Director, Automation Region Americas

Freudenberg • Farmington Hills, MI

16h

About The Position

This role leads the development and implementation of the Americas Automation roadmap and strategy in collaboration with Plants and Business Units. It involves establishing governance for automation project selection, justification, ROI, and capital planning. The position requires collaboration with regional and Plant Process Engineering Leads and Technical Experts to drive process improvement initiatives, focusing on advanced automation technologies. Key metrics will be developed to track process performance and identify areas for improvement, including evaluating the effectiveness of automation solutions. The role also involves leading and participating in project teams for new product and process implementation, with an emphasis on integrating advanced automation. Ensuring the reliable operation of automation and control systems, including obsolescence management and upgrade planning, is crucial. The Director will drive the harmonization and replication of best practice automation solutions across all plants and evaluate emerging automation, digitization, and AI/ML technologies for manufacturing environments. Collaboration with Purchasing and Suppliers to evaluate vendors, manage integrators, and optimize value from automation partners is also a key responsibility.

Requirements

• Bachelors / Masters degree in Engineering.
• At least 15 years in Process / Manufacturing or Industrial Engineering.
• Strong experience in Automation and Standardization.
• Experience in Project Management.

Nice To Haves

• knowledge of rubber to metal manufacturing (vulcanization mold design, assembly equipment design) desired.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of the Americas Automation roadmap and strategy together with Plants and Business Units.
• Establish governance for automation project selection, justification, ROI and capital planning.
• Collaborate with regional and Plant Process Engineering Leads and Technical Experts to develop and implement process improvement initiatives across the organization with a strong focus on advanced automation technologies.
• Develop and maintain key metrics to track process performance and identify areas for improvement, including the evaluation of the effectiveness of implemented automation solutions.
• Lead and participate in project teams to implement new products and processes, with a focus on the integration of advanced automation solutions.
• Ensure reliable operation of automation and control systems, including obsolescence management and upgrade planning.
• Drive harmonization and replication of best practice automation solutions across all plants.
• Evaluate emerging automation, digitization, and AI/ML technologies and determine applicability for manufacturing environments.
• Collaborate with Purchasing and Suppliers to evaluate vendors, manage integrators, and optimize value from automation partners.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees