Sr Manager, Automation Deployment

What you’ll Do

• Responsible for leading the strategic planning, execution, and governance of all commissioning, testing, and system integration activities across Americold’s new-build and retrofit automation programs.
• Work with automation and software suppliers, focusing on new or retrofitted automation, managing all facets of the interior installs of cold storage facilities.
• Oversee Quality Assurance reviews with operations and supporting technical specification docs received from automation system providers concerning PLC/WES/WCS/WMS.
• Function as a subject matter expert across software systems (WES/WCS), controls, mechatronics, and hardware/devices, applying best practices to improve facility operations and business processes through sustained automation / mechanical reliability, and analytics/metrics development-reporting.
• Lead all major PLC/WES/WCS/WMS and other system conversions to ensure defect-free launches for automated warehouses.
• Understand and troubleshoot any problems in integration of mechanical, electrical, or controls systems to enable rate and cycle time.
• Lead enterprise integration and commissioning strategy for automated and semi-automated sites.
• Own field installation, testing, and troubleshooting through go-live and ramp-up.
• Lead integration of mechanical and software systems for new, or modify existing, automated machinery to enable automation of distribution processes for inbound, picking, and outbound operations.
• Direct the development and execution project work plans, commissioning schedules, and transition plans in cooperation with the Americold PM & operations teams AND the Automation Supplier commissioning teams.
• Provide oversight and expertise for mechanical, electrical, controls, and software integration.
• Ensure the active development, maintenance, and documentation of all PLC/WES/WCS/WMS processes and procedures, adhering to Americold Operating System standards and including Standard Operating Procedures and/or customer-specific processes and procedures.
• Review the design of electrical panels, controls interfaces, inline conveyor hardware designs (sensors, scanners, blade stops, photo eyes, etc.), maintenance tablet functionality, e-stop circuitry, and safety protocols.
• Lead, advise, and train associates on the project team assigned during startup of an automated project.
• Oversee installation to ensure all controls hardware is mounted properly, devices function in the manner intended, and devices are accessible easily by maintenance.
• Review the design of electrical panels, controls interfaces, inline conveyor hardware designs (sensors, scanners, blade stops, photo eyes, etc.), maintenance tablet functionality, e-stop circuitry, and safety protocols.
• Ensure Americold deadlines are met, KPI performance metrics are achieved and work with the program manager to adhere to budget and schedule.
• Ensure successful site launch working side by side with the Project Engineering Manager, Systems Engineer, Integration Manager, and the Commissioning Manager.
• Work with the local and regional operations / maintenance teams to ensure smooth transition.
• Lead Operational Readiness Tests, working with site analysts, project managers, and super-users internal and from external OEM vendors to run all simulations and scripts required to support successful launches and turnovers.
• Support Americold’s local and regional operations and maintenance teams pre- and post-go-live to ensure training, acceptance, ownership, spare parts management, and preventive maintenance occurs for all automated systems.
• Lead, Mentor, Supervise and develop systems integration and commissioning managers, functioning as a working lead.

  What Experience and Education You Need

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechatronics, and/or equivalent experience in Mechatronics/Automation.
  • 12+ years of site implementation experience and leadership for automated, complex sites.
  • Experience in managing large systems and physical programs including PLC/WES/WCS/WMS conversions, launch, automation go-lives, and/or labor management implementations.
  • Knowledge of PLC/ladder logic troubleshooting, coding, and best practices.
  • Experience in directly or indirectly leading a team of systems, integration, and/or commissioning field engineers.
  • Proficient computer skills; experience in all MS Office Professional applications, AS400, Red Prairie/JDA/Blue Yonder WMS, WCS/WES applications, LMS, 3D CAD.
  • Knowledge of WES/WCS/WMS systems and controls communication hardware, protocols, integration standards, and documentation.
  • Proficient with data mining; SQL/database query/extraction, Cobra, Excel, and Power BI.
  • Techically advanced in managing warehouse management and execution systems, implementations, and PLC controls.
  • Technical skills in engineering, management, quality assurance, and costing required.
  • Must be able to travel at an estimated 75-85% of the time to support projects.

  What Could Set You Apart

  • 10+ years’ experience in Engineering and/or Automation Operations preferred.
  • Systems Engineering and ongoing site support is a plus.
  • Project Management certification a plus.
  • Extended travel, including weekends, may be required during critical times such as facility launches.
  • Ability to communicate professionally, both written and verbally with individuals at all levels of the organization, external contacts, customers, and potential customers.
  • Demonstrates a results-based leadership style with strong impact and influencing skills.
  • Ability to communicate effectively to direct and motivate team and others, maintaining a persuasive and credible presentation style at all levels of the organization.
  • Strong financial acumen and business savvy.
  • Strong problem-solving and resolution skills.
  • Progressive, flexible, and team-oriented approach desired.
  • Possess a proactive approach with strong customer service orientation.
  • Demonstrates uncompromising level of integrity and code of ethics and maintain a high degree of confidentiality.

  Physical Requirements

  • Requires the ability to sit for long periods of time, with frequent interruptions.
  • Requires several hours per day of sitting, getting up and down from chairs, and reaching, or bending.
  • Requires manual dexterity with normal hand and finger movements for typical office work.
  • Talking, hearing, and seeing are important elements of completing assigned tasks.
  • May require travel by automobile and airplane for business.
  • May require visits to warehouse operations in temperatures at or below freezing.
  • May require carrying loads related to travel and the occasional lifting, carrying, positioning, and/or moving of objects weighing up to 20 pounds.
  • Requires the use of various electronic tools.

  The Company’s good-faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting for this position is $135,000- $169,000 annually. Rate may vary based on work location.

  What We Offer

  • At Americold, we believe in taking care of our people. We offer benefits designed to support your health, financial well-being, and future.
  • Our associates know what’s in it for them – opportunity, purpose and a values-driven culture.
  • When you join Americold, you become part of a mission to help our customers feed the world.
  • U.S. Only: Americold offers a range of benefits, including medical/dental/vision insurance, STD/LTD coverage, 401(k) with Company match, FSA, life insurance, EAP, and paid time off, some of which may vary depending on the particular position and whether it is covered by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA).