Manager - Automation and Implementation

About the Position

This role is responsible for leading a team of automation design and implementations engineers. Developing and applying industry best practices and a structured approach to design, optimize and standardize how Kenco deploys and implements automation solutions across our operations.

Managers partner with Operational leaders, setting the overall project priorities to deliver value to customer networks through a technology / systems solution. The position will address business and technical needs related to Kenco’s platform of systems, serving the warehousing / logistics industry as we complete the initial implementation at our operational sites. This position should be comfortable with collaborative approach to project management and be willing to work toward consensus, agreement/alignment.

Functions

• Hire, manage, document performance, and train a team of Automation Design and Implementation Engineers
• Mentor and coach Lead Engineers to ensure career progression and backstop planning reporting any necessary information to the Sr Mgr - Engineering
• Work with clients to understand business requirements, budgets and staffing needs
• Leads the design and implementation of more complex automation projects
• Provide guidance to the team as needed and ensure the quality of design and successful implementation efforts
• Lead the design and implementation of automation solutions such as Conveyors, AMR, ASRS, etc., by working third party vendors, automation integrators, Solutions Design, IT, and Operations teams
• Establish critical KPI specific to the deployed automation solution
• Develop a cadence of reporting and analysis to provide visibility of deployment and performance of automation solutions
• Works with internal stakeholders to ensure operational team is trained on technologies being implemented
• Works with vendors and integrators to ensure functional requirements are met per SOW and design specifications
• Develops reporting and dashboards for selected robotics and automation packages
• Develops automation capacity plans
• Develop playbooks and standard work for automation solutions
• Work with Data Science and BI and Marketing teams to develop required marketing collateral
• Build reporting as a storytelling tool – allowing stakeholders to digest insights quickly and to drive action
• Lead LMS (Labor Management System) integration efforts with WCS (Warehouse Control System) and WMS (Warehouse Management System)
• Develop best practices and cost reduction activities
• Partner closely with Customers and Kenco Operations to achieve project results
• Track value (Value Creation Index, or VCI) created from all assigned projects
• Ensure warehouse flow, conduct zoning and slotting assessments, profile analysis etc
• Conduct process observations and time-motion studies, line balancing, one-piece flow simulation analysis, zoning/slotting, profile analysis, takt time methods, Value Stream Mapping (VSM), process mapping, Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA), Process Capability and performance (Cp/Cpk), exploratory data analysis, hypothesis testing, process improvement methods, waste analysis (Value Added vs Non-Value Added activities, VA-NVA), Statistical Process Control (SPC), Control Charting, and Control Planning
• Align the organization around lean principles and drive establishment of lean systems in all areas through use of Hoshin planning activities
• Ensure that the correct tools be utilized to solve the most important problems affecting our customer’s satisfaction, quality, cost, and delivery.
• Utilize lean and six sigma methodologies to reduce waste and variation within the operation
• Understand Solutions design, Financial model, and Contract Pricing
• Write business requirement documents and support Requests for Proposal (RFPs)

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial or Logistics Engineering or related discipline
• 10 + years of applied experience in a distribution setting (or 3PL) or a Master’s degree with 6-8 years of experience
• Prior experience managing engineers or technical professionals preferred
• Lean Six Sigma Certification required
•  cPMP, ISO/QMS, American Production Inventory Control Society (APICS) and/or Supply Chain Logistics Certifications preferred
• Microsoft Office Suite expert with emphasis on Access, Excel and PowerPoint & Visio required
•  Intermediate Data visualization (PowerBI, Tableau) and database programming (SQL, DAX, etc.) knowledge preferred
• Proficient skills in developing and managing: Leader Standard Work, Visual Management Systems and Management Accountability Systems, Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA), Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, 5S/Workplace Organization required
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written)
• Manages effective teams, System and change implementation skills,
• Ability to create and maintain professional relationships within all levels of the organization (peers, work groups, customers, supervisors)
• Ability to work independently and as a leader or member of a team
• Capable of multi-tasking, highly organized, with excellent time management skills required
• Experience with change management development and execution
• Demonstrated experience in applying Lean Six Sigma process improvement methods with evidence of results
• Demonstrated ability to effectively analyze data to identify trends, performance results, and opportunities for improvement

Competencies

• Business Acumen - Knowledgeable in current and possible future policies, practices, trends, technology, and information affecting his/her business and organization
• Communicate for Impact - Devoting the time and resources necessary to communicate the strategic vision, direction, priorities, and progress of the team for which you are responsible
•  Leading People - Ability to develop and implement strategies to maximize employee performance and foster employee engagement in meeting the organization's strategy
• Managing Transitions/ Change Management - Effectively plans, manages and communicates changes in processes with appropriate stakeholders
• Relationship Management - Building and maintaining relationships with internal partners to successfully complete projects and organizational objectives.
• Strategic Agility - Gains perspective and balances the pressure between daily tasks and strategic actions that impact the long-term viability of the organization

Travel Requirements

• This position is expected to travel approximately 50% - 75%.
• A passport is not required but recommended.

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Benefits offered:

• Medical insurance including HSA, HRA and FSA accounts 
• Supplemental insurance including critical illness, hospital indemnity, accidental injury 
• Dental Insurance 
• Vision Insurance 
• Basic Life and Supplemental Life 
• Short Term and Long Term Disability 
• Paid Parental Leave 
• 401(k) 
• Paid Time Off approximately 2  weeks (accrual begins on Day 1 of employment) 
• Employer Paid Holidays- 10 days

Kenco strives to provide a supportive, professional environment for all employees. As a part of Kenco, we expect our team to uphold our three key pillars: be honest, serve, and get better. Each should strive for operational excellence, pursue innovation, and want to grow with our company.

Kenco Group is an Equal-Opportunity Employer. All employees and applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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