AUTOMATION OPTIMIZATION MANAGER

Job Title: Automation Optimization Manager  

Who We Are: United States Cold Storage (USCS) is dedicated to advancing, innovating, and serving companies seeking "Best in Service", facilities, and logistics in the cold chain. We are an employee-focused, equal opportunity employer and would love to have you join our team.

The Job Details: The Automation Optimization Manager is an intermediate level position which focuses on ensuring the automation systems and processes are best in class. This role will primarily involve 3 areas of Automation:

• Automation Operational Process
  • Work with the automation team and local site management to develop and document operational processes that will meet customer requirements and business objectives.
  • Ensure safety protocols are included in operational process design.
  • Regularly review automation site performance and practices to ensure they are using the automation systems to achieve peak performance and throughput.
• Information Technology
  • Become the Super User for Warehouse Control Systems (WCS) to develop configuration, training, and monitoring of IT systems to support warehouse automation.
  • Work with the IT team on the integration between Warehouse Management System (WMS) and automation Warehouse Control Systems (WCS).
• Data Analytics
  • Providing analysis of automation for various business profiles to ensure that system design matches business requirements.
  • Ensuring Data integrity and accurate information in warehouse control systems.
  • Develop reporting & KPIs for operational monitoring by upper management.

Using Microsoft tools (Excel, MS-Access, Visio) this individual will analyze operating environments that are required to be met to meet the customer requirements. This position will also analyze labor requirements and assist in developing ROIs for various operations. This individual will be expected to assist with all reasonable requests and are also expected to maintain a professional, helpful, and cooperative demeanor toward all individuals they contact during the execution of their duties. This is an exciting opportunity to gain experience at the intersection of Safety, IT, Operations, Accounting, and Engineering.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in developing innovative automation solutions and technology developments from the initial concept phase through the complete development and implementation process.
• Design and conduct research programs including Automation proof of concepts for automation process validation.
• Develop and test production test cases for automation projects, including running optimization simulations, collecting data, process reviews, evaluating new technologies, and presenting analyses.
• Developing and maintaining relationships with existing and new automation providers to ensure communication and culture are paramount to support USCS automation initiatives.
• Help build a culture of automation knowledge including creating operational and maintenance mindsets for the long-term effectiveness and execution of warehouse automation.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by reviewing professional publications and establishing personal networks; share new information with team members.
• Report on and communicate project specific information to local, regional, and management teams.
• Build strong relationships with warehouse and regional personnel to support warehouse automation projects and existing Automation infrastructure across the network.
• Configure Warehouse Control System (WCS) to operate efficiently balancing storage and thru put to achieve required results.
• Develop training materials and train operational users on Warehouse Control System (WCS).
• Understand and train operational personnel on equipment, software applications, GUIs and troubleshooting.
• Ensure data integrity on information utilized in Warehouse Management System (WMS) and Warehouse Control System (WCS) for operational execution.
• Employ analytical tools to evaluate current operations for application of automated equipment, research and present findings.
• Extract data from Warehouse Management System (WMS) and automation systems using SQL, Tableau and other tools as applicable.
• Analyze vendor proposals for ability to perform operating profile, determine labor requirements and assist with Return On Investment (ROI) development.
• Seek out areas of Automated Process Improvements and Implement Corrective Actions.
• Continuous improvement projects at department level. Represents Operations in mult