Director Automation

Position Summary

Responsible for leading and directing automation initiatives and programs for ADUSA Distribution. The focus will be on creating and executing a strategic plan for automation solutions across the organization. You will be accountable for delivering best in class advanced automation technologies to enable world class quality and delivery to our customers

In this role, you will lead automation strategy formulation and execution, will also be responsible for collaborating with leadership team in the development of, and subsequent implementation of, a selling organization culture with a consumer-centric focus through Distribution and Transportation (D&T) responsibilities. Drive the evolution and management of the Automation organization. Will work collaboratively with other functional areas, e.g., Shared Service, D&T Operations, to ensure that all parties are driving the supply chain strategy in support of overall strategy for ADUSA. Also responsible for collaborating with business partners across departments and functions to proactively drive supply chain objectives.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaborate with leadership in the development and evolution of supply chain strategies and initiatives.
• Provide strategic direction for implementation of strategies and defined business approaches within Supply Chain that will support and align with overall strategies and initiatives for ADUSA.
• Provides strategic direction for the evolution of the Automation organization.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive automation strategy that aligns with the overall objectives and vision.
• Lead cross-functional teams to identify and prioritize automation opportunities and ensure their successful execution.
• Oversee the selection, design, implementation, and maintenance of automation systems and processes.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to understand their needs and requirements and ensure that is taken into account when creating the design.
• Develop and maintain relationships with automation vendors and evaluate new solutions that can drive innovation.
• Collaborate with IT and Operations teams to ensure that automation solutions are integrated into the overall technology landscape and processes.
• Provide leadership that will motivate employees and function as an effective promoter of change and growth.
• Provide leadership and support in a constantly changing environment.
• Foster associate engagement, commitment and enthusiasm, ensuring associates understand their role in the company and its impact on overall Banner performance.
• Promote consistent high performance and execution with excellence.
• Govern by guiding principles, financial constraints and overall strategy while working within the confines of a pre-identified structure, but able to identify and push the boundaries of the structure when necessary.
• Responsible for the development, talent planning and performance management of associates.
• Maintain relationships with key suppliers and vendors and leverage economies of scale in negotiation.
• Leads communication with internal and external business partners, and the vendor community.
• Success in this role requires the individual to have and maintain a high degree of organizational and industry credibility.

Knowledge

• Seasoned level of knowledge for company, business and industry practices
• Witron Experience

Skills

• Demonstrate a personal acceptance of change and the ability to adapt and drive change
• Active listener with an ability to build trust across varying levels of the organization
• High degree of credibility and the ability to work with and through all levels of management
• Excellent organizational, planning, influence, communication and presentation skills
• Self-motivated and persuasive in presenting and selling ideas and executing their implementation

Abilities

• Ability to implement strategic direction for the organization and support planning for the future
• Ability to influence organizational alignment across multiple functional areas
• Ability to think innovatively.
• Requires travel – typically 20 - 25%

Education

Minimum:

• Bachelor's Degree in related field or equivalent combination of education and related work experience.

Preferred:

• Master of Business Administration Degree (MBA)
• Experience with organizational change management
• Demonstrated project management expertise
• Experience with category, merchandising, pricing, logistics, retail operations, supply chain, procurement, automation, and distribution

Experience

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in automation and technology leadership roles.
• Strong financial planning and budgeting experience
• Cross-functional project leadership experience with a demonstrated ability to build cross-functional teams
• Demonstrated relationship management experience with vendors and third party consultants