How you will make history here…
The Associate Director – Logistics Automation will lead the design, deployment, and optimization of automation technologies across our logistics network. This role is responsible for driving strategic automation initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service levels across warehousing, transportation, and distribution. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in automated guided vehicles (AGVs), goods to person (GTP) warehouse management systems (WMS), robotics, AI improvements and data-driven process improvement.
What you will do…
- Strategic Automation Leadership (40%)
- Develop and execute a multi-year automation roadmap aligned with enterprise logistics strategy.
- Lead cross-functional teams to identify automation opportunities across sites
- Partner with IT, Engineering, and Operations to ensure seamless integration of automation technologies into existing infrastructure.
- Identify productivity initiatives that generate cost savings, cost avoidance and/or service improvements.
- Project Execution & Optimization (35%)
- Oversee end-to-end delivery of automation projects, including vendor selection, capital planning, installation, and performance validation.
- Define and track success metrics such as throughput, latency, and cost savings.
- Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards throughout project lifecycle.
- Data Analytics & Continuous Improvement (15%)
- Leverage analytics to monitor system performance and identify areas for improvement.
- Drive standardization and best practices across sites to maximize asset utilization and ROI.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Change Management (10%)
- Collaborate with regional warehouse leaders, procurement, finance, and customer logistics to align automation goals with business needs.
- Lead change management efforts to ensure successful adoption of new technologies.
Scope of Responsibility
- The role is highly strategic, balancing leadership, project management, analytics, and stakeholder engagement.
- Success depends on both technical expertise and the ability to drive organizational change
- Deep expertise in building the automation Roadmaps, and ability to develop sound business cases to gain alignment
- Strong financial acumen and ability partnership with finance partners to develop aggressive, meaningful and sound business cases
- Solid understanding of Warehouse Concepts of Operation
- The position is central to advancing automation and efficiency within the logistics network.
- Effective change management and project Management skills to delivery roadmap effectively
Who you will work with…
You will work with the Snacks warehouses, mixing centers, internal logistics, and 3PLs.
What you bring to the table (must haves) …
- Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, or related field; Master’s preferred.
- 10 years of experience in logistics, with at least 5+ years in automation leadership preferred.
- Up to 50% travel required.
It would be great to have (nice to haves)…
- Prior experience with logistics automation project execution and implementation.
- Must be proficient in SAP, Excel, Power Point, and Transportation Management System (TMS) platforms.
- Must have strong analytical and communication skills.
- Ability to make sound decisions improving the overall transportation network.
- Knowledge of SAP & freight payment systems (US Bank Syncada preferred)
- Ability to back-up manager while absent or delegated to strategic operational meetings.
- Train other transportation analyst or planners in operational tasks.
- Proven track record of deploying automation projects AGVs, robotics, or WMS enhancements in a multi-site environment.
- Strong analytical skills and experience with KPI development and performance dashboards.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
Join our talent community
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