Manager, Automation Engineering

Automation Engineering Manager (Technical Logistics Center – TLC)

Location: Nashville, TN

Overview

Asurion is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Automation Engineering Manager to lead the design, deployment, optimization, and long-term performance of automation solutions across our Technical Logistics Center (TLC) and Supply Chain Management (SCM) operations.

This role goes beyond technical implementation — it requires a strong leader and systems thinker who can translate automation strategy into executable programs that deliver measurable operational and financial results. The Senior Automation Engineer will serve as both a technical authority and cross-functional leader, driving large-scale automation initiatives from concept through full production deployment.

This individual will play a critical role in shaping Asurion's automation roadmap, partnering with Operations, Process Engineering, Product Engineering, IT, Maintenance, Analytics, and external vendors to ensure automation solutions are scalable, cost-effective, and aligned to business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Ownership

• Serve as the technical and strategic owner for assigned automation systems, with full accountability for functionality, performance, integration, and ROI.
• Partner with the Automation Director to support a multi-year automation strategy across supply chain operations of varying scale and complexity.
• Develop and champion business cases for multimillion-dollar automation investments, including CAPEX/OPEX forecasting, financial validation, and post-implementation savings tracking.
• Establish annual capital planning strategies and manage automation project budgets to ensure cost, scope, and timeline adherence.
• Lead cross functional teams during all phases of automation: project development/ROI, capex budget management design, deployment, achievement of $/unit Targets & goals.
• He/she will be responsible for monitoring performance dashboards and addressing gaps to expected performance as well as identifying and delivering improvement opportunities that rely on the external Vendor to execute. This position will provide internal updates regarding the Vendor performance and relationship and serve as the subject matter expert for processes that require Vendor delivery and will be expected to update Vendor score cards with leadership.
• Packaging Vendor support is also a part of this role regarding NPI New product introduction, with feeders, collateral, box making, etc…
• People leadership is a must in this role, where applicable this position would lead other vendor engineers while having vendor ownership for our vendors supplying our logistics center regarding Quality, Delivery, and Cost.

Program & Project Execution

• Lead end-to-end execution of large-scale automation initiatives including vendor selection, contract development support, system design review, implementation, and production launch.
• Ensure solutions are deployed with agreed functionality, on-time delivery, and within budget.
• Develop structured deployment, change management, and training plans to enable Operations and Maintenance teams for long-term success.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across existing automation platforms to improve reliability, throughput, quality, and cost efficiency.

Technical Expertise & Systems Integration

• Act as a subject matter expert for automation systems, including understanding system architecture, upstream/downstream integrations, and operational dependencies.
• Provide holistic system oversight and support across IT, Operations, Maintenance, and external automation vendors to prevent disruptions and mitigate risk.
• Own Level 3 escalation support and advanced troubleshooting for automation systems beyond standard maintenance activities.
• Research emerging automation technologies and identify high-value use cases aligned to business strategy.

Performance & Analytics

• Define KPI frameworks and dashboard structures to monitor system health, productivity, cost savings, and vendor performance.
• Partner with Data & Business Analytics teams to develop reporting infrastructure and ensure transparent performance tracking.
• Validate financial and operational outcomes against approved business cases.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Lead and influence cross-functional teams to deliver automation outcomes that support operational capability, device repair cost reduction, and client growth.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, clearly articulating technical capabilities, risks, trade-offs, and investment returns.
• Foster strong partnerships with vendors and internal stakeholders to drive accountability and innovation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering required (or equivalent industry experience with alternate degree).
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience implementing and supporting automation solutions in manufacturing or supply chain environments.
• 5+ years in client or supplier/vendor management or related client facing operational or project management experience.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing large-scale, capital-intensive automation projects.
• Strong knowledge of automation engineering principles, system integration, and production deployment methodologies.
• Strong analytical and financial acumen with ability to develop strategic roadmaps validating business cases and using PDCA to execute.
• Advanced understanding of KPI development, performance analytics, and data-driven decision-making.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to executive and non-technical audiences.
• Strong cross-functional leadership skills with a bias for action and results.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint), Auto Cad, Solidworks, Visio/flowcharts.
• Project management and process improvement experience required.
• Minimal domestic and international travel as required.
• Experience with Osha/Tosha compliance.
• Experience with Vision systems, Robotics, AMR/AGV, feeding systems, conveyors, 2D/3D scanning.
• Change Management, Software revision management, retaining ISO standards.

What Success Looks Like in This Role

• Automation solutions that consistently meet or exceed performance and financial targets.
• Seamless integration of automation into supply chain operations with minimal disruption.
• Strong vendor partnerships delivering innovation and accountability.
• Clear KPI visibility and measurable ROI from automation investments.
• A scalable, forward-looking automation strategy that supports Asurion's growth.