Head of Automation Project Management

The Director, Project Management is a senior leadership role responsible for the successful execution of automation and service projects at ATS Ohio, within the Industrial Automation Division. This position leads the Project Management function, ensuring all projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and in alignment with quality standards and customer commitments.
The role provides both strategic and operational oversight across a diverse portfolio of turnkey automation and service projects. It is accountable for project governance, forecast accuracy, and strict adherence to a structured, stage-gated project management methodology. The Director, Project Management partners closely with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Finance, and Commercial teams to ensure project execution aligns with broader business objectives and financial performance targets.
This role requires a seasoned leader with a demonstrated ability to manage complex, concurrent programs, develop high-performing Project and Program Managers, and drive disciplined execution in a fast-paced, customer-centric environment. The position reports directly to the General Manager.
Establish and deliver on Project Management function objectives, driving the team to achieve best-in-class performance standards across all projects.
Lead the Project Management team in the execution of projects, ensuring delivery is on schedule, within budget, and aligned with defined quality and customer expectations.
Monitor and evaluate performance against established project management metrics; Partner with cross-functional leaders to standardize and streamline project management methodologies, leveraging organizational strengths to enhance efficiency, consistency, and customer satisfaction.
Provide leadership, guidance, and escalation support to Project Managers across all project-related matters.
Assign projects based on individual capabilities, experience, and development objectives to optimize team performance and outcomes.
Own resource planning, capacity management, and staffing strategies for the Project Management function to ensure optimal utilization.
Lead performance management processes, including objective setting, coaching, and formal performance evaluations for Project Management team members.
Review and approve Change Orders (CORs), ensuring alignment with contractual, financial, and operational requirements.
Establish and maintain project budgets, ensuring financial discipline and alignment with business targets.
Ensure the ongoing development and competency of the Project Management team through coaching, training, and capability-building initiatives.
Serve as a member of the Management System Review Team (MSRT), with accountability for contributing to the review and continuous improvement of the Quality Management System (QMS), completing assigned actions, and ensuring effective communication of outcomes.
A post-secondary college diploma, engineering degree or equivalent, specializing in electronics, electrical, mechanical or controls engineering.

• Completion of the Project Management Professional (PMP) designation is an asset.
• Minimum of ten years’ experience leading multi-disciplined project teams, preferably in an automation or systems integration environment.
• Must have a practical working knowledge of robots, PLC’s, instrumentation or other machine controls packages, sensors and pneumatics.

The employee may be required to stand, walk, push, pull, reach overhead, and bend to the floor.

• Visual Acuity – Normal requirements for reading written instructions and computer screens
• Working Conditions – The employee is subject to a normal office environment with occasional exposure to high noise levels and/or physical hazards when visiting manufacturing floor.

HEALTH, SAFETY, & ENVIRONMENTAL (HSE) REQUIREMENTS:

It is the responsibility of each manager to ensure that employees receive regular training regarding health, safety and environmental matters. Hold team members accountable for health, safety and environmental compliance as part of the annual performance review process

• Ensure that the requirements of the health, safety and environment management system are implemented and maintained
• Carry out hazard assessments, inspections, and audits as required by legislative framework and/or corporate requirements
• Ensure that training is provided to all departmental employees are per established training matrix
• Ensure that appropriate equipment, materials and protective devices are provided and maintained in safe condition
• Provide information, instruction and supervision to employees
• Join our globally growing team at ATS Industrial Automation where we create complex automation solutions at the highest level that sustainably impact lives around the world.

At ATS, a publicly traded global company with a proud 40-year history, we help drive the future with our factory-wide automation solutions. At ATS Industrial Automation, what we do matters - both to our customers and to their customers. With 1500 skilled employees around the world, we design, build and service mission-critical automated assembly and test solutions for mobility, nuclear and specialty automation. Our customers are leaders in their industries and rely on us to deliver what we promise - on time and on budget. Combined with our broad product portfolio, financial strength and global presence, we provide our customers with the best automation solutions wherever and whenever they need them.

Join our ATS Industrial Automation Team because:
We VALUE our People : The foundation of a great company is having the best team which is why we continuously work to develop, engage, empower, and energize our people.
Make sure you ask more about our flexible work schedules, employee events, free coffee beverages, employee referral program and safety shoe programs.
We offer COMPETITIVE Total Rewards: Competitive starting salaries, overtime pay eligibility, paid vacation, company paid short- and long-term disability and life insurance, comprehensive health benefits, 401K matching program, Employee Incentive Bonus program and optional Employee Share Purchase Program.
We support internal GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT : ATS Automation offers endless opportunities for professional growth and development, including tuition reimbursement programs and our commitment to promoting from within.