Sr Manager, Automation

United Natural Foods Inc•Providence, RI

58d•$100,200 - $193,400•Remote

About The Position

The Sr. Manager of Distribution Automation will be directly responsible for delivering operational sustainability and full life cycle management of automation solutions across the network. This role provides end-to-end ownership of automation systems, offering strategic direction in continuous improvement, planning, analysis, solution sizing, and design phases. The Sr. Manager will lead and oversee both process and project management initiatives, ensuring successful implementation, delivery, and long-term performance of automation investments. This position will manage automation projects valued at up to $75M+ in capital investment, often overseeing multiple initiatives concurrently. The Sr. Manager will coordinate and direct work across national, regional, and local operational teams, while also providing strategic leadership to third-party partners. Success in this role requires the ability to influence across diverse stakeholder groups, lead large cross-functional teams, and build strong collaborative relationships to deliver a world-class automation experience that meets or exceeds all established objectives and KPIs.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, supply chain or related field, or equivalent work experience
5+ years of experience in distribution operations including mechanization and/or automated environments
3+ year of experience with project management preferred
Knowledge of PMP or standard project delivery methodology a plus
Demonstrated success implementing warehouse automation and control systems, and managing third party vendors
Technical expertise related to mechanical engineering, automated material handling and equivalent controls and software knowledge
Ownership of key account relationships, overseeing capital investments exceeding $25 million
Demonstrated success achieving operational goals, KPIs, and driving continuous improvement in an automated warehouse environment
Knowledge of supply chain and controls systems, including but not limited to Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Warehouse Controls Systems (WCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), and other related technological systems
Successful background with distribution operations processes including mechanization and automation technology
LEAN six sigma, continuous improvement, and /or industrial engineering methodologies experience
Experience creating process flows outlining associate/automation interaction, writing SOP's and technical training documentation
Demonstrated skill and knowledge with the integration and installation of automated and mechanized technologies, including integration to WMS, WCS and other warehouse technologies
Knowledge of building and facility maintenance practices including automation systems
Background with building construction, codes, and compliance, including fire suppression, pneumatics, and electrical. Ability to understand drawings, and communicate effectively with third-party providers regarding these topics
Proven ability to effectively manage third-party relationships, driving accountability and delivering results. Experience with vendor selection, negotiation, and on-going management a plus
Experience creating business case models, calculating return on investment, IRR and NPS; understanding of financial/accounting principles and operational budgeting
Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Excel, Word, Project, PowerPoint, AutoCAD and BI software platforms
Excellent interpersonal and communications skills; ability to communicate at all levels of an organization
Ability to lead, collaborate and influence others across multiple cross-functional teams with varied backgrounds and experiences
Strong problem-solving skills; ability to analyze and draw conclusions from data and experience
Proven competency utilizing innovative thinking, thought diversity, experience and problem-solving methodology to navigate change, obstacles, and achieve desired outcomes
Relationship builder, able to establish strong partnerships, both internally as well as with third-party entities
Ability to multi-task, manage priorities, adhere to timelines while delivering high-quality results that deliver on automation needs; takes initiative to set and achieve goals and objectives
Strong drive and self-starter; well organized
Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available.

Nice To Haves

MBA preferred, but not required in lieu of years of relevant experience

Responsibilities

Responsible for total life ownership for all automation and mechanization solutions, including planned life-cycle management, run-state performance and continuous improvement, and system optimization
Ensure all project goals and measured KPI's are met, including safety and quality
Create sustainable and repeatable automation solutions through the development of installation and quality standards, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) documentation, user training and maintenance manuals, vendor KPIs and requirements, and other documents as needed
Provide project oversight and vendor management to automation vendors during project execution. This will include managing timelines and milestones, overseeing installation, functional and technical integration, commissioning and testing, and operational training and launch support, and run-state guidance to drive performance
Effectively lead and organize other cross-functional teams in support of automation team needs, including IT, finance, solutions design, local site and regional operations, transportation and others as needed
Oversee intake of new projects, and drive, as a key stakeholder, the development of the project justification, including cost analysis and savings identification. Provide input to preliminary system sizing and design, vendor selection and proposal for the planned solution
Manage all aspects of project implementation to deliver on-time and on-budget results. This will include coordination of third-party work such as construction, electrical and pneumatics, and fire suppression as well as automation vendor installation, and internal integration
Performs other duties as assigned.

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