Assistant General Manager, Automation

What You’ll Do: 

The Assistant General Manager (AGM) will report directly to the site General Manager.  In this capacity, the AGM will work closely with the General Manager to ensure performance results are met or exceeded and will be accountable for the site operation when the General Manager is not present.  The AGM will interface with external customers and will be responsible for addressing open issues in a timely manner.  In addition, this role will manage and lead the Control Room teams to optimize automated warehouse processes and will drive continuous improvement initiatives at the site level. 

• Provide quantitative information to site maintenance, WES/WMS Architects and Configuration Teams to improve and mechatronic systems for overall automated warehouse performance.
• Coordinate with workstream owners for warehouse operations and facilitate their interactions with a matrix of Subject Matter Experts (SME’s) to maintain and enhance automation warehouse operations. 
• Function as the SME on management aspects of all current operational processes across WMS/WES and have a deep understanding of integration points, work methods, process steps, and labor practices.
• Lead and support the site Operations Team through projects to install, maintain and upgrade controls, application software and integration applications solutions to ensure defect-free launches.
• Support the program management teams during testing and deployment of automation designs.
• Function as Operations Lead on User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and Operational Readiness Tests (ORTs) to effectively combine the delivery of automation with supporting workflow, processes, and staffing levels.
• As required, support design projects and map functional flows for Warehouse Execution Systems and Warehouse Control Systems (WES/WCS) in new automation zones and sites.
• Lead the Operations process teams for refinement of the DOO Master Operations Reference (MOR); outlining operating procedures for the integration of facility design and associated processes with human assets and serving as the principal reference for management on how daily operations should be collectively executed.
• Coordinate Quality Assurance reviews on operations and support technical specification documents received from automation system providers concerning WES/WCS functionality.
• Support and provide operations inputs into IT applications maintenance and Systems PM’s with Site Technical team leadership to maintain reliability and optimum performance of hardware and software during development, configuration, deployment, error proofing/resolution, and training.
• Coordinate with inventory leadership to maintain product accountability and accurate integration of automation systems with the WMS; provide support to identify and resolve discrepancies.
• Lead gap analysis of future WMS implementations to identify process performance shortfalls.
• Champion WMS improvements for the site by coordinating with System Architects and develop this skill at the site level.
• Ensure the active development, maintenance, and documentation of all WMS-OE processes and procedures, adhering to Americold Operating System standards and including Standard Operating Procedures as well as site and/or customer-specific processes and procedures.
• Lead, advise, and train associates and direct reports as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What Experience and Education You Need:

• Degree preferred in a related discipline- and/or 7+ years of applicable experience.
• Minimum of 5 years related experience required - 7 to 10 years preferred leading large complex conventional warehouses or leading in high-speed manufacturing or continuous process manufacturing operations.
• Start up or “Turn around” experience including WMS conversions, launches, automation go-lives and/or labor management implementation a plus.
• 3+ years’ experience leading in an automated warehouse or production facility preferred.
• Proficient computer skills; experience in all MS Office Professional applications, AS400, Red Prairie/JDA WMS, LMS.
• Proficient with WMS/WFM systems and conversant with WES SMEs at a level that enables efficient troubleshooting and optimization development and implementation.
• Formal Lean Six Sigma certifications of at least Yellow Belt preferred or equivalent experiential learning and execution history.
  
   

What Could Set You Apart:

• Excellent time management, communications, decision-making, organization, human relations, presentation, negotiation, and mediation skills.
• Ability to communicate professionally, in writing and verbally, with individuals at all levels of the organization and with external contacts.
• Ability to effectivel