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Director Warehouse Automation
United Natural Foods
Providence, RI, United States
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POSITION PURPOSE:
Directly support the planning, analysis, design, project management, implementation and operational sustainability of distribution automation solutions. The Director will lead this strategic objective through collaborative efforts with the solution provider, local distribution center team, National support resources and required third party business partners to successfully design, implement, operate and maintain the automation solutions including the following:
• Safety – Ensure that the automation solutions meet regulatory standards and the company’s expectations for employee health and welfare to mitigate risk. Act as a liaison between the solution provider and the local operating team to develop the core competency and skills required to successfully integrate the automation solution into the conventional distribution center environment
• Quality – Establish and maintain world class standards for food safety regarding storage, handling and order fulfillment capabilities associated with the automation solution
• Service – Support the local distribution leadership team with superior internal customer service by driving automation objectives including timely execution, high quality installation standards, on-budget implementation and effective performance management by collaborating with all project contributors and holding each accountable
• Cost – Develop the ROI analysis and drive price negotiations with the vendor of choice to maximize the value proposition associated with the automation solution investment; ensuring that contractual performance obligations are exceeded
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES:
• Enterprise leader in the design, implementation, and execution of automation strategy.
• Manage various automation systems, third party relationships with automation vendors, and provide guidance to local management teams regarding day-to-day operation of automated solutions.
• Act as a key stakeholder in the development of the project justification including cost analysis, savings identification, sizing/preliminary design and cost proposal for the planned automation solutions
• Strategically manage the physical integration of the automation solution into our brownfield distribution centers such as floor conditions and concrete work, electrical and pneumatic energy supply, fire protection, lighting, UPS and associated project objectives in coordination with vendor partners
• Responsible for project milestones being achieved by holding contributors accountable for on-time/on-budget delivery of expectations
• Coordinate plans and activities with city, state and other officials for the appropriate permitting and ensure local codes and federal regulations are met
• Develop and execute a collaborative process to evaluate the quality of the equipment installation to ensure the company’s expectations are exceeded
• Engage in the system commissioning and functional integration testing to gain alignment that pre-production acceptance criteria are met prior to scheduled go-live
• Act as the Performance Test Director for the project to validate that the expected KPI is being achieved including hourly production rates, inventory management and accuracy and O&M expenses
• Ensure Managers are well trained and effective to ensure the operational optimization of the automation solution
• Develop a process to evaluate the maintenance program to ensure the equipment is being properly serviced with the appropriate preventative/predictive maintenance cycles and parts inventory is effectively managed
• Drive continuous improvement and increase effectiveness of the strategic business relationship through joint partner meetings or other forums
• Engage in the project completion ROI validation process to ensure the expected benefits of the project are being realized by the company
• Responsibility for ensuring effective and efficient support of Regional and DC level operations management for sustainability of the automation solution
• Participates with Senior Management in long and short-term company planning
• Ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations
Required Skills:
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education/Certification:
• Bachelor’s degree in business or related field or equivalent work experience
Experience:
• 10 plus years of experience in distribution operations including mechanization and automated order fulfillment solutions
• 5 plus years of project management preferred
• Success implementing warehouse automation and controls systems
Knowledge:
• Knowledge of systems: WMS, WCS and PLC controls associated with automation solution integration and management
• Experience with distribution operations processes including mechanization and automation technology
• Experience with building and facility maintenance including the proven ability to manage maintenance by leveraging a CMMS
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance codes and experience in municipality permitting processes
• Understanding of financial/accounting principles and operational budgeting
• Proficient computer skills including, Excel, MS Word, MS Project, PowerPoint, AutoCAD and BI software platforms
Skills/Abilities:
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and managerial skills
• Demonstrate project management and successful implementation of complex initiatives
• Proven ability to effectively manage accountability and measures to hold self and others accountable for performance results
• Ability to leverage thought diversity to identify and execute innovative ideas to improve the business
• Demonstrate strong communication skills, ability to establish direct relationships and display excellent customer service focus
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to execute with speed and agility to achieve established goals despite challenges
EEO/VETERANS/DISABLED