Warehouse Automation Manager- (CI Engineering)

The Continuous Improvement Manager-Warehouse Automation will be responsible for developing and managing the strategy for automation within our warehouse facilities. This role requires a strong leader who can oversee projects from conception through implementation, ensuring continuous improvement in warehouse operations through advanced technical solutions. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in warehouse automation, project management, and a collaborative approach to teamwork.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Strategy Development: Design and implement the automation strategy for warehouse operations, identifying opportunities for increased efficiency, accuracy, and cost reduction.

Project Management: Lead automation projects from planning through execution, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget while meeting all operational requirements.

Team Leadership: Manage and train a team of automation specialists and engineers, providing guidance and support in their day-to-day activities and professional development, including timely completion of performance appraisals, interviewing, and hiring. Delegate responsibilities and projects to the automation team and ensure the team is held responsible for assigned duties and daily tasks

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with IT, operations, logistics, and other departments to assess current processes, define requirements, and identify automation solutions that align with business goals.

Vendor Relations: Engage with technology vendors, assessing and selecting automation technologies (such as robotics, automated guided vehicles, and inventory management systems), and managing contracts and relationships.

Performance Monitoring: Analyze the performance of automated systems, using data to drive improvements and ensure that all solutions meet the established KPIs. Capability to manage performance metrics spanning 8+ systems onsite.

Continuous Improvement: Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies, applying best practices in automation to enhance warehouse efficiency and productivity continuously.

Risk Management: Identify potential risks associated with automation projects and develop mitigation strategies to minimize impacts on operations. Ensure emergency and unscheduled repairs of production equipment are completed in a timely manner.

System Knowledge: Effectively troubleshoot technical issues between systems onsite (controls, WES & WMS. Proficiency in supporting the management of escalation tickets to vendors as a Level 1 contact for the site.

Software System Usage: Experience deploying CMMS software (work order maintenance system) such as MaintainX. Knowledgeable and prior experience with vendor-based systems, i.e., JBT, AGVs, Synq Swisslog WES, and CDLR conveyor system maintenance and controls.

Safety Compliance: Ensure that all health and safety regulations are met. Understand and enforce all OSHA and plant safety rules.

Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Logistics, or a related field.

Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in warehouse operations, with at least 1-3 years in a leadership role focused on automation.

AGV (Automated Guided Vehicles) experience would be helpful.

Strong knowledge of Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and automated technologies (Manhattan, robotics, conveyor systems, etc.).

Proficient in Microsoft skills - Excel and PowerPoint

Proven project management experience with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Exceptional problem-solving and analytical skills, with a results-oriented mindset.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of influencing at all levels of the organization.

Excellent technical and mechanical troubleshooting skills.

Strong managerial acumen and the ability to effectively direct others

Ability to work in high-pressure situations

Performs other duties and responsibilities as required by the role and determined by management