Automation Manager

Our partner is a 100-year-old PE owned fabrication business. This is a high visibility role as this will be the first hire on the automation team. Looking for a hands‑on, entrepreneurial leader who is excited about building automation equipment and teams.

• Define and lead the enterprise automation strategy aligned with business objectives, manufacturing growth plans, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Oversee the design, development, and implementation of automation solutions including robotics, controls, conveyors, EOAT, tooling, and integrated manufacturing systems.
• Evaluate emerging automation technologies and drive adoption where value, ROI, and operational benefits are demonstrated.
• Partner with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and operations leadership to identify automation opportunities and prioritize initiatives.
• Establish and implement the strategic project management framework for all automation and capital projects, ensuring standardized methodologies across initiation, planning, execution, monitoring & controlling, and closeout.
• Own the automation project portfolio, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope, budget, and quality expectations.
• Develop and maintain project governance, stage-gate reviews, risk management practices, and escalation paths for complex automation initiatives.
• Proactively manage project risks, dependencies, and change control to minimize disruptions to manufacturing operations.
• Monitor and report project health using KPIs, dashboards, and executive-level communications.