Director, Optimization & Automation

Saputo Inc. • Milwaukee, WI

2d

About The Position

At Saputo, we bring good to the table by making high-quality products, investing in our people, and supporting communities around the world . As a top 10 global dairy processor, we value contributions that matter and strive to foster an inclusive, growth-driven work environment. Ready to bring your best? As a key member of the Warehousing Team, this role will lead the strategic development and execution of optimization projects across the internal warehousing network comprise of over 25 warehouse locations nationwide. This role will provide key input into the Supply Chain strategy to ensure that the overall network meets the long-term objectives of SUSA. This role is responsible for identifying and implementing opportunities that enhance safety, labor efficiency, space utilization, automation, and overall operational performance. This role will have the capability to influence beyond direct areas of control, managing complex relationships and stakeholders both internally and externally.

Requirements

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in project management, warehouse and/or site operations
• Degree in Engineering, Supply Chain or equivalent experience
• Ability to travel 50% of the time
• Demonstrated leadership with a focus on team development and empowerment
• Strong financial acumen and ability to build and present business cases for capital expenses
• Highly organized with proven ability to handle multiple coinciding priorities/deliverables
• Strong communication skills (written & verbal)
• Strong MS Office Suite Skills & Experience (Excel, Word, Teams, PPT)

Responsibilities

• Cultivates strong cross-functional partnerships and inspires collaboration among cross functional teams to drive strategic warehouse optimization initiatives.
• Develop and lead warehouse automation and network optimization projects, including AS/RS, AGVs/AMRs, robotics, AI‑enabled systems, and advanced material handling solutions, aligned to divisional supply chain strategy.
• Clearly and persuasively communicates complex automation and network optimization strategies to diverse stakeholders, ensuring alignment and engagement across all levels of the organization.
• Own the end‑to-end lifecycle of large‑scale automation and optimization initiatives—from opportunity identification and business case development through implementation, change management, and sustained benefit realization.
• Build and present executive‑level capital and operating business cases, including ROI, risk, scalability, and multi‑year roadmaps, to influence investment decisions and enterprise prioritization.
• Lead cross‑functional, multi‑site teams and external partners to deliver complex automation, consolidation, and transformation initiatives on time and within scope, proactively managing risk to timelines, cost, and value delivery.
• Champion enterprise change by aligning and partnering with Plant Managers and site leadership to drive successful adoption and long‑term sustainment of automation and optimization initiatives that result in business case delivery.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and disciplined execution by reinforcing standardized project management, CI tools, and governance across the Supply Chain network.
• Effectively oversee project resources, including internal stakeholders and external contractors, to encourage teamwork, enhance collaboration, and accomplish project goals within designated timelines and according to established project plans.
• Manage the day-to-day operational and tactical aspects of multiple projects and review high level deliverables across these projects.
• Identify risks to timelines and business case delivery early to minimize and manage risk to business case delivery.

Benefits

• Development opportunities that enhance you career fulfillment.
• Meaningful compensation & benefits that help you care for your family.
• Opportunities to contribute to your community and enhance the lives of others through Saputo products.

What This Job Offers

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