Sr Manager, Automation

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Job Overview

The Sr. Manager of Distribution Automation will be directly responsible for delivering operational sustainability and full life cycle management of automation solutions across the network. This role provides end‑to‑end ownership of automation systems, offering strategic direction in continuous improvement, planning, analysis, solution sizing, and design phases. The Sr. Manager will lead and oversee both process and project management initiatives, ensuring successful implementation, delivery, and long‑term performance of automation investments. This position will manage automation projects valued up to $75M+ in capital investment, often overseeing multiple initiatives concurrently. The Sr. Manager will coordinate and direct work across national, regional, and local operational teams, while also providing strategic leadership to third‑party partners. Success requires influencing across diverse stakeholder groups, leading large cross‑functional teams, and building strong collaborative relationships to deliver a world‑class automation experience that meets or exceeds all established objectives and KPIs.

Job Responsibilities

• Responsible for total life ownership for all automation and mechanization solutions, including planned life‑cycle management, run‑state performance and continuous improvement, and system optimization.
• Ensure all project goals and measured KPI’s are met, including safety and quality.
• Create sustainable and repeatable automation solutions through the development of installation and quality standards, standard operating procedure (SOP) documentation, user training and maintenance manuals, vendor KPIs and requirements, and other documents as needed.
• Provide project oversight and vendor management to automation vendors during project execution, managing timelines, milestones, installation, functional and technical integration, commissioning and testing, operational training and launch support, and run‑state guidance to drive performance.
• Effectively lead and organize cross‑functional teams in support of automation team needs, including IT, finance, solutions design, local site and regional operations, transportation, and others as needed.

Additional Responsibilities

• Oversee intake of new projects, and drive, as a key stakeholder, the development of the project justification, including cost analysis and savings identification. Provide input to preliminary system sizing and design, vendor selection and proposal for the planned solution.
• Manage all aspects of project implementation to deliver on‑time and on‑budget results, including coordination of third‑party work such as construction, electrical, pneumatics, fire suppression, automation vendor installation, and internal integration.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education / Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, supply chain or related field, or equivalent work experience.
• MBA preferred, but not required in lieu of years of relevant experience.

Experience

• 5+ years of experience in distribution operations including mechanization and/or automated environments.
• 3+ years of project management experience preferred.
• Knowledge of PMP or standard project delivery methodology a plus.
• Demonstrated success implementing warehouse automation and control systems, and managing third‑party vendors.
• Technical expertise related to mechanical engineering, automated material handling and equivalent controls and software knowledge.
• Ownership of key account relationships, overseeing capital investments exceeding $25 million.
• Demonstrated success achieving operational goals, KPIs, and driving continuous improvement in an automated warehouse environment.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Knowledge of supply chain and controls systems, including but not limited to WMS, WCS, PLC, and other related systems.
• Successful background with distribution operations processes including mechanization and automation technology.
• Lean Six Sigma, continuous improvement, and/or industrial engineering methodology experience.
• Experience creating process flows outlining associate/automation interaction, writing SOPs and technical training documentation.
• Demonstrated skill and knowledge with the integration and installation of automated technologies, including integration to WMS, WCS and other warehouse technologies.
• Knowledge of building and facility maintenance practices including automation systems.
• Background with building construction, codes, and compliance, including fire suppression, pneumatics, and electrical; ability to understand drawings and communicate effectively with third‑party providers.
• Proven ability to manage third‑party relationships, driving accountability and delivering results; experience with vendor selection, negotiation, and ongoing management a plus.
• Experience creating business case models, calculating ROI, IRR and NPS; understanding of financial/accounting principles and operational budgeting.
• Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Excel, Word, Project, PowerPoint, AutoCAD and BI software platforms.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to communicate at all levels of an organization.
• Ability to lead, collaborate and influence others across multiple cross‑functional teams with varied backgrounds and experiences.
• Strong problem‑solving skills; ability to analyze and draw conclusions from data.
• Proven competency utilizing innovative thinking and problem‑solving methodology to navigate change and achieve desired outcomes.
• Relationship builder, able to establish strong partnerships, both internally and with third‑party entities.
• Ability to multi‑task, manage priorities, adhere to timelines while delivering high‑quality results that deliver on automation needs; takes initiative to set and achieve goals.
• Strong drive and self‑starter; well organized.
• Good judgment is required, as there may be times when direct supervision may not be available.

Work Environment

Remote Role: This position is classified as remote where the associate will perform remote work from their primary residence. Remote associates are welcome to work from the office but are not required to do so. While remote associates are not required to work from an office on a regular basis, they may be required to come to the office or other UNFI locations for necessary business reasons or if directed to do so by their manager.

Travel (major): Travel is required up to 75% for this position.

Physical Environment / Demands

Office Roles: Most work is performed in a temperature‑controlled office environment. Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at a desk or computer terminal. Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephones, and other office equipment during a normal workday. Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required.

Warehouse Roles: Ability to lift up to 75 pounds and to stand, walk, bend, stoop, twist, and turn frequently. Must be able to work in environments with temperatures ranging from -20°F in Frozen to 35°F in Perishable and 37°F to 90°F in Grocery Operations. Ability to do repetitious arm, wrist, and hand movements required for maintenance and service procedures. Must be able to work with hands and arms overhead, and to work in or under the equipment. Requires manual dexterity, overall coordination, and good balance to work both at ground level and in high places. Ability to operate work‑related equipment. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

UNFI is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected ground. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the job selection process.