Responsibilities As a Construction & Forestry Automation Strategy & Execution Lead for John Deere Construction & Forestry located in Davenport, IA, Dubuque, IA, or Kernersvile, NC you will provide divisional leadership for automation strategy, execution governance, standards, capability development, and supplier engagement across the C&F manufacturing network. Your Responsibilities Continued Additionally you will: Lead the C&F divisional automation strategy and multi-year roadmap across the manufacturing network, aligning automation priorities to business transformation goals and future factory capability needsIdentify, evaluate, and prioritize high-value automation opportunities based on business value, scalability, readiness, risk, investment need, and strategic alignmentMaintain and govern a divisional backlog of automation use cases through structured factory demand intake, stakeholder engagement, and prioritization processesEstablish governance processes for automation portfolio management, including prioritization, risk management, funding discipline, transparency, execution accountability, and outcome trackingPartner with factory leadership and cross-functional teams to understand operational challenges, define future-state capabilities, and align automation investments to site and divisional prioritiesDemonstrate strong technical understanding of industrial automation, including robotics, controls, machine connectivity, data integration, OT/IT architecture, smart manufacturing, and emerging automation technologiesDevelop and maintain scalable automation standards, reference architectures, deployment playbooks, and reusable solution patterns to enable consistent execution across multiple factoriesEngage suppliers, integrators, and technology partners to evaluate solutions, define integration approaches, ensure technical alignment, and support deployment at scalePartner closely with the China Technical Automation Lead to accelerate execution of priority automation projects and deliver business transformation outcomes through aligned technical direction, supplier coordination, and external integrator engagementBuild organizational automation capability through coaching, competency development, communities of practice, factory engagement, and knowledge sharingTrack and communicate business outcomes to ensure automation investments deliver measurable value in safety, quality, productivity, cost, delivery, capacity, and operational performance VISA Sponsorship is NOT available for this position What Skills You Need Experience leading automation strategy, roadmap development, or transformation initiatives in a manufacturing or production environmentDemonstrated ability to translate business priorities into automation initiatives with clear scope, value drivers, execution plans, and measurable outcomesStrong understanding of industrial automation technologies, robotics, machine connectivity, controls, data integration, and emerging smart manufacturing capabilitiesExperience developing standards, solution architectures, deployment playbooks, or repeatable methods that support scalable automation implementation across multiple sitesProven ability to build organizational capability through coaching, competency development, communities of practice, and knowledge sharing with factory and technical teamsMonitor industry trends, benchmark peer organizations, and evaluate emerging technologies to inform future automation strategy, supplier partnerships, and capability development What Makes You Standout Experience leading multi-site automation programs or enterprise-level manufacturing transformation initiativesProven ability to scout, evaluate, pilot, and scale new automation technologies across diverse applications such as material handling, assembly, welding, machining, dispensing, and inspectionExperience building supplier ecosystems, preferred integrator models, technology partner relationships, or strategic sourcing approaches for automation deliveryExperience developing competency frameworks, training plans, communities of practice, or technical governance structures for automation and smart manufacturing capabilitiesKnowledge of collaborative automation, autonomous mobile robots, machine vision, perception technologies, industrial connectivity, IoT, data platforms, and Industry 4.0 solution architecturesAbility to connect automation strategy to business case development, capital planning, ROI, cost reduction, capacity improvement, and operational performance outcomes Education Ideally you will have a degree or equivalent related work experience in the following: Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent experience in a related career field What You'll Get At John Deere, you are empowered to create a career that will take you to where you want to go while working in an inclusive team environment. Here, you'll enjoy the freedom to explore new projects, the support to think outside the box and the advanced tools and technology that foster innovation and achievement. Additionally, we offer a comprehensive reward package to help you get started on your new career path, including: Flexible work arrangementsHighly competitive base pay Savings & Retirement benefits (401K and Defined Contribution)Healthcare benefits with a generous company contribution in the Health Savings AccountAdoption assistanceEmployee Assistance ProgramsTuition assistanceFitness subsidies and on-site gyms at specific Deere locationsCharitable contribution matchEmployee Purchase Plan & numerous discount programs for personal useVacation and Holiday Pay $123,804.00 - $185,700.00 + Benefits Follow this link to learn more about our Total Rewards Package https://bit.ly/3XCd8fL Must be 18 years of age or older to apply The information contained herein is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and qualifications required of individuals performing the job. The qualifications detailed in this job description are not considered the minimum requirements necessary to perform the job, but rather as guidelines. The terms of the applicable benefit plans, and all company actions administering or interpreting these plans, continue to control. Deere & Company reserves the right to suspend, amend, modify, or terminate the Plan(s) in any manner at any time, including the right to modify or eliminate any cost-sharing between the company and participants. Changes, which can be made at any time, are made by action of the company's board of directors, or to the extent authorized by resolution of its board of directors, or by the Deere & Company Compensation Committee. In the event of a conflict between the language of the official Plan Documents and this document, the language of the official Plan Documents will control. ACA Section 1557 Nondiscrimination Notice The John Deere Health Benefit Plans for Salaried Employees and The John Deere Benefit Plan for Wage Employees comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability.