Warehouse Automation & Maintenance Manager

Job Title

Job Description

UNIQLO is a brand of Fast Retailing Co. (FR), a leading global Japanese retail holding company that designs, manufactures and sells clothing under seven brands: GU, Theory, HELMUT LANG, COMPTOIR DES COTONNIERS, PRINCESSE TAM.TAM, J Brand, PLST, and UNIQLO. FR is the world's third largest apparel retail company and UNIQLO is Japan's leading specialty retailer.

At UNIQLO, we are strengthening our logistics capabilities as we aim to grow our group revenue from 3 trillion yen to 10 trillion yen.

In this role, you will be responsible for leading the implementation, maintenance, and improvement of world-class automated warehouse systemscritical infrastructure at the heart of our supply chain transformation.

We are looking for someone who can take the lead in building and optimizing high-performance warehouse operations that never stop, helping us realize our vision of producing, delivering, and selling only what customers need, when they need it, and in the exact quantity required.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute maintenance plans, budget forecasts, and staffing strategies to ensure stable equipment operation.
• Respond to equipment failures, conduct root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.
• Drive long-term equipment reliability through predictive maintenance, upgrades, and the adoption of advanced technologies.
• Lead improvement initiatives involving equipment vendors and cross-functional teams.
• Monitor and report progress on troubleshooting and resolution of equipment issues.
• Negotiate maintenance contracts, pricing, and service terms.
• Prepare for peak seasons, including large-scale product launches and sales events.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including senior leadership.
• Establish operational standards, procedures, and supporting applications.
• Promote daily operational standardization and global best practices.
• Improve warehouse and store operations through new equipment deployment and process or existing equipment optimization.
• Report daily operations and incidents, and coordinate with global headquarters (GHQ).
• This role requires a proactive, hands-on approach to identifying issues and driving solutions. During peak periods such as major sales events or product launches, shift workincluding night shifts and weekend/holiday coveragemay be required. Overtime and emergency response to equipment failures may also occur.

Desired Skills and Experiences

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (electrical or mechanical disciplines welcome) with at least 5 years of relevant work experience.
• Proven experience in leading technical initiatives, including project planning and execution, stakeholder alignment, and problem-solving.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with limited structure and direct supervision
• Strong drive to continuously improve and achieve goals without settling for the status quo.
• Hands-on experience in designing or implementing new automation equipment.
• Experience in maintaining and improving automated systems.
• Demonstrated ability to optimize equipment and operations with cost-efficiency in mind.
• Familiarity with warehouse management systems (WMS).
• Experience using performance metrics to manage operations and drive improvements.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, including cross-functional initiatives.
• Experiences of coordinating and negotiating with external vendors to improve operations.
• Strong analytical skills for identifying root causes and developing effective solutions to complex issues.
• Excellent communication skills across all levelsfrom frontline staff to senior leadership.
• Attention to detail and a results-driven mindset.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (e.g., Excel functions, macros, presentation creation).
• Demonstrated ability to build strong teamwork across departments and deliver results through collaboration.
• Willingness to travel within the U.S. for extended periods (13 months) to support new automation equipment deployment.
• Flexibility to relocate to California within 12 years is a plus.

Salary Range: $140,000 - $146,000

*The offered salary or salary range is based on several factors, including, but not limited to, overall experience, relevant experience, education level, certifications, applicable skills and expertise, and location of the position.

The Company is committed to equal pay initiatives and will not ask candidates for their current or past salary.