Sr Manager - Process Automation

 

Foods people love. Brands people trust. And a career that nourishes your future like no other.

 

If you're driven by the passion to do something meaningful that changes lives, Nestlé is the place for you. Nestlé USA is one of seven operating companies that make up Nestlé’s presence in the United States. We're in 97% of American homes, and as the leading food and beverage company, our goals are to continue to deliver quality food and beverage products, strengthen our local communities, and reduce our environmental and climate impact.

 

We’re determined to challenge the status quo and be better tomorrow than we are today. As individuals and teams, we embrace our entrepreneurial culture and have created a workplace where collaboration is essential, courage is rewarded, speed is expected, and agility is the norm to delight our consumers every single day. Here, you will find limitless opportunities to learn and advance your career and feel empowered to succeed in the workplace and beyond. Because our focus is not only on nourishing our customers, but also about enriching you.

 

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

 

 

TRAVEL: 50 - 70%

 

LOCATION: Solon, OH (Greater Cleveland) preferred, Or within close driving distance to a Midwest Nestle USA Factory

 

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Senior Manager of Automation is a strategic leadership role responsible for overseeing the planning, development, implementation, and management of automation and robotics initiatives at Nestle’s North American Manufacturing facilities. This position entails leading a team of automation engineers and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive digital transformation, optimize processes, and enhance operational efficiency through automation technologies.

 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. 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.
2. Provide visionary leadership to the automation department, including hiring, mentoring, and managing a team of automation engineers. Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning to maximize team performance and engagement.
3. Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of automation projects across various functional areas and business units. Ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and according to quality standards.
4. Collaborate with senior leadership, department heads, and key stakeholders to identify automation opportunities, gather requirements, and prioritize initiatives based on business value and impact.
5. Stay abreast of emerging automation technologies, tools, and trends. Evaluate and recommend appropriate technologies and platforms to support automation objectives and drive digital transformation.
6. Allocate resources effectively to support automation projects and initiatives. Coordinate with other departments and teams to leverage expertise, resources, and capabilities as needed.
7. Identify potential risks and obstacles to automation initiatives and develop mitigation strategies to address them. Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and security standards.
8. 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.
9. 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.

 

REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM EDUCATION LEVEL:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science or related field. Master's degree preferred.

 

EXPERIENCE:

• Proven leadership experience in automation, technology, or related fields, with a track record of successfully leading, mentoring and developing teams that drive digital transformation initiatives.
• Minimum of 10+ years Automation experience in the manufacturing environment

 

SKILLS:

• Certification in project management (e.g., PMP), Food Processing experience, Lean/Sigma experience is a plus.
• In-depth knowledge of automation technologies, tools, and methodologies, with hands-on experience in design, development, and implementation.
• Strong strategic thinking and planning skills, with the ability to align automation initiatives with business objectives and priorities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Demonstr