Director of Industrial Controls & Automation - Jonesboro, AR (Onsite)

Hytrol Conveyor•Jonesboro, AR

14d•Onsite

About The Position

Hytrol is seeking a Director of Industrial Controls & Automation to lead their Industrial Controls business. This role involves shaping the future of automation in the material handling industry by leading Controls Engineering, Electrical Design, the UL508A Certified Panel Shop, and technology development. The Director will provide visible, engaged, and consistent onsite leadership, focusing on employee development, operational support, relationship building, talent development, accountability, and collaboration. The position balances technical excellence with business growth through competitive product development, business expansion, operational improvement, and strengthening Hytrol's industry leadership. Collaboration with various departments and integration partners is key to delivering innovative automation solutions.

Requirements

Minimum of 10 years of industrial controls or automation experience
Minimum of 5 years leading engineering teams
Demonstrated leadership experience in industrial controls, automation, or a related engineering environment
Experience leading engineering teams and cross-functional technical organizations
Experience with industrial PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, industrial networking, and safety systems
Strong understanding of control system architecture and engineering best practices
Strong financial and business acumen
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Proven ability to develop talent, build collaborative relationships, and lead organizational improvement

Nice To Haves

UL508A experience
Background in the material handling industry
Knowledge of warehouse automation systems
Familiarity with Industrial Ethernet protocols
Understanding of cybersecurity for industrial controls

Responsibilities

Develop and execute the long-term strategy for Hytrol's Industrial Controls business
Identify opportunities to increase controls-related revenue and profitability
Develop new products, software, and automation solutions that differentiate Hytrol in the marketplace
Build and maintain the technology roadmap for industrial controls while evaluating emerging technologies including PLC platforms, motion control, safety systems, and AI-enabled automation
Support Business Development by meeting with Integration Partners, participating in strategic customer presentations and technical workshops, identifying new product opportunities, and supporting pricing strategies and product positioning
Lead Controls Engineering, Electrical Design, Control System Architecture, Control Standards, Software Standards, Safety System Design, Electrical Documentation, and Product Standardization
Establish engineering standards and best practices while ensuring scalable, maintainable control architectures and improving engineering productivity, design quality, and reliability
Provide leadership for the UL508A Certified Panel Shop by ensuring high-quality panel construction, improving throughput and efficiency, maintaining UL508A compliance, supporting manufacturing schedules, improving labor productivity, managing component selection and standardization, and supporting cost reduction initiatives
Lead the development of next-generation controls platforms while improving existing controls products through hardware and software standardization, improved manufacturability, increased reliability, cost reduction, and ease of commissioning
Recruit, develop, mentor, and retain high-performing employees while building a culture of accountability and continuous improvement
Conduct performance reviews, foster cross-functional collaboration, and promote servant leadership throughout the organization
Partner with Business Development, Integration Partners, and end users to support strategic sales opportunities, major customer projects, and complex technical issues
Represent Hytrol at trade shows and industry events while presenting new technologies and automation solutions