Automation Manager

About ABARTA

ABARTA Coca-Cola Beverages is a family-owned company committed to being a visible, engaged partner to the customers and communities we serve. We value diversity and individuality and when you thrive, we thrive. ABARTA offers the perks of a large corporation with the personalized touch of a smaller company. We are a workplace that encourages sharing ideas in a supportive environment, growing professionally, maintaining a healthy work/life balance, and interacting with all levels of the organization. We would love for you to become a part of our family to help make our vision of Quenching the Thirst of Our Neighbors a reality!

Summary

The Automation Manager is responsible for leading a team in the management and maintenance of the Vertique automated case-picking system and works cross-functionally with the operations team and other business functions to ensure the system’s optimal performance. This position is responsible for ensuring the Vertique automated case-picking system and all its component parts are operating in accordance with its design; the establishment and execution of a preventative maintenance program; advising and overseeing enhancements and upgrades; and hiring, training, managing, and coordinating the technicians, contractors, processes, and applications required to maintain the system.

Responsibilities

• Manage and motivate a team of technicians, mechanics, operators and contractors to deliver results by communicating company goals, safety practices, and deadlines.
• Develop teammates through effective performance management, coaching and training.
• Manage vendors and other third-party contractors including the execution of legal agreements, validating insurance, and communication of standards, policies and safety requirements.
• Serve as the primary technical liaison with Vertique/OEM representatives, integrators, vendors, and internal IT/automation support.
• Implement and execute a preventative maintenance program.
• Plan and schedule work through plant maintenance systems and procedures.
• Perform maintenance including but not limited to electrical, mechanical and security access using both internal and external resources.
• Establish and manage a tools, parts and critical spares inventory – procuring materials and maintaining required systems and databases.
• Provide technical support of operations to ensure equipment is running at full capacity.
• Manage the industrial sanitation program for the automation system in compliance with corporate quality requirements.
• Advise on future plans, designs and upgrades to meet business goals and continuous improvement expectations.
• Participate in capital planning for automation improvements, major repairs, replacements, and lifecycle management.
• Develop and track budgets in accordance with financial procedures and cycles.
• Create and maintain documentation including procedures, standards, and schematics to enable the safe and efficient maintenance of the automation system.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in engineering, mechatronics, automation or equivalent technical/trade school certifications.
• Any specific mechanical or electrical CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES?
• 5 years of experience in industrial automation, preferably within beverage, food & beverage.
• 5 years people leadership, managing and developing technical teams.
• Excellent analytical problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to communicate complex concepts with all levels of the organization.
• Skilled in contractor management and project management.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and control system documentation.
• Knowledge of functional safety standards (e.g. ANSI, NFPA, IEC), safety PLCs, OSHA requirements, lockout/tagout, arc flash awareness, machine guarding, and electrical safety practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with beverage distribution operations.
• Experience with Vertique automated case-picking systems
• Experience leading automation projects from concept through commissioning
• Experience with HMI and SCADA platforms (e.g., Ignition)
• Any specific mechanical or electrical CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES?

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Work is performed in an automated warehouse environment with daily exposure to industrial equipment.
• Ability to work on the plant floor, including climbing ladders and accessing control panels.

May require occasional off-shift or weekend work during system start-ups or critical support events.

Additional Information

ABARTA Coca-Cola Beverages, LLC applicants must submit to a background verification process prior to commencing employment with the company. Employment with ABARTA Coca-Cola Beverages, LLC is contingent on a pre-employment background check which may include drug screening, driving records (including minor moving violations) and will be evaluated according to ABARTA Coca-Cola Beverages, LLC guidelines to determine eligibility for this position. ABARTA Coca-Cola Beverages, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer Minorites/Women/Veterans/Disable/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.