Sr. Manager Manufacturing Automation

Rite-Hite is the global leader in the manufacture and distribution of industrial loading dock and door equipment. Our innovative products and world class sales organization ensure solid, consistent growth, both for our company and our staff. We are always looking ahead to develop innovative new products and services to improve our customers' safety, security, and productivity.

We are seeking a Senior Manager of Manufacturing Automation & Project Leadership to help drive modernization initiatives with a dual focus on advanced automation and strategic project management across our manufacturing sites. In this role, you will establish and scale a Fabrication Center of Excellence, oversee automation roadmaps, and ensure projects are executed on time, within scope, and aligned to long-term strategic goals. By combining technical expertise with project leadership, you will accelerate digital manufacturing maturity and ensure seamless collaboration across engineering, operations, and supply chain teams.

Location: Hybrid - preferred location is out of our corporate headquarters in Milwaukee, WI. We are also open to candidates based out of one of our manufacturing facilities in Horn Lake, MS; Dubuque, IA; or Clare, MI.

Travel: Up to 50%

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Automation and Smart Manufacturing

• Mange automation programs using project management disciplines to ensure scalability, budget adherence, and timely delivery.
• Coordinate the implementation of cutting-edge technologies (robotics, PLCs, vision systems, AGVs) through structured project phases — from feasibility through deployment.
• Oversee project governance for integrating fabrication into automation roadmaps, ensuring alignment with enterprise strategy.

Plant Expansion and Capital Projects

• Partner with operations leaders to project planning and execution for facility expansions, ensuring automation and fabrication integration is scoped, tracked, and delivered effectively.
• Lead cross-functional project teams responsible for capital equipment selection, vendor coordination, and system integration.
• Develop project dashboards to communicate ROI, scalability, and risk management strategies to executive stakeholders.
• Champion digital transformation projects (MES, IoT), ensuring clear implementation of roadmaps, defined KPIs, and transparent reporting.
• Use project management tools and methodologies (Agile, Stage-Gate, etc.) to structure the rollout of connected platforms.
• Promote a culture of data-driven decision-making, embedding continuous improvement into every project lifecycle.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Serve as a project portfolio leader, ensuring automation, fabrication, and sourcing initiatives are sequenced and resourced appropriately.
• Influence cross-functional teams by providing both technical and project management leadership to ensure accountability.
• Manage external partners, consultants, and technology providers through structured project contracts and performance reviews.

EDUCATION And/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree required, degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering preferred.
• 8 years in manufacturing engineering, automation, or industrial systems, with demonstrated project management leadership.
• Proven record of delivering large-scale automation or fabrication projects on time and within budget.

Technical & Project Skills

• Strong knowledge of automation technologies, controls, and systems integration.
• Experience with digital manufacturing platforms (MES, SCADA, IoT) and project management software (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet).
• Skilled in project portfolio management, risk assessment, and make-vs-buy analyses.

Leadership Attributes

• Visionary and strategic thinker with strong execution discipline.
• Exceptional communication skills to drive clarity in project objectives and results.
• Proven ability to lead organizational change and inspire high-performing teams.

What We Offer:

Rite-Hite provides competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package with medical, dental, and vision coverage along with life and paid medical leave. We also provide a retirement savings plan that combines 401(K) with company match and profit sharing. Paid holidays, vacation, and up to five paid personal/sick days per year round out the package.

Rite-Hite is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer offering a drug free workplace for our customers and employees.