Sr Manager, Automation Deployment

What you'll Do:

* Responsible for leading the strategic planning, execution, and governance of all commissioning, testing, and system integration activities across Americold's new-build and retrofit automation programs.

* Work with automation and software suppliers, focusing on new or retrofitted automation, managing all facets of the interior installs of cold storage facilities.

* Oversee Quality Assurance reviews with operations and supporting technical specification docs received from automation system providers concerning PLC/WES/WCS/WMS.

* Function as a subject matter expert across software systems (WES/WCS), controls, mechatronics, and hardware/devices, applying best practices to improve facility operations and business processes through sustained automation / mechanical reliability, and analytics/metrics development-reporting.

* Lead all major PLC/WES/WCS/WMS and other system conversions to ensure defect-free launches for automated warehouses.

* Understand and troubleshoot any problems in integration of mechanical, electrical, or controls systems to enable rate and cycle time.

* Lead enterprise integration and commissioning strategy for automated and semi-automated sites.

* Own field installation, testing, and troubleshooting through go-live and ramp-up.

* Lead integration of mechanical and software systems for new, or modify existing, automated machinery to enable automation of distribution processes for inbound, picking, and outbound operations.

* Direct the development and execution project work plans, commissioning schedules, and transition plans in cooperation with the Americold PM & operations teams AND the Automation Supplier commissioning teams.

* Provide oversight and expertise for mechanical, electrical, controls, and software integration.

* Ensure the active development, maintenance, and documentation of all PLC/WES/WCS/WMS processes and procedures, adhering to Americold Operating System standards and including Standard Operating Procedures and/or customer-specific processes and procedures.

* Review the design of electrical panels, controls interfaces, inline conveyor hardware designs (sensors, scanners, blade stops, photo eyes, etc.), maintenance tablet functionality, e-stop circuitry, and safety protocols.

Lead, advise, and train associates on the project team assigned during startup of an automated project.

* Oversee installation to ensure all controls hardware is mounted properly, devices function in the manner intended, and devices are accessible easily by maintenance.

* Ensure Americold deadlines are met, KPI performance metrics are achieved and work with the program manager to adhere to budget and schedule.

* Ensure successful site launch working side by side with the Project Engineering Manager, Systems Engineer, Integration Manager, and the Commissioning Manager.

* Work with the local and regional operations / maintenance teams to ensure smooth transition.

* Lead Operational Readiness Tests, working with site analysts, project managers, and super-users internal and from external OEM vendors to run all simulations and scripts required to support successful launches and turnovers.

* Support Americold's local and regional operations and maintenance teams pre- and post- go-live to ensure training, acceptance, ownership, spare parts management, and preventive maintenance occurs for all automated systems.

* Lead, Mentor, Supervise and develop systems integration and commissioning managers, functioning as a working lead.

What Experience and Education You Need:

* Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechatronics, and/or equivalent experience in Mechatronics/Automation.

* 12+ years of site implementation experience and leadership for automated, complex sites.

* Experience in managing large systems and physical programs including PLC/WES/WCS/WMS conversions, launch, automation go-lives, and/or labor management implementations.

* Knowledge of PLC/ladder logic troubleshooting, coding, and best practices.

* Experience in directly or indirectly leading a team of systems, integration, and/or commissioning field engineers.

* Proficient computer skills; experience in all MS Office Professional applications, AS400, Red Prairie/JDA/Blue Yonder WMS, WCS/WES applications, LMS, 3D CAD.

* Knowledge of WES/WCS/WMS systems and controls communication hardware, protocols, integration standards, and documentation.

* Proficient with data mining; SQL/database query/extraction, Cobra, Excel, and Power BI.

* Technically advanced in managing warehouse management and execution systems, implementations, and PLC controls.

* Technical skills in engineering, management, quality assurance, and costing required.

* Must be able to travel at an estimated 75-85% of the time to support projects.

What Could Set You Apart:

* 10+ years' experience in Engineering and/or Automation Operations preferred.

* Systems Engineering and ongoing site support is a plus.

* Project Management certification a plus.

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