Manager, Automated Operations

Join the Cold Chain That Feeds the World. For over 120 years, Americold has connected producers, processors, distributors, and retailers to ensure food stays safe, fresh, and accessible. With 240+ facilities across four continents and 14,000+ team members, we’re a global leader in temperature-controlled logistics. Our mission is to help our customers feed the world – and we’re looking for people who share that purpose. We value customer service, innovation, and inclusion, and we invest in our people’s growth and well‑being. If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact in a company that puts people first, Americold is the place for you. Primary Responsibility Reports to the site General Manager and is the 2nd in command at the site. Accountable for the site outcomes if / when the GM is not present. Apply advanced, interdisciplinary, operations Process management techniques that enable mechatronics and site operations best practices to improve facility operations and business processes. Apply experiential and formal learning across automation reliability, analytics/metrics development‑reporting, inventory control methodology, continuous improvement, and labor management practices to optimize automated site performance. Ensures existing and (if required) future facility success via system validation processes that establish and/or refine standardized operations while maintaining service level commitments. Expert in leading the application of data analytics to prioritize and execute operations optimization initiatives. Leads and over sees Operations workstream input into WES and WMS applications to enable optimized administrative and warehouse procedural efficiencies from the automated warehouse Control Room and across the automated warehouse functional groups. What You’ll Do Lead operations cells to optimize automated warehouse performance. Provide quantitative information to site maintenance, WES Architects and WMS Architects and Configuration Teams to improve and mechatronic systems for overall automated warehouse performance. Oversee workstream owners for warehouse operations and facilitate their interactions with a matrix of Subject Matter Experts (SME’s) to maintain and enhance automation warehouse operations. Function as Subject Matter Expert on management aspects of all current operational processes across WMS- WES - trading partner ERP: understand integration points, work methods, process steps, and labor practices. Lead/support site Operations Team through projects to install, maintain and upgrade controls, application software and integration applications solutions to ensure defect‑free launches. Support the program management teams during testing and deployment of automation designs. Function as Operations Lead on User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and Operational Readiness Tests (ORTs) to effectively combine the delivery of automation with supporting workflow, Processes and staffing. If / as required: Support design projects and map functional flows for Warehouse Execution Systems and Warehouse Control Systems (WES/WCS) in new automation zones and sites. Lead the Operations process teams for refinement of the Master Operations Reference (MOR); outlining operating procedures for the integration of facility design and associated processes with human assets and serving as the principal reference for management on how daily operations should be collectively executed. Oversee Quality Assurance reviews on operations and supporting technical specification docs received from automation system providers concerning WES/WCS functionality (HW and SW). Support and provide operations inputs into IT applications maintenance and Systems PM’s with Site Technical team leadership to maintain reliability and optimum performance of hardware and software during development, configuration, deployment, error proofing/resolution, and training. If / as required: Support facility launches and go‑live periods during ramp‑up, overseeing process and facilitating training rollout to operations; handoff all best practices, training documents, tools, automation commissioning/testing and tested systems to maintain deliverables and SLA commitments. Coordinate with inventory leadership to maintain product accountability and accurate integration of automation systems with the WMS; provide support to identify and resolve discrepancies. If / as required: Lead gap analysis of future WMS implementations to identify process performance shortfalls. Lead and develop Operations Control Room Staff and the Processes the staff applies to execute efficiently in complex, integrated automated warehouse. Champion WMS improvements for the site by coordinating with System Architects and develop this skill in others at the site. Ensure the active development, maintenance, and documentation of all WMS‑OE processes and procedures, adhering to Americold Operating System standards and including Standard Operating Procedures as well as site and/or customer‑specific processes and procedures. Lead, advise, and train associates and direct reports as assigned. Perform other duties as assigned. What Experience And Education You Need Associates Degree required BS degree in engineering, technical or supply chain discipline preferred. Minimum of 5 years related experience required – 7 to 10 years preferred leading large conventional complex conventional warehouses or leading in high‑speed manufacturing or continuous process manufacturing operations. Start up or “Turn around” experience including WMS conversions, launches, automation go‑lives and/or labor management implementation a significant plus. 3+ years’ experience leading in an automated warehouse or production facility very strongly preferred. Proficient computer skills; experience in all MS Office Professional applications, AS400, Red Prairie/JDA WMS, LMS. Proficient with WMS/WFM systems and conversant with WES SMEs at a level that enables efficient troubleshooting and optimization development and implementation. Formal Lean Sigma certifications of at least Yellow Belt preferred or equivalent experiential learning and execution history. What Could Set You Apart Excellent time management, communications, decision‑making, organization, human relations, presentation, negotiation, and mediation skills. Ability to communicate professionally, in writing and verbally, with individuals at all levels of the organization and with external contacts. Ability to effectively direct and motivate the team and others, maintaining a persuasive and credible presentation style at all levels of the organization. Proficient knowledge of safety/training management. Progressive, flexible, and team‑oriented approach desired. Possess a proactive drive with strong customer service orientation. Uncompromising level of integrity and code of ethics, maintain a high degree of confidentiality. Must be able to travel as required, some international travel may be required. Physical Requirements The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Requires the ability to sit for long periods of time, with frequent interruptions. Requires several hours /day of sitting, getting up and down from chairs, reaching, or bending. Requires manual dexterity with normal hand and finger movements for typical office work. Talking, hearing, and seeing are important elements of completing assigned tasks. May require travel by automobile and airplane. May require visiting facility operations in temperatures at or below freezing. May carry loads related to travel and occasionally lifts, carries, positions, or moves objects weighing up to 30 pounds. Requires the use of various electronic tools. Occasionally works evenings or weekends to complete objectives or to attend meetings. Requires the ability to relate to others beyond giving and receiving instructions: must partner with colleagues without exhibiting behavioral extremes. Requires the performance of work activities including reasoning, negotiating, instructing, persuading, or speaking with others; and respond appropriately to constructive feedback from executive management. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. What We Offer Our associates know the answer to the question “What’s in it for me.” We offer best‑in‑class benefit programs and continuously work with our associates to ensure that our offerings meet their health and financial well‑being. When you join Americold, you become part of a mission to help our customers feed the world. U.S. Only: Americold offers a range of benefits, including medical/dental/vision insurance, STD/LTD coverage, 401(k) with company match, FSA, life insurance, EAP, and paid time off, some of which may vary depending on the particular position and whether it is covered by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Americold is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and complies with applicable employment laws. EOE/AA M/F/D/V DFW. #J-18808-Ljbffr Americold Logistics, LLC.