Programme Manager, Automation, North America

Role Description

The Manager of Automation, North America is responsible for leading the strategy, design and delivery of cost-effective, scalable, and end-to-end innovative automation and mechanized technologies for both existing and prospective DSV clients that enhance operational efficiency, productivity, and overall solution competitiveness.

• Ensure alignment between technical design and operational execution.
• Drive successful deployments from concept through go-live.
• Maintain a strong focus on operational performance, cost optimization, and continuous improvement.
• Act at the intersection of technology and operations.
• Combine expertise in automation systems, warehouse management systems (WMS), system integration, engineering design, and project and change management.
• Oversee the implementation of automation solutions by partnering with cross-functional teams across engineering, operations, IT, and external vendors.

• Lead the analysis, design, and deployment of innovative automation and mechanized solutions for new and existing operations.
• Partner with Solution Design teams to develop competitive RFP responses, including automation selection, budgeting, and productivity modeling.
• Own end-to-end automation lifecycle: solution design, vendor selection, capital planning, building uplift, layout development, and implementation.
• Conduct ROI analysis to identify and justify automation investments that improve efficiency and meet financial targets.
• Manage vendor relationships across design, design and SLA contracting, installation, testing, and post-go-live support.
• Oversee cross-functional implementation, including vendor integration, system configuration, testing, and operational readiness.
• Serve as liaison between vendors and internal stakeholders to ensure alignment on design, scope, and execution.
• Lead automation design reviews, detail engineering discussions, and cross-functional alignment on system functionality and workflows.
• Develop and execute test strategies, including functional and technical validation, and performance verification.
• Drive training programs across operations, safety, maintenance, and support teams for new automation systems.
• Support go-live execution, hypercare, and transition to steady-state operations.
• Establish and maintain project governance, documentation, and change management processes.
• Identify and implement automation continuous improvement opportunities and capture lessons learned.
• Evaluate emerging automation technologies, robotics, and AI solutions to enhance operational performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in the warehouse/logistics industry, including 3+ years in automation engineering or a closely related role.
• Proven experience designing and deploying automated warehouse solutions.
• Strong blend of business, operations, system integration, and technology design experience.
• Demonstrated success in developing and presenting business cases and ROI analyses.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience leading end-to-end automation implementations in both greenfield and brownfield environments.
• Proven ability to lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Hands-on experience with automation integration infrastructure.
• Experience developing and executing automation test plans.
• Broad exposure to warehouse automation technologies.
• Working knowledge of Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
• Self-driven with the ability to work independently.
• Proven ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Requirements

• Proficiency in understanding programming logic.
• Microsoft Project, Excel, Visio, AutoCAD LT, Word & PowerPoint, PowerBI.

Benefits

• Information regarding DSV’s benefits offerings, including eligibility, coverage options, and plan details, is available through the DSV Benefits Showcase.
• Benefits, programs, and eligibility may vary by location and division in accordance with applicable state and local laws.