AUTOMATION OPTIMIZATION MANAGER

Job Title: Automation Optimization Manager  

Who We Are: United States Cold Storage (USCS) is dedicated to advancing, innovating, and serving companies seeking "Best in Service", facilities, and logistics in the cold chain. We are an employee-focused, equal opportunity employer and would love to have you join our team.

The Job Details: The Automation Optimization Manager is an intermediate level position which focuses on ensuring the automation systems and processes are best in class. This role will primarily involve 3 areas of Automation:

• Automation Operational Process
  • Work with the automation team and local site management to develop and document operational processes that will meet customer requirements and business objectives.
  • Ensure safety protocols are included in operational process design.
  • Regularly review automation site performance and practices to ensure they are using the automation systems to achieve peak performance and throughput.
• Information Technology
  • Become the Super User for Warehouse Control Systems (WCS) to develop configuration, training, and monitoring of IT systems to support warehouse automation.
  • Work with the IT team on the integration between Warehouse Management System (WMS) and automation Warehouse Control Systems (WCS).
• Data Analytics
  • Providing analysis of automation for various business profiles to ensure that system design matches business requirements.
  • Ensuring Data integrity and accurate information in warehouse control systems.
  • Develop reporting & KPIs for operational monitoring by upper management.

Using Microsoft tools (Excel, MS-Access, Visio) this individual will analyze operating environments that are required to be met to meet the customer requirements. This position will also analyze labor requirements and assist in developing ROIs for various operations. This individual will be expected to assist with all reasonable requests and are also expected to maintain a professional, helpful, and cooperative demeanor toward all individuals they contact during the execution of their duties. This is an exciting opportunity to gain experience at the intersection of Safety, IT, Operations, Accounting, and Engineering.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in developing innovative automation solutions and technology developments from the initial concept phase through the complete development and implementation process.
• Design and conduct research programs including Automation proof of concepts for automation process validation.
• Develop and test production test cases for automation projects, including running optimization simulations, collecting data, process reviews, evaluating new technologies, and presenting analyses.
• Developing and maintaining relationships with existing and new automation providers to ensure communication and culture are paramount to support USCS automation initiatives.
• Help build a culture of automation knowledge including creating operational and maintenance mindsets for the long-term effectiveness and execution of warehouse automation.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by reviewing professional publications and establishing personal networks; share new information with team members.
• Report on and communicate project specific information to local, regional, and management teams.
• Build strong relationships with warehouse and regional personnel to support warehouse automation projects and existing Automation infrastructure across the network.
• Configure Warehouse Control System (WCS) to operate efficiently balancing storage and thru put to achieve required results.
• Develop training materials and train operational users on Warehouse Control System (WCS).
• Understand and train operational personnel on equipment, software applications, GUIs and troubleshooting.
• Ensure data integrity on information utilized in Warehouse Management System (WMS) and Warehouse Control System (WCS) for operational execution.
• Employ analytical tools to evaluate current operations for application of automated equipment, research and present findings.
• Extract data from Warehouse Management System (WMS) and automation systems using SQL, Tableau and other tools as applicable.
• Analyze vendor proposals for ability to perform operating profile, determine labor requirements and assist with Return On Investment (ROI) development.
• Seek out areas of Automated Process Improvements and Implement Corrective Actions.
• Continuous improvement projects at department level. Represents Operations in multi-disciplinary teams.
• Provide ongoing support to plants and management.
• Maintains a high focus on providing excellent customer service to our internal and external customers.
• Help the automation team develop and execute a comprehensive automation strategy aligned with organizational objectives.
• Define goals, priorities, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success and impact of automation initiatives.
• Identify potential risks and obstacles to automation initiatives and develop mitigation strategies to address them.
• Establish mechanisms to monitor the performance and effectiveness of automation solutions.
• Generate regular reports and metrics to track progress, identify areas for improvement, and communicate results to stakeholders.
• Champion a culture of change and transformation within the organization.
• Provide guidance and support to facilitate the adoption of automation solutions and overcome resistance to change.
• Drive innovation through the evaluation and recommendation of new technologies, processes, and policies necessary to support the Automation Strategy.
• Own multiple projects at various stages of planning, design, procurement, and construction.
• Work to strengthen internal and external customer relationships and to promote teamwork between all departments, regions, and warehouses.
• Lead Inventory Management and Data Integrity between automation and USCS systems.
• Provide on-site and remote support for new and existing automation systems.
• Work with sites and Automation Controls Engineer to identify problem areas and reduce fault counts and durations.
• Performs other related duties as required.

The Job Specifics:

• Location, Department and Work Hours: Camden (Remote), Automation Innovation, Standard Business Hours
• Reports To: Direct of Automation Systems and Technology
• Travel Amount: Domestic and International Travel up to 30%
• Job Type, EEO, and Job Code: Full-Time, Exempt
• Salaried, Semi-Monthly Paid
• Salary Range: $100,000.00 - $104,000.00 per year.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree with a focus on Supply Chain or Industrial Automation or 10 years relevant practical work experience.

Qualifications:

• Proven leadership experience in automation, technology, or related fields, with a track record of successfully leading, mentoring and developing teams that drive results.
• Warehouse operations, inventory control, and supply chain experience.
• Experience in managing more than one project in various sizes and complexities.
• Minimum of 5+ years in Warehouse Automation operations
• Must be able to analyze and prioritize projects as well as be a self-starter.

Other Abilities You Will Need to Have: The physical demands described below are representative of those required of an individual performing the essential duties of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their essential duties.

• Good arithmetic, reading, and typing skills.
• Sit and/or stand for extended periods of time.
• Be able to see, speak and hear.
• Ability to work overtime as needed.
• May require physical effort associated with using the computer to access information, or occasional standing, walking, lifting needed to carry out everyday activities.
• Understand and follow verbal instruction, written instruction and company policies.
• A starter that can work independently and coordinate with others.
• Always follow safety procedures.
• Ability to manage stress and productivity guidelines.

The Standard Details:

• Always maintain a professional manner in appearance and communications.
• Participate in staff and/or customer meetings if required.
• Initiate action to prevent the occurrence of any non-conformities relating to product, process, and quality systems.
• Identify and record any issues relating to product, processes and/or quality.
• Initiate, recommend, or provide solutions through appropriate channels.
• Verify the implementation of solutions.
• Always follow posted security procedures while in the building.
• Participate in Safety and Educational Training.

Things We Need to Mention:

• The above job description may not include all the tasks necessary to complete the job.
• Job functions may vary based on the area of operation. The job description is a list of the most common tasks the associate will be required to perform in that job area.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

Other Benefits Include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription, Legal Insurance, Pet Discount, Critical Illness, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity, Long Term Care + Permanent Life Insurance, Identity Theft Protection, Short Term Disability Insurance, Long Term Disability Insurance, Supplemental Disability Insurance, Basic Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Supplemental Life Insurance, Supplemental Spouse Life Insurance, Child Life Insurance, Loan Solution, Health Flexible Spending Account, Dependent Flexible Spending Account, Telemedicine, Virtual Primary Care, Prescription Savings Plan, Prescription Specialty Copay Assistance Program, Weight Management Program, Chronic Condition Management, Care Navigator Program, 24/7 Nurse Line, Expert Medical Opinion, Precious Additions Maternity Program, Health Advocacy, Employee Assistance Program, Digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Digital Physical Therapy, Behavioral and Mental Health Platforms, Auto and home discount program, Secure Travel Protection, Discount Programs, 401(k) plan, Education Assistance, Paid Time Off, Referral program & Commuter Benefit (NJ ONLY).