Digital Manufacturing and Industrial AI Department Manager

Responsibilities

Established in 1900, Mead & Hunt is a nationally recognized professional services consulting firm. Our planning, design and construction services are available to clients across a wide variety of sectors. From architecture, aviation, food/beverage processing, and federal to transportation, water infrastructure and more, our unique methodologies deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions that elevate clients and communities.

Here at Mead & Hunt, our culture is about taking care of people, doing the right thing, and doing what makes sense. We are a flexible company that believes in giving back to our communities. We are employee-owned and support initiatives through our various employee programs. We invest in our employees and build relationships that last.

Mead & Hunt, an award-winning national architecture and engineering firm, has continued to exceed our strategic growth initiatives creating opportunities for our current and prospective team members. As a result, a full-time position is available for a Digital Manufacturing and Industrial AI Department Manager! This opportunity is available in the following locations:
Fenton, MO, Middleton, WI, West Allis, WI, and Bloomington, MN.

Additionally, this position offers a flexible hybrid work schedule, requiring at least three days per week on‑site at our office - an excellent opportunity to enjoy both in‑office collaboration and remote flexibility.

Responsibilities include:

• Strategic Leadership & Business Development:

• Develop and expand strategic relationships with key food and beverage manufacturing clients.
• Identify opportunities for automation, digital manufacturing, and operational improvement services.
• Support proposal development, scope definition, fee development, and project pursuits.
• Serve as executive sponsor or client manager for major automation programs.
• Collaborate with Mead & Hunt client teams and market leaders to grow automation and smart manufacturing services.

• Technical Leadership:

• Provide subject matter expertise in industrial automation, PLC/HMI/SCADA systems, manufacturing execution systems (MES), industrial data systems and analytics, robotics and machine vision, motion control, plant digitalization initiatives and ERP integration. Guide the development of plant‑wide control architectures and integration strategies.
• Review and approve technical designs and automation standards.
• Mentor automation engineers and technical specialists.

• Business Development and Market Growth
  • Lead the department’s business development efforts to secure new clients, expand existing client relationships, and increase market share.
  • Develop and execute market growth strategies that support department revenue, profitability, and client service goals.
  • Serve as an executive sponsor for strategic clients, strategic pursuits, and key business opportunities.
  • Lead major proposal efforts, client presentations, interviews, contract negotiations, and strategic pursuits.
  • Collaborate with other Mead & Hunt groups and departments to develop integrated solutions, coordinate resources, and pursue cross‑selling opportunities.
  • Represent the department and company at customer meetings, industry events, conferences, professional organizations, and other market‑facing activities.

• Project & Program Management
  • Lead automation projects from concept through startup and commissioning.
  • Manage project budgets, schedules, resource planning, and quality performance.
  • Coordinate multidisciplinary teams including process, mechanical, electrical, refrigeration, and construction services.
  • Manage third‑party vendors, system integrators, and contractor resources.

• Department Leadership
  • Lead and develop project managers, software engineers, and automation engineering staff.
  • Support…