Automation Engineering Manager

Flora Food Group•Hugoton, KS

7d•Onsite

About The Position

About Flora Food Group We offer consumers a compelling choice in four growing categories: butters and spreads, creams, liquids and cheeses. We hold leadership positions in many of the 100 countries we operate in, with iconic brands including Flora, Becel+ProActiv, Blue Band, Country Crock, I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter, Rama, and Violife, together with our local brands and Professional business. Global branded food champion Flora Food Group, offers the next generation of delicious, natural, nutritious food. Our products are more affordable and more sustainable than their dairy equivalents. Location: Hugoton, Kansas About the Role As Automation Engineering Manager , you will lead the delivery of the regionally agreed Executive Committee (ExCo) capital investment program related to automation systems and production applications . This role is critical in driving engineering excellence, ensuring safe and compliant project execution, and advancing automation capabilities across the Americas region. You will act as a key partner to the Americas Lead Engineering Manager, managing automation-related capital projects from concept through handover, and ensuring alignment with Flora Food Group's Engineering, Quality, and Safety standards.

Requirements

5+ years of experience in FMCG or a related manufacturing industry
Proven track record delivering automation implementation and integration projects
Strong experience in project engineering and/or project management
Demonstrated accountability for project outcomes and ability to provide clear leadership and direction
Excellent communication and coordination skills , both written and verbal
Willingness and flexibility to travel within North America

Responsibilities

Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of the Automation Engineering strategy across the region
Support the Americas Lead Engineering Manager in defining project priorities and resource planning for automation initiatives
Manage automation-related capital projects to ensure they are: Properly planned and governed Delivered safely, on time and in full (OTIF) Executed strictly within approved budgets Successfully handed over to the respective Sourcing Unit teams
Maintain and optimize Hugoton OT and MES systems , including those supporting ScMM
Take full accountability for project delivery within your scope, leveraging: Local Global Engineering teams Central Global Engineering resources External EPCM partners, based on feasibility and urgency
Provide technical input and approval for regional capital investment proposals prior to submission to the Global Engineering Director
Ensure all projects comply with: Flora Food Group Engineering and QA standards Local regulatory, safety, and statutory requirements
Actively identify and deploy new automation technologies and methodologies to improve efficiency, accuracy, productivity, and sustainability across the global supply chain
Demonstrate visible leadership in project safety, health, and environmental stewardship , leading by example
Contribute to the development of engineering talent within the region through coaching, mentoring, and knowledge sharing
Build strong, long-term relationships with preferred suppliers and contractors , in collaboration with Procurement, to ensure reliability and cost optimization