Manager Automation Engineering & Design

Position Summary

The Automation Engineering Manager will lead a team responsible for executing ADUSA's robotics and automation strategy. They will design, implement, and maintain advanced automation solutions to enhance quality and delivery efficiency across the supply chain network.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities (essential functions)

• Lead cross-functional and geographically widespread teams to identify, design, and successfully deliver high-profile automation solutions on-time and under budget while managing a capital budget of up to +$100M annually.
• Develop detailed designs and implementation strategy for automation projects across the supply chain that support and align with ADUSA's supply chain vision.
• Lead the organization in the selection, design, implementation, and maintenance of automation systems and processes.
• Collaborate with leadership and peer organizations in the development and evolution of supply chain strategies and initiatives.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to understand their needs and requirements and ensure they are considered when creating the design.
• Partner with peer organizations to develop business case propositions (benefits, payback, ROI, etc.) for projects.
• Develop and maintain relationships with automation vendors and evaluate new solutions that can drive innovation.
• Act as the owner of support contracts for all robotics, automation, and mechanization within the DC's.
• Collaborate with IT and Operations teams to ensure that automation solutions are integrated into the overall technology landscape and processes.
• Lead and direct external vendors in the design, support, and maintenance of all equipment within the facilities.
• Develop, negotiate, and execute vendor contracts and direct any required internal support in doing so.
• Perform research into new technologies within the industry to determine feasibility and impact to the business.
• Provide leadership that motivates employees and promotes change and growth.
• Provide leadership and support in a constantly changing environment.
• Foster associate engagement, commitment, and enthusiasm, ensuring associates understand their role in the company.
• Responsible for the development, talent planning, and performance management of associates.
• Maintain relationships with key suppliers and vendors, and leverage economies of scale in negotiation.
• Leads communication with internal and external business partners, and the vendor community.

Knowledge

• Highly proficient in AutoCAD (AutoCAD Electrical preferred), Excel, PowerPoint, Visio and other MS Office Products
• Highly proficient and deep working knowledge of the development of engineered labor standards, time and motion studies, project management and project plan development, business case development, capital justification, change management processes, presenting complex data.
• Experience in the design, implementation, commissioning, and maintenance of automation systems; including high volume sortation, conveyor, pick-to-light, ASRS and robotics in a distribution environment required.
• Proficient in the development and interpretation of vendor support contracts to ensure that all scopes of work are completed.
• Technical skills in electrical, mechanical, PLC, WMS/WCS/WES systems and material handling maintenance preferred.

Skills

• Excellent leadership, communication and team building skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to manage capital, occupancy, and support budgets as well as provide regular reporting on progress to budget and forecast changes throughout the fiscal year.
• Ability to communicate project scopes, outcomes, and details to all levels of the organization (executive, middle management, individual contributors, and floor associates).
• Skilled at planning, organizing, and directing teams to deliver projects on-time while supporting operational requirements.
• Highly proficient in and proven ability to read, negotiate, and interpret contract language as well as hold vendors accountable for specific deliverables within their scope.
• Ability to keep up with industry trends through seminars, conferences, webinars, and other knowledge transfer events.
• Source vendors for and negotiate scope of work deliverables within vendor contracts (for both services and support).
• Must be flexible with schedule and hours to oversee and respond to the needs of a 24/7 operation.
• Adhere to all regulatory requirements.

Abilities

• Supervise or manage projects and vendors across multiple sites in fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills; oral & written. Including the ability to comprehend, negotiate, and speak to highly technical documents.
• Ability to think innovatively, communicate effectively, and problem-solve in high-demand environments on tight timelines without oversight or guidance.
• Work needed schedule to perform assigned duties.
• Requires travel - typically 30-40%.

Education

• Minimum: Bachelor's Degree in related field or equivalent combination of education and related work experience.
• Preferred: Experience with organizational change management
• Demonstrated project management expertise.
• Experience with pricing, logistics, retail operations, supply chain, procurement, automation, and distribution.

Experience

• Minimum 7 years of experience in automation and supply chain Engineering roles.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in automation and technology leadership roles.
• Strong financial planning and budgeting experience.
• Cross-functional project leadership experience with a demonstrated ability to build cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated relationship management experience with vendors and third-party consultants.