Project Manager-Automated Manufacturing Line

Krones Inc Ingeniq - Asset & Customer Care Manager Position Summary The Asset & Customer Care Manager is responsible for leading the operational execution and long-term success of Krones' Ingeniq Line of the Future partnership. Serving as the on-site business leader, this individual will manage customer relationships, operational performance, asset reliability, embedded technical resources, and financial results while driving continuous improvement across a highly automated manufacturing environment. This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of advanced manufacturing, digital analytics, maintenance excellence, and customer partnership, directly influencing the performance of one of the industry's most innovative automated production lines.This position is 100% onsite at a customer facility in either Perth, NY or Stockton, CA and is not eligible for remote or hybrid work arrangements. Candidates must reside within a reasonable commuting distance of one of these locations or be willing to relocate. Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Safety & Compliance

• Promote and maintain a safe working environment for Krones, Niagara, and customer employees and visitors.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and company policies and procedures.
• Act as a visible role model for safety leadership and operational excellence.

Customer & Contract Management

• Own and manage the customer service agreement, ensuring successful delivery against contractual objectives and performance metrics.
• Build strong customer relationships and operate with a customer-first mindset.
• Lead regular customer and internal business review meetings to communicate performance, priorities, and improvement initiatives.

Operations & Performance Management

• Drive Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE - 88% on the pallet) and production output in accordance with agreed performance targets.
• Coordinate daily activities with Embedded Engineers and customer stakeholders to ensure efficient line operation.
• Monitor and optimize maintenance strategies, production schedules, spare parts inventories, and consumable stock levels.
• Work closely with production, quality, and maintenance teams to maximize throughput and operational performance.

Maintenance & Asset Management

• Plan, coordinate, and oversee preventive, corrective, emergency, and overhaul maintenance activities.
• Utilize SAP Asset Management and other digital solutions to support maintenance planning and execution.
• Continuously improve maintenance programs to reduce downtime and increase equipment reliability.
• Optimize maintenance schedules by aligning activities with production changeovers, CIP cycles, and planned shutdowns.

Data Analytics & Continuous Improvement

• Analyze operational KPIs through Krones Digital Analytics and related reporting tools.
• Provide performance updates and recommendations to customers and internal stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, and reliability-centered maintenance principles.

Financial Management

• Monitor project financial performance, including budget adherence, cost control, and profitability.
• Track project expenditures and proactively escalate risks or uncontrollable deviations.
• Support business planning and resource optimization initiatives.

Additional Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on maintenance support when required.
• Support shift optimization and workforce coordination activities.
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance, including split-shift coverage as needed to support operations.

Required Qualifications:

• Associate degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, Business, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• 5-10 years of progressively responsible experience in manufacturing, packaging, maintenance, operations, or asset management environments.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in packaging operations and project management.
• Strong knowledge of bottling and packaging systems, equipment reliability, and maintenance best practices.
• Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a manufacturing and production environment.
• Ability to stand, walk, climb stairs, and access production equipment for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent project management training.
• Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma certification.
• Experience with SAP Asset Management.
• Knowledge of Krones Digital Analytics and other industrial digitalization platforms.
• Experience managing customer-facing service agreements or embedded operations teams.

Success Factors The successful candidate will be:

• Customer-focused and relationship-driven.
• Results-oriented with strong financial and operational acumen.
• A collaborative leader who can influence cross-functional teams.
• Technically proficient in manufacturing and packaging systems.
• Committed to continuous improvement, safety, and operational excellence.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and capable of thriving in a fast-paced production environment.

Salary Range: $120,000 - $145,000 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, skills, and work location. This position is also eligible for an annual performance bonus. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and geographic location.