Sr. Manager Manufacturing Automation

Rite-Hite • Dubuque, IA

61d • Hybrid

About The Position

Rite-Hite is seeking a Senior Manager of Manufacturing Automation & Project Leadership to help drive modernization initiatives with a dual focus on advanced automation and strategic project management across our manufacturing sites. In this role, you will establish and scale a Fabrication Center of Excellence, oversee automation roadmaps, and ensure projects are executed on time, within scope, and aligned to long-term strategic goals. By combining technical expertise with project leadership, you will accelerate digital manufacturing maturity and ensure seamless collaboration across engineering, operations, and supply chain teams. Location: Hybrid - preferred location is out of our corporate headquarters in Milwaukee, WI. We are also open to candidates based out of one of our manufacturing facilities in Horn Lake, MS; Dubuque, IA; or Clare, MI. Travel: Up to 50%

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree required, degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering preferred.
• 8+ years in manufacturing engineering, automation, or industrial systems, with demonstrated project management leadership.
• Proven record of delivering large-scale automation or fabrication projects on time and within budget.
• Strong knowledge of automation technologies, controls, and systems integration.
• Experience with digital manufacturing platforms (MES, SCADA, IoT) and project management software (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet).
• Skilled in project portfolio management, risk assessment, and make-vs-buy analyses.
• Visionary and strategic thinker with strong execution discipline.
• Exceptional communication skills to drive clarity in project objectives and results.
• Proven ability to lead organizational change and inspire high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Mange automation programs using project management disciplines to ensure scalability, budget adherence, and timely delivery.
• Coordinate the implementation of cutting-edge technologies (robotics, PLCs, vision systems, AGVs) through structured project phases - from feasibility through deployment.
• Oversee project governance for integrating fabrication into automation roadmaps, ensuring alignment with enterprise strategy.
• Partner with operations leaders to project planning and execution for facility expansions, ensuring automation and fabrication integration is scoped, tracked, and delivered effectively.
• Lead cross-functional project teams responsible for capital equipment selection, vendor coordination, and system integration.
• Develop project dashboards to communicate ROI, scalability, and risk management strategies to executive stakeholders.
• Champion digital transformation projects (MES, IoT), ensuring clear implementation of roadmaps, defined KPIs, and transparent reporting.
• Use project management tools and methodologies (Agile, Stage-Gate, etc.) to structure the rollout of connected platforms.
• Promote a culture of data-driven decision-making, embedding continuous improvement into every project lifecycle.
• Serve as a project portfolio leader, ensuring automation, fabrication, and sourcing initiatives are sequenced and resourced appropriately.
• Influence cross-functional teams by providing both technical and project management leadership to ensure accountability.
• Manage external partners, consultants, and technology providers through structured project contracts and performance reviews.

Benefits

• Rite-Hite provides competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package with medical, dental, and vision coverage along with life and paid medical leave.
• We also provide a retirement savings plan that combines 401(K) with company match and profit sharing.
• Paid holidays, vacation, and up to five paid personal/sick days per year round out the package.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Industry: Machinery Manufacturing
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees