Senior Automation Maturity Specialist

General Motors • Warren, MI

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Role The Sr. Automation Maturity Specialist is a recognized professional in supplier automation assessment and manufacturing optimization. This role leads strategic initiatives to evaluate and elevate supplier automation capabilities, with a focus on material handling, material flow, and integration with GM’s industrialization and sourcing strategies. The specialist serves as a key interface between suppliers, Industrialization teams, Purchasing Program Management (PPM), Product Program Cost Optimization (PPCO) and direct purchasing, driving cross-functional alignment and execution. This position requires independent judgment, strategic thinking, and the ability to influence change across the organization. What You’ll Do Lead complex assessments of supplier automation maturity using GM-defined frameworks and advanced analytics. Develop and implement automation maturity strategies that align with GM’s long-term operational goals. Evaluate and optimize supplier material handling and material flow systems to support cost and efficiency targets. Facilitate high-impact workshops and improvement plans with suppliers to address automation gaps. Act as a strategic liaison between suppliers, industrialization, PPM, PPCO and direct purchasing Support sourcing and negotiation strategies through data-driven insights on supplier automation capabilities. Mentor junior specialists and guide cross-functional teams in automation maturity best practices. Present strategic recommendations to senior leadership and drive adoption across global teams. Own the development and continuous improvement of GM’s automation maturity model and supplier evaluation processes.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing, automation systems, industrial engineering, supplier development, supply chain, or purchasing.
• Working knowledge of automation technologies including robotics, PLCs, MES, and smart manufacturing systems, with exposure to WMS and ERP environments.
• Strong understanding of material handling and material flow optimization in complex manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence senior stakeholders.
• Advanced analytical skills proficiency in tools such as Power BI, Excel, and data modeling.
• Excellent communication, consulting, and strategic problem-solving skills.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally to supplier locations (up to 50%).

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in engineering, manufacturing, automation, supply chain, purchasing, procurement, logistics or related technical field.
• Experience with automation maturity models, Industry 4.0, or digital manufacturing assessments.
• Post-graduate education preferred.
• Exposure to lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Project management experience in cross-functional or supplier-facing roles.
• Experience in purchasing or purchasing program management, including supplier negotiations and sourcing strategies.
• Experience in mentoring and developing talent within technical teams.
• Familiarity with global manufacturing practices and automation trends.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex assessments of supplier automation maturity using GM-defined frameworks and advanced analytics.
• Develop and implement automation maturity strategies that align with GM’s long-term operational goals.
• Evaluate and optimize supplier material handling and material flow systems to support cost and efficiency targets.
• Facilitate high-impact workshops and improvement plans with suppliers to address automation gaps.
• Act as a strategic liaison between suppliers, industrialization, PPM, PPCO and direct purchasing
• Support sourcing and negotiation strategies through data-driven insights on supplier automation capabilities.
• Mentor junior specialists and guide cross-functional teams in automation maturity best practices.
• Present strategic recommendations to senior leadership and drive adoption across global teams.
• Own the development and continuous improvement of GM’s automation maturity model and supplier evaluation processes.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level