Senior Plant Technical Manager

About the role

The Senior Plant Technical and Automation Manager is responsible for leading the technical organization across Charlotte Operations, including Distribution Center, Packaging, and Manufacturing functions supporting a 2-shift operation. This role drives a culture of operational excellence by ensuring equipment reliability, developing technical talent, leading continuous improvement initiatives, and delivering operational performance in support of customer, safety, quality, and cost objectives.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop technical teams to ensure equipment readiness and operational reliability in support of customer service, safety, quality, and cost goals.
• Provide leadership across maintenance, engineering, facilities, project management, and capital execution initiatives, including multimillion dollar capital investment projects.
• Drive execution of capital projects from planning through commissioning, qualification, and validation.
• Oversee facility operations and external vendor relationships to ensure effective site support and maintenance services.
• Manage and advise budgetary spending related to maintenance activities, parts inventory, equipment, and technical services.
• Partner cross-functionally with operations and site leadership to plan resources, establish priorities, execute work plans, and resolve operational challenges.
• Establish and govern preventive maintenance strategies that maximize equipment uptime and operational efficiency.
• Develop and implement strategic initiatives focused on process optimization, cost reduction, and equipment improvements.
• Provide hands-on technical leadership and troubleshooting support for manufacturing and operational equipment as needed.
• Build organizational capability through coaching, performance management, succession planning, and technical talent development.
• Use data and analytics to identify opportunities, improve decision-making, and drive continuous improvement efforts.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering; MBA preferred.
• 8-10 years of experience in highly technical roles within a manufacturing or production environment.
• 6-8 years leading technical projects and serving as a subject matter expert.
• PLC programming and troubleshooting experience.
• Strong electrical and mechanical expertise supporting manufacturing equipment and production systems.
• Experience with digital controls troubleshooting and industrial automation systems.
• Ability to modify equipment and processes to improve operational performance and business outcomes.
• Experience directing contractors and equipment installations in accordance with electrical codes, supplier requirements, and technical specifications.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD and similar engineering tools.
• Demonstrated success leading people within fast-paced manufacturing environments, including coaching, performance management, and succession planning.
• Strong business acumen with a willingness to be hands-on and support onsite technical teams when required.
• Experience evaluating, managing, and executing large-scale capital purchases and investments.

Location Requirements

This role is based onsite at our Charlotte, NC facility and requires full-time onsite presence, five days per week.

What Success Looks Like in This Role

• Equipment reliability and technical performance consistently support operational and customer service expectations.
• Preventive maintenance and troubleshooting processes improve uptime and reduce operational disruptions.
• Capital projects are delivered on time, within budget, and achieve expected business outcomes.
• Continuous improvement initiatives drive measurable gains in efficiency, cost savings, and process performance.
• Technical teams are engaged, developed, and building strong bench strength through effective coaching and succession planning.
• Cross-functional partnerships contribute to a high-performing operation focused on safety, quality, and customer satisfaction.

Pay

Base annual salary around 140,000 USD