Sr Manager Network Impvmt & Automation

Company Description

CREATIVITY IS OUR SUPERPOWER. It’s our heritage and it’s also our future. Because we don’t just make toys. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire fans, entertain audiences and develop children through play. Mattel is at its best when every member of our team feels respected, included, and heard—when everyone can show up as themselves and do their best work every day. We value and share an infinite range of ideas and voices that evolve and broaden our perspectives with a reach that extends into all our brands, partners, and suppliers.

Job Description

The Opportunity: 

This role leads the strategy, implementation, and optimization of automation technologies across Mattel's North American distribution center operations. This role is responsible for identifying, evaluating, and deploying automation solutions that improve safety, productivity, quality, capacity, and service levels while supporting long-term supply chain growth. The position works closely with DC Directors, DC Operations Teams, Engineering, IT, Supply Chain, Finance, and external partners to ensure successful execution of automation initiatives and continuous improvement of automated systems.

What Your Impact Will Be: 

Automation Strategy & Innovation

• Develop and maintain a 2 to 5-year distribution center automation roadmap aligned with business objectives and DC Directors' operational needs. Develop business cases, ROI analyses, and capital investment proposals.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational performance through automation and digital technologies.
• Evaluate emerging automation solutions including robotics, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), goods-to-person technologies, and AI-enabled warehouse solutions.

Project Leadership & Execution

• Lead automation projects from concept development through design, implementation, commissioning, and stabilization.
• Manage project budgets, timelines, resources, risks, and vendor relationships.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure successful deployment and adoption of automation solutions.
• Establish collaborative project control and executive reporting processes.

 Systems Integration & Performance

• Partner with IT and Engineering to integrate automation technologies with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Warehouse Execution Systems (WES), Warehouse Control Systems (WCS), ERP, and transportation systems.
• Monitor system performance, identify improvement opportunities, and drive corrective actions.
• Develop and track KPIs related to throughput, uptime, labor productivity, quality, and service levels.

Operational Excellence

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and data-driven methodologies.
• Improve operational efficiency, inventory accuracy, order fulfillment performance, and workplace safety.
• Support network capacity planning and future distribution center design initiatives.
• Standardize automation processes, procedures, and best practices across all Mattel NA DC facilities.

Vendor & Stakeholder Management

• Manage relationships with automation vendors, system integrators, consultants, and equipment suppliers.
• Support RFP processes and vendor evaluations.
• Partner with the Procurement Team on vendor contract negotiations and performance reviews.
• Communicate project status, risks, and results to senior leadership and executive stakeholders.

 Team Leadership

• Build, develop, and lead a high-performing NI automation engineering team.
• Coach team members and foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous learning; provide timely performance reviews.
• Support organizational change management efforts related to new technologies and operating models.

Qualifications

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• 8–12+ years of experience in supply chain, warehouse operations, automation, engineering, or logistics.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing complex automation projects and cross-functional teams.

Preferred skills: 

• Master's degree or MBA.
• PMP certification.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt.
• Experience with multi-site distribution networks and large-scale capital projects.
• Experience implementing warehouse automation technologies such as ASRS, sortation systems, robotics, conveyor s