Automation Project Manager

About the Company

The client is a major business conglomerate specializing in the manufacturing of iron and steel pipes, including Line Pipe, OCTG, Standard Pipe, Structural Pipe, Helical Seam (Spiral), and SAW Pipes, along with anti-corrosion coating solutions built to API, ASTM, CSA, NACE, and AWWA specifications.

The organization operates manufacturing facilities in Baytown, Texas and BSL, Mississippi, with a Sales & Marketing Office located in Downtown Houston at 1201 Louisiana Street. The company serves major markets across the energy, infrastructure, and industrial sectors.

About the Role

The client is seeking a Project Manager – AI & Automation Strategy to support digital transformation, automation, and AI initiatives across manufacturing and business operations. This is an onsite role based in Houston, TX, primarily working from the Downtown Houston Sales & Marketing Office.

This opportunity is ideal for someone who combines technical understanding with strong business and operational thinking. The role involves evaluating technology opportunities, assessing feasibility, comparing vendors, defining implementation requirements, and helping build practical automation and digital transformation roadmaps.

The candidate will work closely with leadership and collaborate across production, safety, sales, IT, HR, and management teams. This is a high-impact role with strong visibility and long-term growth potential.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate should be technically capable, analytically strong, and comfortable working in industrial or manufacturing environments. They should be able to bridge the gap between business and technology teams by helping leadership prioritize practical AI and automation initiatives.

The right person will be proactive, structured, curious, and comfortable working in fast-paced and evolving environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Support and develop AI, automation, and digital transformation roadmaps
• Identify technology opportunities to improve operational efficiency, workflow management, safety, reporting, and decision-making
• Support initiatives involving predictive maintenance, production analytics, quality inspection, inventory visibility, and process optimization
• Evaluate technical feasibility, business value, implementation requirements, and project impact
• Research and assess vendors, platforms, implementation partners, and emerging technologies
• Translate operational challenges into technology requirements and structured project plans
• Support implementation activities including demos, pilots, testing, rollout planning, and post-implementation reviews

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Analytics, Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems, or related fields
• 4–8 years of experience in AI, automation, digital transformation, manufacturing systems, industrial technology, analytics, or related areas
• Strong understanding of software, automation, AI, and data-driven business solutions
• Knowledge of Industry 4.0, smart manufacturing, industrial automation, or connected factory systems
• Experience evaluating vendors, platforms, and implementation partners
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and documentation skills
• Experience working with cross-functional technical and non-technical teams
• Familiarity with AI, machine learning, IoT, ERP, CRM, workflow automation, analytics dashboards, or industrial software systems
• Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and project management tools

Preferred Qualifications

• Leadership or managerial experience preferred
• MBA or Master’s degree is a plus
• Exposure to Python, SQL, APIs, cloud platforms, BI tools, or low-code/no-code automation tools
• Experience supporting technology pilots, vendor evaluations, software implementation, or digital transformation projects
• Familiarity with Power BI, Tableau, Azure, AWS, ERP systems, CRM platforms, or automation tools
• Understanding of manufacturing and quality standards such as API, ISO, ASTM, or ASME