Director, Warehouse Automation & Capital Projects

Cardinal Health•OH-Ohio-FIELD, OH

1d•Remote

About The Position

Our Global Medical Products and Distribution segment manufactures, sources and distributes Cardinal Health branded medical, surgical and laboratory products, which are sold in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia and other markets. In addition to distributing Cardinal Health branded products, this segment also distributes a broad range of medical, surgical and laboratory products known as national brand products and provides supply chain services and solutions to hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, clinical laboratories and other healthcare providers in the United States and Canada. The Director, Warehouse Automation & Capital Projects is a strategic and execution-focused leader responsible for advancing data-driven initiatives that elevate service performance, operational efficiency, and cost effectiveness across the medical distribution network. This role defines and prioritizes automation and capital investment strategies, builds compelling business cases, and leads disciplined execution through a best-in-class PMO framework. The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience delivering end-to-end warehouse automation, technology enablement, and large-scale capital equipment investment projects—such as forklifts, racking, conveyor systems, heavy-duty shelving, and automated picking solutions—along with repair and maintenance programs. This leader will manage and develop a highly analytical, results-oriented team while partnering cross-functionally to modernize and standardize distribution operations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in related field, or equivalent work experience, preferred
8 + years of progressive supply chain experience, including at least 5 years in leadership roles preferred.
Experience deploying tech enablement, distribution automation and warehouse capital equipment programs.
Ability to influence is high, often requiring the ability to manage complex relationships and drive consensus among stakeholders with competing priorities.
Proficiency with ERP systems (e.g., SAP), WMS, and advanced data analytics/MS Excel tools.
Strong skills in process improvement, LEAN/Six Sigma methodology, and supply chain risk management.
Strong P&L responsibility, budgeting, and financial accountability for large-scale operations.
Demonstrated ability to build, lead, and develop high-performing teams, including managing managers.
Strategic mindset with the ability to design operational improvements, build scalable infrastructure, and enhance productivity metrics.
Exceptional verbal, written, and presentation skills for representing the company to stakeholders and the public.
Expertise in vendor management, contract negotiation, and client relationship management, ability to hold accountable.
The ability to make firm, timely decisions, even in complex or ambiguous situations.
Resilience: Maintaining a positive outlook and adapting to challenges.
Visionary Thinking: Setting a long-term, strategic goal that inspires the team.

Responsibilities

Leads end-to-end Automation Strategy focused on improving Safety, Delivery, Quality, and Cost of our medical distribution network through routine joint process improvement (JPI) / continuous improvement (CI), and total value chain optimization (e.g., load utilization, pack size / dimension optimization, ship point optimization, etc.) achieving short and long-term plans
Partner with IT, Procurement, and site leadership to translate operational pain points into actionable system improvements
Develop and execute the short & long-term automation vision and business case for technology investments, such as [automated guided vehicles (AGVs)] or [robotic picking systems].
Develop and execute short & long-range capital investment plans, including material handling equipment such as forklifts, warehouse racking, conveyor systems, heavy-duty shelving, and automated picking technologies
Build, present, and defend investment recommendations for automation and technology solutions; simplify, standardize, and scale material handling strategies across the network
Lead cross-functional project execution using PMO discipline, including scope definition, resource planning, timelines, risk management, and executive-level reporting
Apply Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to reduce waste, increase velocity, and deliver sustainable, measurable cost savings
Champion innovation, standardization, and continuous improvement across processes, tools, and operating models
Lead, develop, and inspire high-performing team of Managers, Black Belts, and Business Analysts