Director, Global Automation

Summary

We're seeking a passionate leader to join our Engineering team as the Director of Global Automation. You'll play a pivotal role in strengthening our organizational capabilities by providing training, mentorship, and operational support.

In this role, you'll lead a high-performing cross-functional team, including internal resources and external vendors, to deliver operational and project support across our manufacturing facilities. You'll also champion the implementation of process control applications, data collection systems, and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), while collaborating closely with Operations to establish priorities, solve technical challenges, and develop successful project plans.

Responsibilities

Lead Automation Excellence: Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of information and operations technology (OT) systems, including networks, control systems, and integration of new and existing technologies.

Champion Knowledge Sharing: Foster a culture of knowledge transfer by leading the implementation of approved standards and troubleshooting IT/OT systems (networks, PLCs, field devices, and IT systems).

Drive Continuous Improvement: Lead problem-solving efforts and conduct root cause analysis to resolve issues and deliver sustainable solutions, while enhancing team skills.

Manage Automation Projects: Oversee the entire project lifecycle, from requirements gathering and development to vendor management, proposal review, and on-time, in-scope, and on-budget execution.

Cultivate Collaboration: Champion collaboration across various departments (Manufacturing, Engineering, IT, Operations, Safety, Corporate Management) and vendors at multiple locations.

Empower Your Team: Oversee and manage staff, providing leadership in areas like supervision, performance management, career development, and other personnel-related functions.

Partner for Success: Collaborate with Automation Managers to identify and justify the scope of automation and electrical projects, including any necessary adjustments.

Deliver High-Performance Automation Systems

Develop Reliable Solutions: Design dependable automation solutions to meet business needs, encompassing electrical panel design, device selection, process flowcharts, project schedules, scope definition, and cost estimates.

Support Data & Analytics: Assist the data & analytics team in generating energy and production reports using tools like Ignition, Wonderware Historian, ICIS Plant Energy Management, and Zarpac.

Ensure System Security and Maintain System Integrity

Champion Cybersecurity: Support OT cybersecurity initiatives and spearhead the implementation of new security processes across all plant locations.

Promote Standardization: Advocate for consistency across automation departments in technology, processes, and systems.

Maintain Comprehensive Automation Documentation

Manage Automation Resources: Manage and support all automation-related programs and documentation, including PLC programs, HMI programs, electrical diagrams, and sequence of operations.

Software Expertise: Manage all automation programming software used on-site, such as Ignition, Rockwell Software, Wonderware, ICIS, and network management tools.

Requirements

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field, or equivalent experience, is required. Master's degree preferred.

Minimum of 10 years of demonstrably successful leadership experience overseeing automation/controls engineering within a large organization.

The Ideal Candidate

This role requires a highly motivated individual with a passion for automation and a proven track record of success. You possess exceptional technical skills, including in-depth knowledge of PLC systems, HMI interfaces, and automation technologies. You are a strong leader who thrives in a collaborative environment and is adept at building and motivating teams. Excellent communication and project management skills are essential.