Senior Engineering Manager - Automation

Purpose Statement

The Senior Engineering Manager - Automation is responsible for defining and justifying long-term process, packing technology, and packaging material strategies; co-developing innovative equipment solutions with OEMs and suppliers; and leading long-term enterprise productivity transformation initiatives.

This individual will lead the development and delivery of breakthrough technology-based operational solutions, including the ideation, design, validation, and implementation of manufacturing technologies that positively transform daily operations by improving productivity and performance while ensuring operator safety and maintaining or enhancing product safety and quality.

The Senior Engineering Manager - Automation will also partner with R&D to develop new packaging materials and lead the strategy and implementation of effective packing equipment solutions. This includes driving material and equipment interaction efficiencies, developing standardized designs, and delivering cost-saving initiatives.

Key responsibilities include envisioning future possibilities, developing strategic roadmaps, and leading the research, analysis, simulation, design, programming, piloting, troubleshooting, implementation, and management of advanced packaging and packing automation solutions. These solutions include robotics, in-line quality control systems, machine vision technologies, and advanced control systems.

The ideal candidate will champion innovation across the enterprise and drive the implementation of disciplined design and technical readiness processes aligned with Reliability Engineering principles and Technology Validation protocols. This individual will also provide packaging material design feedback to improve processability, reliability, quality, and cost optimization, while identifying and implementing material cost savings through simplification and packaging/packing equipment standardization.

In addition, the Senior Engineering Manager - Automation will proactively develop enterprise-wide business cases for automation and savings initiatives and manage capital and material optimization projects from concept through vertical start-up. Responsibilities include defining engineering scope, developing technical solutions and justifications, leading project execution, managing vendors, overseeing on-site start-up activities, validating equipment and material performance, and ensuring successful achievement of all project objectives.

This role can be based at any of our manufacturing plants in the USA, with up to 50% travel.

Key Accountabilities and Outcomes

The key responsibilities and expected outcomes of this position include:
• Develop innovation plans and lead the identification of breakthrough, cross-category manufacturing opportunities that can be solved through packaging design, packing and process technology, controls, automation solutions, and AI. Develop sound technical and business proposals to secure leadership support for evaluation and execution.
• Lead the development of diverse, multi-category platform solutions that support material and technology requirements, business economics, and technical recommendations. Collaborate with materials suppliers, equipment manufacturers, controls providers, software vendors, and manufacturing operations partners to create and deliver innovative solutions.
• Lead multiple projects and technical re-platforming programs through discovery, design, and implementation. Ensure excellence in:
o    Option analysis and documentation
o    Process flow diagrams and block diagrams
o    Simulations and risk assessments
o    Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
o    Reliability and quality analyses
o    Cost estimating and safety studies
o    Technical recommendations and scheduling
o    Prototyping and learning plans
o    Test planning and execution
o    Equipment and material testing
o    Troubleshooting and acceptance testing
o    Construction planning and start-up execution
• Serve as Project Manager and/or Program Leader on complex initiatives, directly owning project scope, cost management, technical readiness, business justification, funding approvals, management reviews, project execution plans, construction activities, schedule adherence, start-up execution, and achievement of all project success criteria. Coach and develop engineering project managers to strengthen execution capabilities across the organization.
• Partner with Manufacturing Operations and Packaging Development R&D leaders to deliver technology and packaging material solutions that achieve safety, quality, reliability, operability, maintainability, sustainability, and cost objectives, while supporting technology transfer and training requirements.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with packaging material suppliers, equipment manufacturers, and technology providers to identify and deliver best-in-class solutions that meet cost, quality, schedule, and technical performance objectives.
• Lead, coach, train, and develop direct reports and other technical professionals across the organization.
• Communicate effectively and regularly with leadership regarding project progress, risks, opportunities, and future plans.
• Perform all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Robotics Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of fifteen (15) years of demonstrated experience in packing/process engineering, packaging technology engineering, robotics, or related disciplines involving the design, improvement, or development of new packing equipment platforms and manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated experience collaborating with Packaging R&D in the development, validation, and commercialization of new packaging solutions and innovative or sustainable materials.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams of engineers, OEMs, suppliers, and contractors in the development and implementation of new technologies that deliver breakthrough results.
• Experience applying TPM and Lean Manufacturing methodologies to support successful vertical start-ups.
• Demonstrated success transforming manufacturing operations through automation, platform modernization, standardization, and complex technical problem solving.
• Proven ability to plan, organize, lead, and influence technical resources while balancing competing priorities and successfully delivering complex programs across multiple manufacturing facilities and product categories.
• Self-motivated and capable of working independently while driving solutions and results.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across functions, divisions, and organizational levels.
• Experience managing, coaching, mentoring, and developing direct reports.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar design and engineering software to support equipment design reviews and facility layout development.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, Project, and Visio.
• Ability and willingness to travel as required to support the identification, development, and delivery of technical and business commitments.

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