Physical Automation Leader

## Physical Automation Leader Apply locations:
US PA McElhattan:
US GA Macon:
US PA Lewistowntime type:
Full time posted on:
Posted 2 Days Agojob requisition :
R11190

Founded over 35 years ago, First Quality is a family-owned company that has grown from a small business in McElhattan, Pennsylvania into a group of companies, employing over 5,000 team members, while maintaining our family values and entrepreneurial spirit. With corporate offices in New York and Pennsylvania and 8 manufacturing campuses across the U.S. and Canada, the companies within the First Quality group produce high-quality personal care and household products for large retailers and healthcare organizations.

Our personal care and household product portfolio includes baby diapers, wipes, feminine pads, paper towels, bath tissue, adult incontinence products, laundry detergents, fabric finishers, and dishwash solutions. In addition, we manufacture certain raw materials and components used in the manufacturing of these products, including flexible print and packaging solutions.

Guided by our values of humility, unity, and integrity, we leverage advanced technology and innovation to drive growth and create new opportunities. At First Quality, you’ll find a collaborative environment focused on continuous learning, professional development, and our mission to Make Things Better.

We are seeking a
** Physical Automations Leader
** for our
** First Quality Products Company
** located in
** McElhattan, PA. This position may be based out of our Central PA site (McElhattan, PA & Lewistown, PA) or*
* ** Macon, GA.
** The Physical Automation Leader is responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing automation solutions that enhance manufacturing efficiency, safety, and quality across the division. This role will lead the strategic roadmap for physical automation, robotics, and advanced manufacturing technologies, ensuring alignment with business goals and operational excellence standards.

A primary focus will be to integrate cutting-edge automation systems — including robotics, autonomous material handling, and machine vision — into production environments, harmonizing best practices across sites. The role requires deep expertise in automation engineering, strong project leadership skills, and the ability to partner with cross-functional teams to deliver measurable improvements in productivity, cost-effectiveness, and reliability. This position will require frequent travel to our Absorbent Hygiene companies.
** Primary responsibilities include:
*** Establish automation goals, objectives, and overall strategy for the division.
* Lead the design, selection, and deployment of physical automation systems, including robotics, conveyors, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and machine vision solutions.
* Conduct comprehensive assessments of manufacturing processes to identify automation opportunities and efficiency gains.
* Collaborate with engineering, operations, IT, and safety teams to ensure automation solutions meet safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
* Work with BU’s to develop and manage automation project roadmaps, budgets, and timelines.
* Support BU’s through installation, commissioning, and integration of automation equipment into existing manufacturing lines.
* Apply advanced engineering principles and digital tools to optimize automation performance and reliability.
* Partner with vendors and technology providers to evaluate emerging automation technologies and ensure best-in-class solutions.
* Set standards and drive accountability to create and maintain technical documentation, including equipment specifications, operating procedures, and maintenance plans.
* Train and mentor engineering and operations teams on automation systems and best practices.
* Establish metrics and KPIs to measure automation effectiveness and ROI.
* Champion continuous improvement by integrating automation into Lean and Six Sigma initiatives.
* Responsible for defining the life cycle management method of automation assets, and execution will be the responsibility of the Business as Usual (BAU) Team.
* Additional duties as required.
** The ideal candidate should…