Area Automation Manager
About The Position
The Area Automation Manager plays a critical role in overseeing and managing the automation systems and technologies within the Missouri and the surrounding states. This role typically involves a combination of technical expertise, management skills, and strategic planning to ensure the effective operation and optimization of automated processes. This role will work with WM's Automation Group to help lead automation activities for all lines of businesses within the company and ensure the automation/controls engineering activities meet the company's objectives. They will be responsible for managing automation systems and assist control system troubleshooting, process modifications, system designs, specifications, and commissioning. This person will be the local liaison between the Automation Group and site contacts, being the first point of contact for any automation issues that may arise. The role includes developing and improving new and existing equipment used in landfills, wastewater treatment plants, bio-gas extraction systems, renewable energy plants, recycling technology, telematics, fleet and organics processing. Individuals must be able to work in a fast past environment and resolve issues on their own. Industrial control wiring, industrial equipment, PLC/HMI programming, and process design knowledge is necessary.
Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED (accredited) and 4 years of relevant work experience with industrial electrical controls, automation, control systems, instrumentation, and process design required.
- 4 years relevant work experience with industrial electrical controls, automation, control systems, instrumentation, and process design in addition to education requirements.
- Candidate must live near a major airport in MO, TN, AR, KS, IA or IL.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor's Degree (accredited) in relevant discipline or in lieu of degree Preferred or
- ISA Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) Preferred or
- Certified Automation Professional (CAP) Preferred
Responsibilities
- Provide Subject Matter Expert (SME) level day-to-day support of all automated and electro-mechanical process control systems used in landfills, wastewater, bio-gas extraction, renewable energy, recycling technology, collections, fleet, telematics and organics processing.
- Provide process optimization expertise and implementation of corporate site automation standard procedures at the Area level
- Lead and coordinate efforts to secure all automation technologies used in waste processing and logistics by overseeing policy compliance, ensuring secure integration of new systems, managing incident responses, and promoting cybersecurity awareness and training among field personnel.
- Oversee the lifecycle management of all operational technology (OT) assets, including SCADA and automation equipment, ensuring accurate inventory, maintenance planning, system reliability, and alignment with cybersecurity and compliance standards across all facilities in the area.
- Implement a roadmap for OT maturity, including technology assessments, gap analysis, and improvement plans.
- Drive the adoption of emerging OT technologies to enhance operational efficiency and reliability.
- Collaborate with IT and OT teams to ensure alignment and effective integration of systems.
- Develop and execute a comprehensive automation strategy aligned with business objectives.
- Support the highly complex automated systems and equipment installed in new and existing facilities.
- Provide automation site support interface with operations personnel, compliance, information systems, engineering, and maintenance. Key to this is the thorough documentation of all data collected and stored in shared work environments.
- Exhibit strong customer communication skills and have technical knowledge of automated and electromechanical process control systems and equipment.
- Training of the local operators and managers on the proper operation of their respective equipment and SCADA system(s)
- Oversee the selection, onboarding, and management of external contractors supporting automation initiatives.
- Ensure contractors align with project goals, deliver quality work, and adhere to company standards and timelines.
- Monitor contractor performance, provide feedback, and address any performance issues.
- Collaborate closely with operations teams to identify automation opportunities, assess feasibility, and prioritize projects.
- Ensure seamless integration of automation solutions into existing operational workflows.
- Provide ongoing support and training to operations teams on automation tools and processes.
- Conduct cost-benefit analysis and ROI assessments for automation projects.
Benefits
- At Waste Management, each eligible employee receives a competitive total compensation package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance and Short Term Disability. As well as a Stock Purchase Plan, Company match on 401K, and more! Our employees also receive Paid Vacation, Holidays, and Personal Days. Please note that benefits may vary by site.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
High school or GED
Number of Employees
5,001-10,000 employees
