Sr Operations Project Manager - Robotics - GCG Automation & Factory Solutions - Greater Milwaukee Area

Overview

GCG Automation & Factory Solutions (AFS) is seeking a highly disciplined, execution-focused Operational Project Manager with 5–10 years of experience in industrial automation, specifically robotics systems, to lead complex initiatives from concept through deployment! 

 

This role requires a leader who can bring structure, accountability, and process rigor while maintaining strong cross-functional alignment. The ideal candidate is PMP-certified, operationally grounded, and highly effective in communication and change management. 

 

In this hands-on, customer-facing role, you’ll be responsible for leading robotics and autonomous mobile robot (AMR) projects from kickoff through commissioning and closeout. You'll not only deliver projects — you will elevate execution standards within the organization, serving as the central point of accountability for project execution and working closely with engineering, operations, vendors, and customers to ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to defined technical and safety requirements.

 

You’ll stay close to both the technology and the customer, balancing detailed execution with clear communication and strong project leadership.

 

While this role requires up to 50% travel to facilitate onsite testing and project oversight work, we are ideally seeking candidates in the Greater Milwaukee area to facilitate collaboration with our leadership, engineering, and commercial teams. 

What You’ll Do

Project Leadership & Execution

• Lead end-to-end delivery of automation and robotics projects across manufacturing or industrial environments
• Develop structured project plans including scope, schedule, cost control, risk mitigation, and resource planning
• Apply PMP methodology aligned with standards from the Project Management Institute.
• Establish project governance, reporting cadence, and accountability mechanisms in a developing PM environment
• Drive schedule adherence, budget discipline, and performance tracking with measurable KPIs

 

Operating in a Low-Maturity Environment

• Introduce and reinforce project management best practices where processes may be informal or inconsistently applied
• Create clarity of roles, responsibilities, and decision rights
• Build operational discipline without creating unnecessary bureaucracy
• Coach functional teams on structured execution and risk awareness
• Influence stakeholders who may not be accustomed to formal project rigor

 

Change Management & Communication

• Lead change management efforts related to new robotics systems, workflows, and operational processes
• Develop stakeholder communication plans that ensure alignment from shop floor to executive leadership
• Translate technical automation concepts into clear business impact narratives
• Manage resistance, resolve conflict, and align diverse teams toward common outcomes
• Deliver concise executive updates and clear escalation pathways

 

Operational Integration

• Coordinate engineering, controls, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams
• Oversee robotics system integration, installation, commissioning, and ramp-up
• Ensure readiness for production including safety, training, documentation, and process validation

 

Vendor & Risk Management

• Manage system integrators, robotics OEMs, and external automation partners
• Identify and mitigate technical, financial, and operational risks
• Enforce disciplined scope and change control practices

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Robotics, Mechatronics, or related field) or equivalent practical experience

• 5–10 years of experience managing automation or robotics projects in industrial or manufacturing environments

• PMP certification in good standing

• Hands-on experience working with industrial robotics and automation systems

• Demonstrated experience working in environments with evolving or low Project Management maturity
• Proven ability to implement structured processes in ambiguous settings
• Strong experience with robotics platforms (articulated robots, cobots, automated material handling systems)

• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and system layouts

• Proven customer-facing communication and leadership skills

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously