NA Oilseeds Regional Modernization Lead - Decatur, IL/Oilseeds Site

Job Description

NA Oilseeds Regional Modernization Lead

*** Ideal work locations for this position include Decatur, IL or another large ADM oilseeds processing site.    

This is a permanent, full-time, exempt-level position. 

Role Summary

The Regional Program Lead drives modernization efforts across ADM’s Oilseeds departments/sites by promoting consistency, collaboration, and process improvement.

This role focuses on managing projects to reduce process automation platform obsolescence while leveraging automation opportunities to enhance safety, process reliability and operator experience.  The Lead is responsible for standardizing automation engineering design and implementation practices, ensuring efficient project delivery and alignment with ADM’s global objectives. By working closely with regional leads and cross-functional teams, the Lead helps strengthen Program execution, cost management, and operational excellence across multiple locations through strategic application of automation and control system modernization.

The Regional Program Lead will oversee a team of process automation engineers embedded within Oilseeds projects, ensuring effective execution of automation strategies and modernization initiatives. Acting as the primary escalation point for project managers and automation engineers, the Lead provides technical guidance, problem resolution, and alignment with project objectives. This role is also responsible for the professional development of the automation team, including mentoring, performance management, and goal setting to foster growth, collaboration, and technical excellence.

The ADM Modernization Program is an ADM Operations Initiative to modernize our strategic facilities through Automation and Optimization.  Utilizing technology and ADM expertise, we will support safety initiatives, reduce unplanned downtime, increase OEE and standardize our processes across our business units.  The Program is an enabler for ADM’s Digital Transformation. 

Key Responsibilities
 

• Coordinate modernization projects across Oilseeds sites, ensuring alignment with global engineering and EHS standards
• Identify and implement opportunities for project and automation process optimization and standardization
• Engage with regional leads and site teams to share best practices and drive consistent execution
• Oversee project planning, budgeting, and resource management to ensure efficient use of CAPEX funds
• Drive teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement within project teams
• Own tracking and evaluation of project progress and performance metrics to ensure objectives are met (Examples: Schedule Variance, Schedule Performance Index and Forecasted Completion Date vs Baseline)
• Serve as the escalation point and decision-maker for project issues within the region
• Champion knowledge transfer of automation modernization methods and project management best practices to improve execution efficiency
• Oversee and manage site project team activities to achieve effective delivery of the modernization scope
• Deliver successful handover of modernized plants to operations and transition projects to lifecycle management
• Travel to sites as needed to coordinate activities, assess progress, and provide leadership direction – up to 25% as needed

Required Qualifications
 

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Process Automation, Project Management, or a similar technical field, OR equivalent professional work experience
• 8+ years of experience in project leadership within Process Automation, Engineering, or Operations in an industrial setting
• Familiarity with CAPEX management, modernization projects, and continuous improvement principles
• 4+ years of experience with Rockwell Automation Control Systems and/or Emerson DeltaV system
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to build relationships and influence across diverse teams and functions
• Ability to travel as required

• Advanced degree preferred

• PMP certification a plus
• Siemens Automation platform knowledge a plus
• Experience coordinating projects across multiple sites or regions