Senior Program Manager, Material Handling Systems & Automation

The Sr Manager DC OPS MHE is responsible for the performance, reliability, and lifecycle management of all material handling equipment (MHE), including conveyor automation systems, and Powered Industrial Truck (PIT) assets within distribution center (DC) operations. This role ensures that MHE and PIT capabilities support operational throughput, productivity, and service level targets while driving continuous improvement, safety, and cost efficiency. The position serves as a key liaison between operations, engineering, maintenance, IT, and external partners to optimize equipment performance and enable operational excellence.Key ResponsibilitiesMHE / PIT Operations & Performance ManagementOwn day-to-day performance, uptime, and reliability of all MHE / PIT assets (e.g., forklifts, pallet jacks, conveyor and sortation systems, RFID equipment, PandA, and ASRS. Ensure MHE / PIT capabilities support DC throughput, productivity, and service level expectations.Monitor and manage key performance indicators (KPIs), including uptime, downtime, cost per unit, maintenance intervals, and safety incidents.Lead root cause analysis and implement corrective actions to address equipment failures and performance gaps.Maintenance & Lifecycle ManagementOversee preventive and corrective maintenance strategies across all MHE assets.Manage spare parts inventory, planning, and availability to minimize downtime and operational disruption.Partner with the residence maintenance teams on lifecycle planning, including equipment upgrades and replacements.Drive continuous improvement in maintenance maturity and asset reliability.Vendor & External Partner ManagementActively manage external partners to ensure efficient, well-maintained, and operational material handling equipment (i.e., conveyance, PIT equipment, etc.) to ensure maximum uptime availability.Vendor relationship management (e.g., operating rhythm, capital projects, QRAIL)Conduct regular vendor audits and performance reviews for external partners to ensure contract compliance and expected service levels, to ensure maximum operational satisfaction.Coordinate service schedules, maintenance activities, and system upgrades.Leverage external expertise to optimize MHE / PIT operations and performance.Proactively develop and execute the strategy to manage end-of-life equipment, ensuring operation continuity. Cross-Functional IntegrationServe as the primary liaison between DC operations, engineering, maintenance, IT, and external partners for all MHE / PIT related topics.Establish clear operating rhythms, escalation protocols, and communication processes.Ensure alignment between MHE / PIT capabilities and broader operational priorities.Effective and timely communication with both internal and external stakeholders.Process Improvement & InnovationIdentify and implement automation, efficiency, and cost optimization initiatives.Support the design and implementation of new systems, retrofits, and facility enhancements.Lead continuous improvement efforts focused on safety, productivity, and cost reduction.Continuously develop, analyze, optimize, and standardize processes to related services.Lead all phases of assigned projects, including planning, coordinating, executing, and acceptance.Finance and Cost ManagementDevelop and actively manage annual maintenance budgets for all service areas (both CAPEX and OPEX) in close partnership with the business stakeholders and assigned financial controller. Accurately track actual spend, manage, and be fully accountable for monthly/quarterly forecasts. Proactively identify opportunities for cost savings. Track and report savings to leadership.Manage and ensure accurate and timely invoices from all external partners.Safety & ComplianceEnsure all MHE / PIT operations comply with safety standards, regulatory requirements, and company policies.Partner with HSE teams to promote a strong safety culture, ensure proper training/certification, reduce incidents, and improve overall safety performance.Knowledge, Skills & AbilitiesStrong technical expertise in MHE / PIT systems, including powered industrial trucks, conveyor systems, and sortation technologies.Deep understanding of preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance practices.Proven experience in vendor management and service-level governance.Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret operational data and drive decision-making.Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence with and without direct authority.Excellent problem-solving and root cause analysis capabilities.Strong communication and stakeholder management skills across operational and technical teams.Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, high-volume environments.Financial acumen related to cost management, budgeting, and capital investment decisions.Strong knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Smart Sheet, and AutoCADPhysical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk long distances; use hands and fingers, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee occasionally is required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee may occasionally be required to lift and/or move objects over 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The employee may occasionally be required to be involved in work activities outside of standard normal working hours.Work EnvironmentThe 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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to hot and/or cold and outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and high, precarious places. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but occasionally high.Minimum QualificationsBachelor’s degree in engineering, supply chain, operations, or a related field (or equivalent technical experience).Minimum 7 years of experience in distribution center, manufacturing, or logistics operations with a strong focus on MHE / PIT operations.Equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted in lieu of a degree.Hands-on experience managing or supporting MHE / PIT systems in high-volume environments.Experience working with MHE/PIT and automation providers (e.g., KNAPP, Honeywell, or similar).Proven experience managing vendors, contracts, or external service providers.Experience leading projects or initiatives related to operations, equipment, or process improvement.Additional InformationThis position requires full-time onsite presence (5 days per week) at the Distribution Center. During peak operational periods, additional hours and schedule flexibility may be required to support business needs and ensure operational performance objectives are achieved.adidas celebrates diversity, supports inclusiveness and encourages individual expression in our workplace. We actively encourage individuals with disabilities to apply and will provide reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. We do not tolerate the harassment or discrimination toward any of our applicants or employees. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. adidas offers robust and progressive medical, including HSA (Health Savings Account) with employer funding or FSA (Flexible Spending Account) options, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, adoption, with surrogate and fertility support, short and long-term disability, and basic life and AD&D insurance, which can be supplemented with employee-paid coverage. Employees are able to enroll in adidas’ 401k plan and Stock Purchase Plan with employer match. Full-time employees are eligible for education assistance and generous Leave policies including 12 weeks of paid parental leave. ​Employees are eligible to earn an annual bonus based on both company and personal performance. Employees accrue prorated flexible time off in the amount .4388 hours per day that increases with years of service, twelve paid holidays throughout the calendar year and Service Time Off during milestone years.​​Though our teammates hail from all corners of the world, our working language is English.